Here are Lisa Pierce's thoughts and please be sure to check on the previous post's comments for Cindy Massey's thoughts. I thank them for sharing!
I was in Iraq when Katrina hit in 2005-this was my first time
being there since the storm had hit. Although the remnants of what we
saw is nothing in comparison to what it was like right after, I could
only imagine the pain, horror, and feeling of hopelessness that it
left many families. And several still deal with that. Our project
manager, Len, said that it will take three more years to finish the
needed repairs-barring another major disaster.
being there since the storm had hit. Although the remnants of what we
saw is nothing in comparison to what it was like right after, I could
only imagine the pain, horror, and feeling of hopelessness that it
left many families. And several still deal with that. Our project
manager, Len, said that it will take three more years to finish the
needed repairs-barring another major disaster.
Like John, there are many aspects to be gained from a mission
experience. I too thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all the members
of our team and was touched by their willingness to sacrifice their
time, comfort, and finances to be part of the team. Hearing each
others faith journeys and what God is doing in our lives is second to
none. Plus, they were just plain crazy-but always willing to help.
Then there was the Jacob's family. What a testimony they shared.
Their family followed the evacuation directives and left NOLA when
Katrina came through. Fortunately for them, they did not have much
flooding but the storm severely damaged their roof, allowing the rain
to pour in…you can imagine the rest. Their home was gutted,
reroofed, and new sheetrock hung-we are in the final stages to
completion. Mrs. Jacob's was diagnosed with lung cancer three years
ago. While we were there, her niece, Raven, participated in a
walk-a-thon for cancer. Mrs. Jacobs is in charge of the Neighborhood
Watch program and welcomes in her new neighbors. Her son, David, has a
slight learning disability but is still enrolled in Bible College with
the call to minister-amamzing!!! And her husband Daryll- he was a
nurse assistant so could tell wonderful stories of the people he
served. Plus, we had a great conversation during lunch about
discipline and how we all grew up. I learned so much from their
family. They have a simple but deep faith borne out of tragedy and
coming together. It was wonderful to start and finish our work each
day by praying with them.
experience. I too thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all the members
of our team and was touched by their willingness to sacrifice their
time, comfort, and finances to be part of the team. Hearing each
others faith journeys and what God is doing in our lives is second to
none. Plus, they were just plain crazy-but always willing to help.
Then there was the Jacob's family. What a testimony they shared.
Their family followed the evacuation directives and left NOLA when
Katrina came through. Fortunately for them, they did not have much
flooding but the storm severely damaged their roof, allowing the rain
to pour in…you can imagine the rest. Their home was gutted,
reroofed, and new sheetrock hung-we are in the final stages to
completion. Mrs. Jacob's was diagnosed with lung cancer three years
ago. While we were there, her niece, Raven, participated in a
walk-a-thon for cancer. Mrs. Jacobs is in charge of the Neighborhood
Watch program and welcomes in her new neighbors. Her son, David, has a
slight learning disability but is still enrolled in Bible College with
the call to minister-amamzing!!! And her husband Daryll- he was a
nurse assistant so could tell wonderful stories of the people he
served. Plus, we had a great conversation during lunch about
discipline and how we all grew up. I learned so much from their
family. They have a simple but deep faith borne out of tragedy and
coming together. It was wonderful to start and finish our work each
day by praying with them.
Finally, the entire perspective for me is Christian community.
The early disciples ate together, ministered together, worshipped
together, prayed together, and shared the scriptures together. They
went out of their way to show hospitality and outdo each other in
showing love. To me, a mission experience creates a space to have that
intentionality. And the goal is that our everyday lives would look
like that.
I've written too much. I can share more if you ask. Thank you to
all who prayed for us while we were away. If you want to hear more-
let me know-we'll hang out at Starbucks. :)))
Blessings-lisa
The early disciples ate together, ministered together, worshipped
together, prayed together, and shared the scriptures together. They
went out of their way to show hospitality and outdo each other in
showing love. To me, a mission experience creates a space to have that
intentionality. And the goal is that our everyday lives would look
like that.
I've written too much. I can share more if you ask. Thank you to
all who prayed for us while we were away. If you want to hear more-
let me know-we'll hang out at Starbucks. :)))
Blessings-lisa
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