Keepin' The Shine On!

I've just returned from a 3 day "whirlwind return tour" of Central City New Orleans. This time, Pastor Remy Diederich of Cedarbrook Church, and another leader, Amy Burns,were with me. The purpose of our trip was to seek out some possibilities for our church to be involved over an extended period of time in a "partnership" of sorts with some of the work going on in New Orleans.

As "whirlwind tours" go, this one didn't disappoint anyone! With all that we heard and saw in less than 48 hours on site ... well, it seemed like we were there 2 weeks! I'll outline a few highlights, with pictures.

Pastor Remy and Amy were able to meet Elder John Pierre of Living Witnes Church of God in Christ.

Elder Pierre is pastor of that church, as well as the director of the Nehemiah program, which is a drug and alcohol rehab program. Our team in February worked on starting the renovation of a facility that will eventually provide housing for 30 men who are in the 6 month resident program. It is our hope that we can come alongside with some practical help in this work.

A second highlight was Amy and Remy and I encountering an amazing work at Cafe Reconcile, just a block from Living Witness.







First of all, the food was incredible ... cajun catfish, shrimp etouffee, creole smothered okra, and good ol' fashioned gumbo were among the treats we tested. And, the desserts ... well, sufffice it to say that the South Beach Diets went out the window!!

But not only is the food incredible, but, this entire operation has been established and is being run in order to help teach kids "life skills" through positive influence and hard work.

And the coolest thing of all is that the foundational principles being taught are straigtht from the Bible, and straight for the hearts of those, like Craig, who have given their lives for the purpose of helping to reverse the cycle of poverty and all its effects on the lives of wonderful young people ...

... like Jeffrey like our waiter... who's momma and grandma are both drug dealers, but he wants to get his life on track and break the cycle that has enslaved the previous 2 generations of his family. But watch out!!... Jeffrey's smile alone is enough for you to order another helpin' of bread puddin'!!


And lastly, but certainly not least, we had the extremely humbling experience of sharing a meal with the folks at Castle Rock Church and their special guest, John Perkins.

Dr. Perkins is one of the most well known advocates for spiritual renewal and reconciliation in the world. His story has been told many times in many places, but to personally sit and listen to him teach from God's word, and then speak to him face-to-face was an unbelievable experience which I will remember for a long time, probably for ever!

For me, this truly was one of the most memorable people I've ever met. If you don't know much about Dr. Perkins' story, may I suggest that you start here by reading his biography and then, continue to read more about his organization.

His book, "Let Justice Roll Down" is a classic and a MUST READ in the area of spiritual, social and racial renewal and reconciliation.

So, we certainly came away from this trip with plenty of new ideas floatin' around in our heads! But, there is perhaps one "summary statement" that was spoken during one of our many meetings. We were reminded from Matthew 5:16 to:

"Keep the Shine On!"

And, by God's grace we will!!