July

This month found me coming home to Starkville, and catapulting into an outreach. Chelsea, our friend Katie, and I went to Laurel, MS, and New Orleans for eight days of ministry. It felt like much longer!

The YWAM base in New Orleans was glad to see us, as they are a small team that usually has no shortage of volunteer teams. Currently, though, everyone else has canceled their mission trips. Our goal in both locations was to be a blessing to the ministry team, and to strengthen the existing relationship. In NOLA (New Orleans, LA), we helped the base get ready for hurricane season by taking care of branches and limbs. (They did the up-high chopping, we did the picking up and gathering.) We also threw a "love feast" for them, a dinner for just being together.

I've never been to New Orleans before. My impression of it is that it is the most hurt, enchanted place I've ever been. It's like Paris, like a fairyland of the South. Now I've had a shrimp po'boy, a beignet and chicory coffee from Café du Monde, ridden the ferry and the trolley, and walked through the French Quarter on a Saturday night. (Interspersed and combined with ministry, without a doubt.) I wish I could take everyone there for ministry.

In Laurel, life at the Glory House is hectic as always. Chelsea, Katie, and I labeled hundreds--probably thousands--of items in their food pantry, put together brown paper bags of food, painted the counter and bench in the food pantry, and had intercession. We enjoy having Hope and Grant Staples and the ministries they facilitate and do so close by.

Both of these locations need more staff, and we are praying for them to be sent people who are the perfect fit.

(Financial update: Up to approximately 75% necessary monthly support. Thank you, my faithful supporters and team members!)