New Orleans Day 5 - Week 1

`Mornin Once Again`. This is how we have begun many prayers this week, as we get ready to begin work. Today was our last day to work and finish as much as we could. We did some work at four separate locations today.

Our first group today worked on painting at the mission center. Painting a few walls seems like an easy task, but when you consider the fact they had to remove and reinstall many of the “decorations” that all the groups have left behind, it can be a huge task.
Group 2 worked on the Miro St. house (Cleopatra). They continued to scrape, paint, and replace window glass. This week they have taken this house and changed it from something that looked like it should be torn down and changed it into something that looks like a house once again. This helps to make the neighborhood a brighter and more hopeful place.

Work continued on the four-plex on Lowerline st. They tried to install the last few pieces of flooring, but I had cut them to the wrong width last night. So the next group will have the privilege of finishing the floor. This is a building that when it is complete, will be affordable housing for 4 different families.

The transition house is almost complete. The last of the vinyl siding was completed today. The only thing left to do is paint the outside trim and a few interior finishes in the upstairs. The down stairs had been finished and is being used as a fellowship hall and Pastor Washington’s office. The upstairs is already occupied by a gentleman who will be bringing his family there to live until a home can be built (rehabbed) for them. This home will then be used to help additional families as they transition back to New Orleans. What greater gift can we give than to do something that will continue to benefit many for years to come?

We have accomplished a lot in 5 short days. We have helped to put 3 buildings back in livable condition. We have made many friends, both in New Orleans and within our own group. We have grown closer to each other and to God. We have seen the glory of Gods work through us. I hope each of us can continue to share his glory back in Ohio and elsewhere.

As our mission groups return, please ask us to tell about our experiences (if we don’t just start telling you). We have much to share. I challenge you to go do something to help others and to spread God’s glory. It doesn’t have to be in New Orleans, it can be anywhere. It can even be in your own neighborhood.

Tomorrow our good friend, Brother Vance is getting married. We wish him all the happiness in the world as he starts a new journey with his new wife.

See you in a few days,
Brian