As many of you know, we just returned from our Senior High summer missions trip to New Orleans. It was a challenging, but amazing trip, and I would like to share with you a few of the important things God taught us while we were serving Him in the Crescent City: Our stuff is not as important as we think it is. Many of the people in New Orleans lost everything. Seeing this firsthand reminded us that our worldly possessions are perishable and ultimately meaningless. It is far better to invest in storing up treasures in heaven (Matt. 6:19-21). Serving others with love and humility has an impact. Our team strived to serve the homeowner who's house we gutted with the love and humility that Jesus modeled for us (John 13:1-17, Phil. 2:3-11). He was visibly moved and deeply grateful for our efforts. We are the messengers of God's hope and peace to those who are hurting. The lives of many New Orleans residents have been completely devastated by Katrina. By serving those who have lost everything in the name of Christ, we had the chance to point to the hope and peace that comes through God (Psalm 34:17-18, Matt. 11:28-30). Prayer is really important. The city of New Orleans needs our prayers. There is so much hurt, pain, and hopelessness there. Let us pray that God will use Katrina to bring about a revival in New Orleans; Let us pray for the ministries like Trinity Church, Castle Rock Church, Urban Impact, and others who are tirelessly serving the residents of New Orleans; Let us pray for the hearts and salvation of those who's lives have been impacted so greatly by this storm; Let us pray for the families that our own church has had the opportunity to serve through our various trips down to New Orleans. There is still much work to be done. Even as Katrina is beginning to become "old news," may our church continue to play a small part in God's plan for spiritual and physical renewal in the city of New Orleans. If you would like to know how you can help, visit http://www.efca.org/katrina for more information. Thank you to everyone who faithfully supported and prayed for our team!
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