We were both equally blessed to take time off after Christmas to spend time with each of our families. Upon my return from Chicago and Angie’s return home from her parents in Harahan, we were reunited with two young women from Rock Harbor church in California. They brought with them a young man from their church as well. It was really great spending time with them again. It was such a blessing to witness all the outreach they participated in on this visit. For the second time, we have learned so much from Kelsey and Emily. They have such passionate hearts to serve!
Up until 3 weeks ago, neither one of us had ever heard of Tifton, Georgia. We did not hear of the town until a group of volunteers from Tifton came to volunteer their time in New Orleans. The volunteer team, comprised of 9 adults, came to New Orleans to help with re-build. One of the things the team wanted to do while they were here was work with the homeless, so we were glad to have the opportunity to share in outreach with them. We were given the opportunity to serve dinner and share a meal each night with the team. As an added bonus, the leader of this team is brother to one of our good friends, Barb, who lives and serves with her family here in New Orleans. It was great spending time with the team before leading them on the streets to minister to the homeless. The Saturday that they were in town (1/14-1/17) we spent a few hours on the streets with this group. They were able to meet many of our friends, and the group was a huge asset to our outreach team. We enjoy sharing in ministry with those who come to New Orleans to serve the city, but it is even more rewarding spending quality time getting to know them before or after the actual hours of street time. A big thank you to 1st United Methodist Church in Tifton!
One of our passions is to raise up leaders from the next generation. When we had the opening to share our ministry with a group of young women at Celebration Church, we grabbed onto that opportunity. We were able to reach out to the Life Group consisting of approximately nine middle school and high school girls. They gather every Friday night to fellowship with one another. It was during one of those times that we went over to share with the group what we do on the streets. We were able to share with them a Power Point slideshow, and they were able to ask questions. Before we take anyone out with us on the street, we do orientation with them and engage them with training. The following week, we went back to their group and helped them assemble sack lunches that we would then deliver to our friends on Sunday. As you can see in the slideshow, we had a great time guiding our team that week. This was our first opportunity to work with a whole team of youths, and we are learning better ways to engage them and to rise up this next generation of leaders. Thanks to Friday Night’s Life group and others who joined us that day!!
Last of all, but not least, we have been connected with a young woman, who shares in our passion to serve the homeless. Her name is Jennifer and she has had the desire to take care of the homeless citizens of New Orleans since she was very young. After sharing that passion with her friend Troy some months ago, he contacted me and we prayed for her and God’s purpose for her life. Then recently, Troy contacted me again and told me that Jennifer was ready to beat the streets. Last Wednesday we were blessed to have Jennifer and Troy join us on an outreach into the French Quarter. It is evident the calling the Lord has placed on her and the compassionate heart he has placed inside of her. Her heart beats for service to those most forgotten. We are unsure if Troy will continue to join us, but he has also been a great asset to the team, and opens a new opportunity of ministry to the homeless men with whom we come into contact. Thank you Jenn and Troy!
For those of you who like to pray for us each time we hit the streets, Sunday February 15 we will be going downtown to Jackson Square and up along the River Front. As our team continues to grow, in addition to the four of us (Angie, Kati, Shaan, and Jack), we will have at least four other youth and adults joining us.
We hope that you enjoy the slide show and thank you for supporting us through prayer, financially, and emotionally. We love you and continue to pray for you.
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