Overwhelmed....
We made the 12 hour trip from from Charlotte to New Orleans. We stopped in Mobile to show our guys the attik. We hope build something like that in that in Charlotte. I said hello to the secretaries. It was great to see my former assistant Soupie and my intern Neil. Greg and Mike were cranking up the band and Joe Kennedy dropped by too--I was excited to see all of them.
As we entered New Orleans my heart sank. I felt like I was in a third world country. We drove along I-10 and tears filled my eyes. Our van was silent as we drove thru the city. I still can't put into words how terrible it is here and it is 8 months after Katrina. Our family had a lot of damage in Mobile, but nothing compared to this!!!! I felt like I do when I watch Extreme Makeover Home Edition except it isn't one house it is an entire city!
Linda the NAMB missionary who runs the Rachel Sims Baptist Mission that is housing told us so many stories about the hurting people in the city. Edgewater is ministering to this city along with other faith based ministries. I'm looking forward to meeting Jason Sampler tomorrow. I would encourage anyone that can to hook up with Jason and Edgewater and come down and help these people. The need is great but our God is greater. I hope to give a report of Day 1 tomorrow. Pray for us!
posted by Kevin Bussey at 5/22/2006 10:39:00 PM
3 Comments:
Kevin -
How did the Rachel Sims Baptist Mission hold up during the storm? I went with my college group on a mission trip to New Orleans several years ago and part of what we did was fixing up the building and the park across the street. We also did bible lessons for kids in the park. It was one of the hardest working, most fulfilling weeks of my life. I can still remember being on my hands and knees with a toothbrush cleaning the floorboards of the first floor restroom. Thanks for providing that little detail ... it helps to have a mental picture of where you are ... I don't know why, but it makes my prayers feel more connected somehow.
Tell your team I am praying. Work hard, rest well, get up the next day and work hard again.
Dorcas,
Actually Rachel Sims did well. Their roof was damaged and it needs some work but they were a few blocks from being flooded. The park looks great across the street. Thanks for your prayers.
Kevin--
I served as a Summer Missionary in New Orleans in 1996 at Carver Baptist Center. Carver is Rachel Sims' little brother about 11 blocks upriver in the uptown district. Any word on how it was affected? We had two teams that summer in New Orleans, ours at Carver and the other at Rachel Sims. My love for that community is strong. And our prayers are with you as you work.
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