Day 8
-Post by Chris Lee
Things are winding down, and I can’t believe we are towards the end of our trip. Time really flies... I must say that I have learned a great deal while we have been here. Our official ministry in NOLA has ended, and we spent the day touring around beautiful parts of the city including the French Quarter.
However, two of the most notable events of the day came in the morning: Aaron Collier’s birthday (an elder at St. Roch Community Church) and driving through the Lower 9th Ward district (the area hit hardest by Hurricane Katrina).
Aaron Collier is a certified stud, inside and out. He has generously hosted Ed, Sam, and Izzy for the week, while hosting the team for occasional meals. Today, he hosted us at his house for a classic “N’awlins” breakfast with grits, homemade biscuits, and delicious boudin (sausage made from choice meats of the pig mixed with rice) served with French pressed coffee. It was his birthday, and he decided to use it to serve others rather than to be served. That humble act spoke volumes about his character and the type of leadership reflected at St. Roch Community Church.
After breaking bread (biscuit bread that is) and praying with the Colliers, we went for a drive to see the Lower 9th Ward. Ten years ago, most of this area was 10+ feet underwater. Most of the buildings that were standing at the time were fully destroyed by the storm. While there were some buildings left standing with much wreckage, many houses have been rebuilt to an even better shape than before. This was a refreshing and uplifting reminder that Jesus is making all things new (Rev 21:5), inside of us and outside of us. As I reflect upon the past week, it’s been a blessing to partake in this renewing process in NOLA. I am confident God is moving here, and in the process of rebuilding this area physically and spiritually.
