CALL TO GRACE AND WORSHIP
This campaign is our Congregation's Evangelistic effort to encourage the faith of all Christians in our community and to share the saving faith of Jesus Christ with those who have no relationship with Him.
From door to door and in any way possible we endeavor to accomplish this mission!
NEW ORLEANS REFLECTIONS BY LORI HARSCHE!
I have been wanting to do Missions work of some sort for at least 5 years now. I guess i just got to that place in life where i thought isnt there "something more?" I do believe that "Giving Back" is the answer. However, with a Husband and a small child at home, i didn't know where to start to look for how i could "give back". Wouldn't you know that my own Church, Peace Lutheran got involved with going to New Orleans to help rebuild. What a Godsend.
My husband, Tim went last year and had a great experience. So this past February was my turn (at last) to help.
My experience in New Orleans was great. I have not worked physically that hard in a long time. I was on a gutting and landscaping crew. I used a shovel to scrape up linoleum flooring, i shoveled up sheetrock, dirt, insulation and God only knows what else into Large garbage bags. One of the homes we went to was completely gutted and our job was to suit up and spray, then scrub the mold off of the 2x4's. and plywood. We also, mowed grass, weed whacked and bagged that garbage. It was hard work, however the fellowship and the bonding with other Christians was one of the greatest gifts of the trip.
I had an opportunity to visit a Homeless Shelter in downtown New Orleans. Looking into the eyes of some of them people was indescribable. Most of them, i did have one thing in common, and that was a belief in God. To see people who have been beaten down for what ever reason, but still BELIEVE, is absolutely amazing to me. Especially, not to blame God for their misfortunes. We played checkers and card games with some of them and put a smile on their face for awhile. The second gift from the trip i got was gratitude
Back at Camp Restore, i got to meet so many Christians from all over the United States. I guess this Camp has been in Operation for 2 years. There is a U.S. map on the wall that shows all of the cities that have come down there to help. Also there is a photo album of all the groups from the past months. It made me believe that this is a GOD Country. Sometimes you wonder with all the hype on taking the "One nation under God" out of the Pledge of Allegiance. The third gift i got was Unity. I truly know that i am never alone. With God and other Christians, i never will be. I have felt this way for a long time, but it is nice to be reinforced in my life.
So as you can see. Even though we call it "giving back", we "gain" so much in return. I would do that hard physical work again in a heartbeat. My time and hard work were very minute things to give. God Bless!
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As part of our Call to Grace and Worship Campaign, we are currently sponsoring C.H.A.I.N. (Community Health and Action in our Neighborhood!) Please pray for C.H.A.I.N. and participate as you are able!