Thursday, May 31, 2007

Concrete Gospel

What a great start to an incredible day! A motley crew of guys gathered at the Annex early Thursday morning at 6am to connect with Jesus and then take Him to the streets of our community. We set up shop in a downtown parking lot near the Volunteers of America on Florida St, backed up a truck, and fed breakfast to nearly 60 men and women who call the concrete streets their home. They were in need of more than just a hot meal...they needed a little taste of hope.

I'm constantly amazed and inspired by the volunteer revolution taking place among us. Two guys, Vince and Frank offer their time and resources to make sure this experience happens every single week. Our Cooking for Christ team starts long before the sun comes up preparing eggs and biscuits. A dozen Refuge students give up precious teenage sleep during their summer vacation for the purpose of serving others--Tyler and Jason are doing an amazing job teaching this next generation about the value of serving the poor.

When the truck pulls up and all the red "Serve Team" shirts pour out, the entire neighborhood knows what's up--kinda like when momma used to call all the kids in for dinner. In a unique way, we're beginning to feel like family, sons and daughters of our heavenly Father, as we break bread together. You can see the beauty of Jesus and sense the calling of the Cross everywhere! CiCi needed a pair of shoes (size 7 & 1/2) and after making arrangements for her to pick up her new kicks, we prayed for divine direction over every step she would take. Evelyn had bronchitis from years of smoking and needed healing in her body. Karen was from Shreveport and trying to beat an addiction to cocaine. Joe was dressed in his very best that day and needed favor for a job.

When Jesus returns to this earth, I pray He will find us doing this very thing--helping the oppressed, serving the poor and hurting, being a voice for those without a voice, and loving His favorite people. "When you've done it to the least of these...you've done it unto Me!"

Monday, May 28, 2007

Block Party



On Saturday, our HPC Serve team took it to the streets once again to celebrate some of God's favorite people. I love being connected to men and women who look beyond the four walls of the church and reach into the community. We are definitely a part of something special at Healing Place!!

Dozens of volunteers worked to put together an event that would bring out the entire neighborhood. The party started bumpin' with a little music and some food on the corner of Odell and 39th street. Before long, the place was hoppin' with kids: playing in bubbles, getting their faces painted, wiping out on the slip-n-slide, and hoopin' it up in a game of basketball. Moms and Dads came to see what the fun was all about. How cool is that?! In the middle of all the shouts of joy and laughter, you could literally feel the presence of Jesus. It was as if heaven came down and kissed a portion of our city that so desperately needed it!

I thought about the Old Testament scripture in Zephaniah 3:17 that says, "For the Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song!" I guess it's true--there aint no party like a Holy Ghost party 'cause a Holy Ghost party don't stop!!

Monday, May 21, 2007

Family & Friends


Alexa is finishing her last week of the 3rd grade...I can't believe how old that makes me! Do you remember your 3rd grade days? I can still remember my teacher, Mrs. Tesreau saying, "Eyes, eyes, give me your eyes!" I'm so proud of my soon-to-be 4th grader. Alexa has been a consistent honor roll student since she first began school. That means 1 of 2 things: either she's extremely smart and has natural intelligence, or she has absolutely brilliant parents! I think both are true!!

Mikaela has been in full summer swing for the past 2 weeks. Nanette Fontenot has been giving her swimming lessons and has magically turned Mikaela into a little mermaid. Thank you Nanette for your patience and diligence--you've transformed the reluctance of a 4 year old into a water world of fun!! You're the best! Mikaela's fear of the water has been conquered with your help.

Rachel is on her continued "growth track" and informed me last week that during her pregnancy, she has put on 47 lbs! And with 10 weeks of pregnancy left, it's safe to say that number won't be the last--she gained 65 lbs in both of her 1st two pregnancies. I never know how to respond when Rachel tells me things like that. There's always this awkward silence where I'm searching for the safest answer that will produce the most favorable results. When I try to be excited and celebrate those 47 lbs by telling her, "Oh honey, I can't even notice. It's all baby!" she doesn't believe me. So the next time she makes a comment about her weight, I act like I'm really depressed and can't get over how big she is getting...that doesn't go over real well either!! I've discovered the best thing to say when a pregnant women makes a comment about her weight--NOTHING!

Last weekend, we traveled to West Monroe, LA, and ministered at Life Church where some of our favorite people, Joel and Angel Dyke, pastor. They happened to be on a cruise with their family for some much needed rest and refreshing, so Joe and Stacie Watts hosted us while we were there--what an amazing couple!! I'm pumped about the impact Life Church is making in north Louisiana and their commitment to do whatever it takes to reach the lost. Thank you Life Church family for receiving us with open arms. We look forward to being with you again!!

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Mud-Bug Mow Down


Last Saturday marked the official start of our Late Nite summer celebration. Final exams are over for all of our college students--can you hear the shouts of joy in the streets?--so we had to kick up a little dust Cajun-style. With the help of some amazing guys and gals, we set up some tables, rolled out the newspaper, and peeled some of the biggest crawfish tales I've seen this season! I've confirmed this theory with our staff theologian-in-residence, Johnny Green, but I believe crawfish will be served at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb...at least that's what it says in my KJN version of the Bible! Ha! Click here for more photos of the Mudbug Mowdown!

A huge "Thank You" goes out to our staff and core team for making this year's crawfish boil such a great experience. Taking a break from our usual Saturday night services this summer means that opportunities to get together are so important. We may surprise you in a couple of weeks with a spontaneous Late Nite bowling bonanza--even though I can't even walk right now. I'm an amazing bowler...just pull out those bumper pads, and I'll knock down some serious pins!!

Don't forget about "FUSION"--our college/young adult retreat coming up next month (June 15-16) at the illustrious 5-star venue known as Tall Timbers (I hear Forrest Hill, LA is beautiful this time of year!!). It's going to be slammin!

Friday, May 11, 2007

Men and Women of Steel


When I drove onto the Highland campus and saw the construction site, I nearly jumped out of my handicap boot! After much sacrifice, many prayers, and the faithful giving of our HPC family, it truly was incredible to see steel finally coming out of the ground. This is only the beginning of an amazing faith-journey in which God has prepared for us.

I can remember the "early days" when our church was limited to 6 acres, and we were desperately looking for land. From that day to this, God has continued to write the story of His love among us. I am convinced that we are living in the middle of a miracle. It's because of the faithfulness of God and the commitment of so many to bring hope and healing to those who hurt.

Habakkuk 1:5 says, "Look at the nations and be amazed. Watch and be astounded at what I'm about to do. For I am doing something in your own day; something you wouldn't believe even if someone told it to you!"

May those steel beams be a reminder of the strength of our God, and may it galvanize our love and passion for His house!!