"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19
It's a beautiful, sunny day in gorgeous New Orleans. We spent the morning engaged in a Prayer Walk around one of the most devastated areas of the city; we learned that when you see a spraypainted 'X' on an abandoned, damaged house that all the symbols around the house represent something (the bottom number being the number of bodies found in that house :( ...) and we even saw spots on roofs from which people emerged after hacking away at their attic ceilings with an axe in order to escape houses that were quickly filling with water... up to eleven FEET of water. The prayer came in when John, one of the missionaries who lived in New Orleans, shared verse with us and asked us to really think about what consumes our hearts, our desires... and consequently, where we store our treasure... do we love objects, items, money etc. with all our heart? And if so, what happens when these things are lost or destroyed? What actually endures... where do we store our treasure so that when all things fall away, we are not left devastated? Amazing prayer and thought - thanks YWAM for continually challenging all of us to pray and grow closer to God.
This afternoon, we're back at Lawrence's house, finishing up siding and painting. It's our last day with this incredible man, and we're all looking forward to sharing our stories about him when we arrive home (Tekayah has a good one about a frying pan...). A number of us are in a project, doing Children's Ministry which basically means letting kids draw all over us with magic markers, jump on our backs, kick around soccer balls and ask us to draw them pictures while we talk about Jesus.
Tomorrow we're getting an opportunity to be a little bit touristy; many of the kids are excited about more live music in the streets and poking around shops. No sickness or lost kids yet, so we're doing pretty decent. The kids are having an incredible time and the days are flying by. Thank you so much for all of your prayers during this heart-opening adventure.
Lots of love,
The SJC Mission New Orleans Team
Wishing you guys every success with your work. I used to live at 6711 Downman Road. It was a beautiful place back then. It's so sad to see all the damage and that so much of the city has not been repaired. It is really wonderful to know that you have taken this on. You are truly great young people to take this on over your holidays. All the best .. Elizabeth Murphy
ReplyDeleteHey SJC Missionaries! I am so glad you've arrived safe and that you're having an amazing experience. I have no doubt that you're making a difference in New Orleans. We are proud of you and I am keeping you close in prayer.
ReplyDeleteMrs. A