Nawlins06

The weary Travelers have Arrived

2006-07-23T00:30:00.000-07:00

The weary travelers have arrived, thus completing their wonderful journey.

Progress Report 7-22-06, 6:00 PM

2006-07-22T16:21:00.000-07:00

The groups progress as of 7/22/06 6:00 PM

The End of a Long Day

2006-07-21T21:33:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update from Baton Rouge. We are safe and sound at a hotel, but we do not have a good diagnosis yet on the van. Our best guess at this point is a bummed out altinator or a battery. We are going to have the parts tested tomorrow and will attempt to get on the road again by mid-day.

The day has been filled with amazing displays of God's love their actons. The fact that Brandon knew a youth pastor here in Baton Rouge, only becuase they met at Ceta Canyon at camp a few weeks ago. The fact that the people of that chuch drove across town and picked us up, and offered to open up their homes to us... The fact that the dealership was able to get the van in on a Friday afternoon (the service manager had gone to South Plains College in Levelland). To the fact that a couple that were heading back to Houston to with their moving van turned around and brought all of our bags back to the hotel, more than 20 miles out of their way.

God's grace is good...

All will be well...

More adventures will surely follow...

Good night from Baton Rouge.

Friday Evening Update

2006-07-21T19:31:00.000-07:00

Friday, July 21, 2006, 7:19 PM
Had a message on the machine from Brandon. It said, "Just wanted to let you know that we got the van fix and are rolling!"

Friday, July 21, 2006, 8:31 PM
Had another mesage on the machine from Brandon. It said, "Just wanted to let you know that I lied, the van is broken again, 30 miles from Layfette." Dean is currently working on removing the alternator...

Keep them in your prayers.

Below is a map that shows the progress that the van has made.

Friday Afternoon Update

2006-07-21T14:25:00.000-07:00

Van is broked, fuel pump or electronic, not a 15 passenger van to rent... Still looking at options... keep praying for the van, and people.

Prayer Request

2006-07-21T11:00:00.000-07:00

The church van has given up the ghost and is at the Ford house in Baton Rouge. Everyone is fixing to go over to a church to hang out for a while. Pray for the van!!!!

Thursday Work Pictures

2006-07-20T14:54:00.000-07:00

Shovelin' Sam

Those walls don't stand a chance...

Life in the midst of destruction...

Is it Minnie Mouse or Hamburger Helper?

Amberly

What an amazing transformation...

The big pile...

Lunch for the Bunch...

Smiles all around for a job well done...

Back at the first house...

Wed Trip to French Quarter Pictures

2006-07-20T14:48:00.000-07:00

On the boat ride over...

The bridge over the Mighty Mississippi...

Boy she looks excited!

The Sunglasss Girls!

Burbon Street

Right before we got some rain...

At Cafe De Monde

Just to prove it was raining... hard...

We got Wet!!!

Thursday Afternoon Update…

2006-07-20T14:35:00.000-07:00

Thursday was another great day in New Orleans. Probably the most eventful part of the day was the departure of J. We will miss him on the rest of the trip. Some of the girls stayed at the house to make sure that the houses looked up to par. After a group of 7 guys invade a house, I imagine their task today was harder than ours. Many thanks to ya’ll for doing that.

We were able to finish off the house, which was a wonderful feeling. With a great group of guys and gals working, it is AMAZING what wonderful works can be done. We were reminded last night that we are all part of the priesthood of believers, and that each of us has talents that are ours to use, so when you put that many people into a house and let them go to town! Watch out!

I find it amazing the transformation that you see over just two days. From a house full of clothes, toys, personal records, carpet, insulation, and a few mice, to one that is now clean down to its frame, is an almost surreal transformation. God is working in New Orleans, from the teams here to gut houses, to those here to feed the hungry. Many have descended into this town and unlike perhaps any time in the past few decades, God’s amazing love is being shown on a grand scale.

Life seemed to be beginning to return to the city in many other ways during the time we have been here. I have seen stores open, street lights repaired, debris removed, coming soon signs go up. Even though it looked bleak when we got here, I at least, think things are coming back to life. Perhaps even accelerating back…

The team took a trip by the first house to see it one last time, and we were amazed to find the trash no longer on the front lawn. It was a wonderful sign of life to see the house there, free of the debris that once rendered uninhabitable.

Well, the team is tired, but happy to have made a difference. We will be leaving early in the morning, and have not decided yet whether we will push on home tomorrow or on Saturday.

We look forward to sharing out experiences with everybody, and will see you in a few days!

The Man…

2006-07-20T14:33:00.000-07:00

When the team asked me to put up a word about how much we appreciated what J did for us this week, I was not really sure how to put it into words. And although I am still not sure, I will try. J, I know that God was using you this week to speak to us. Each and every one of us has learned something about God’s commitment to us during this week. Your devotionals were awesome, and so dead on to what we needed to hear. This week would not have been the same with out you. We are closer to each other and to God because of your love and devotion. So, to you Jo Jo. We thank you… Hope your trip home was safe and smooth.

See you back in Borger!

The Team

Wed Work Pictures

2006-07-20T04:59:00.000-07:00

Sam

Thursday Morning Update

2006-07-20T04:47:00.000-07:00

Thursday, July 20, 2006 12:46 AM

(Currently all of the men are sound asleep, and I am not sure about the women, but I say that it is safe to go with, they are all asleep.

Monte wanted to send everyone a warm greeting…

The team went to the French Quarter this evening. Again, we rode the ferry across the Mississippi river. We walked through the area looking at the shops, sights, and the people that were out. We had coffee at Café de mon, under an honing, while it rained. The rain continued to pour down until we got on the ferry to come across the river. It was fun running and walking in the rain with the rest of the city. Everyone made it onto the last ferry to cross the river.

The praise and worship, devotional, and discussion were awesome tonight, several people who had not be vocal chimed in with their thoughts on the subject. Praise God.

We ask that you continue to pray, and cloche us in pray, for it is only though Christ that we are able to accomplish what we have here in New Orleans.

1 Peter 2:5 and 2:9

Wednesday Afternoon Update

2006-07-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, July 19, 2006, 3:37 PM

We started at a new house, in a different part of the city this morning. This neighborhood was primarily made up of brick veneer homes that looked to be, on the outside, in relatively good shape. It had been flooded up to the ceiling, and was full of debris, and mud from the storm. The owner of the house, Andrew, was waiting for us when we arrived, and we visited with him off and on throughout the day. Andrew said that he had live in that house for 33 years, and shortly before the storm he had the kitchen rebuilt, and new tile floor put in the house. He evacuated town to Houston during the storm, and was staying at his sister house that was “down the road a little bit.” His daughter also lived a few blocks away and had sustained damage, but they had gotten back into their house. Andrew was ready to offer soft drinks to us each time we took a break. He was genuinely appreciative of the work we did.

The work today relate better to everyone because of the situation, and the fact that Andrew was there. I feel that today in particular we really reached out to an individual, as well as the city and society of New Orleans. Each of us showed our love to him, and he did not know any of us…

Tuesday, They Day it Snowed Indoors...

2006-07-18T13:46:00.000-07:00

At first we thought the camera was dirty, but upon further review... it was snowing insulation!

Knocking down Some Insulation

Sharron cleaning up...

J working in the bathroom...

Earl, looking cool...

I almost think you can see a smile behind the mask!

Dean, Shelby and Monty watching the insulation fall from above...

Jen swinging the sledgehammer...

Chelsea shows off her posing skills...

After the hard days work, we are all tired, but are having a great time! Until Next Time...

Tuesday Afternoon Update

2006-07-18T13:37:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, July 18, 2006, 3:32 PM

It was another hot and humid day in the Big Easy. We worked hard to change the name from the Bog Easy, to something else, because we worked hard all day. It was a true team effort today, as all of the work crew was in the same location. As you can see in the pictures, there was dust fly, sheet rock coming out, and insulation falling; it looked like the snow in Borger mixed with a little carbon black. It is impressive to see everyone working hard together for a common cause.

We asked Dean cook if he had any deep thoughts, or words of wisdom. His response, “If only I was not so dirty I’d…”

Monday Pictures, Vol V.

2006-07-18T13:25:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, presenting Mr. Brian Mills

Chelsea and Sharron are hiding behind masks

Jana Pronger is hard at work removing nails, it is amazing how many nails are used in Sheet Rock. (Espically when you have to remove them!!)

Monday Evening Report

2006-07-18T05:18:00.000-07:00

Monday, July 17, 2006 11:55 PM

The team had another great evening filled with one shopping trip, showers, and excellent dinner that consisted of Lasagna, French Bread, and Salad.

After dinner we had a time of praise and worship followed by a devotional/daily wrap-up discussions. The discussion was very heart felt and full of ideas, and emotions.

Pictures Part IV

2006-07-18T05:12:00.000-07:00

Shelby, "Sledgehammer Girl"

More pictures from monday and today will be posted this afternoon!!!! I have to go eat and get ready for work

Monday Pictures Part III

2006-07-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Chelsea and Sharron

Ryan under a counter.
Brandon an Ryan in a kitchen

Monday Pictures Part II

2006-07-18T04:52:00.000-07:00

Below is a picture of the front yard of the house, we filled it up quickly.

Where a wall had been.

Pictures From Monday

2006-07-18T04:46:00.000-07:00

Look at all the hard work, gutting a house is a labor intensive project.

As you can see, we are adhering to a good work rest schedule, which includes mandatory breaks, water, and gatorade.

Monday Afternon Update

2006-07-17T15:00:00.000-07:00

Monday, July 17, 2006 4:00 PM

Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven.”

The work team split into two groups, one small one, which was assigned to work on a hot water heater at one of the houses we stayed at. The larger Team headed over to the 9th ward, and began the process of gutting a house. Both teams worked very hard, and everyone pitched in. Everyone seemed to have been conscious about drinking plenty of water and took lots of water breaks, normally every hour.

I am most encouraged by everyone’s excitement about what we have accomplished today. A small rain shower has set in and everyone is cleaning up after a hard days work.

A trip across the mighty Mississippi...

2006-07-17T14:34:00.000-07:00

On Sunday night, the team took time to head to the French Quarter... Here are a few views from the night...

A Glimpse of the Distruction...

2006-07-17T14:14:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, we had the opprutunity to head to the 9th Ward to view the devistation up close. The following pictures are from just on the other side of the levee... words sometimes can't begin to describe... here are some pictures that might...

The team getting ready to head on the tour. We are staying in the middle two houses...

This piano, once a source of joyful noise, lies in the front yard of a house...

Trip Down Pictures

2006-07-17T13:54:00.000-07:00

Here is the first batch of pictures from down here in Sunny, although currently rainy New Orleans. More great pictures to come!

Look at the happy team... Before they figured out what humidity is!

Things started off Quiet Enough...

But after 18 hours... Delirium began to set in...

But alas... We arived in New Orelans!

More images of our First Days in New Orelans to come shortly!

Monday Morning

2006-07-17T05:19:00.000-07:00

Monday, July 17, 2006, 6:55 AM

The work team has begun getting up and out of bed. Some people are preparing a breakfast, which will be great I am sure, and others are just trying to get up and around. Not everyone on the trip enjoys early mornings. We had a couple of people who have already headed off to the grocery store. The temperature outside is perfect, right now!!!

Tour of the City

2006-07-17T05:17:00.000-07:00

The Tour of the City began at 2:28 PM….

Algiers is part of the 20% of the city that was not flooded (we are staying in the Algiers section of town.).

Estimate the 60% of the city’s population has not returned.

New Orleans is probably the poorest city in the country.

Traveling down Whitney Avenue, the temperature out side is 99 F.

We are currently traveling to the 9th ward, one of the most devastated parts of the city, takes us directly by he superdome, and through the north side of the down town area. Today, on Sunday, there were 5-6 workers repairing the roof at the superdome. Esplande road – A greater number of roofs still have tarps covering them, or just missing parts of roofs. Small enclaves of FEMA trailer parks can be seen in areas that were once small parking lots. The streets have debris on the sides from people working to repair their homes. Sheetrock, bricks, lumber, and trash sacks full of trash sit waiting for a trash truck? A bulldozer? Something else?

We are now on Spain and Esplande road. We see houses that have spray paint markings that show they have been checked for bodies.

Crossing the river on LA 39, which is a draw bridge over the industrial canal. At the top we saw the place where the levee broke. A new wall has been constructed and behind it is a sea of destruction. Water in this area was up to the roof tops. (We got honked at). Cars, houses, equipment are still strewn about. On their sides, burned out, smashed wreckage. There are houses that have been picked up and moved off their foundations, not by man, but by the force of the water. The Military Police are still heavily patrolling the area. We are getting out of the car…

Walked down a few block and a few blocks in from where the new levee is. There is ½ of a house sitting on the side of the road, complete severed from the original house.

In Borger there are a few areas where there were housing additions that have been moved out. In these areas you can still see the outlines of the house’s foundations. (Across from the old Pantex Federal Credit Union Building) The scene was similar in that there was once a community with houses, sidewalks, people, dogs, or lawn furniture. If you can image that small area where those few house used to stand in Borger and multiple by 10 or 100, add some debris, and overturned cars, you would come close to approaching the view that we see.

We drove past an old open sided gym with a roof that once was a thriving place for kids to play basket ball, it is now completely empty.

At least one of the Police Department’s stations is still being housed in Temporary Buildings Claireborn Street.

Stopping on Canal Street. St. Luke United Methodist Church. Opened

Sunday Afternoon Update

2006-07-16T11:54:00.000-07:00

Sunday, July 16, 2006, 12:00 am
Tonight we had a sprit filled time of praise and worship. The power and energy of God and how he can fill us, his servants with power, was evident as we sang out to him. After P&W, the group had a great discussion on Love, what it is and how we can show it to others, and to each other. In 1 Corinthians 13 (commonly referred to as the Love chapter), Paul describes what Love is, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Sunday, July 16, 2006, 1:03 PM

The group has finished lunch after a morning which included time for personal reflection and worshipping with a different group of believers in their church. We attended the Algiers United Methodist Church, and heard a message from Pastor Ray L. Varnado. Everyone was very friendly and glad to see us at the church. Our group managed to fill 1.5 pews, and we all sang out during the hymns.

This afternoon we are looking forward to a tour of the city, followed by dinner, and some more time with God and each other. As we go through this day we will continue to work on small projects around the facility we are staying in. Keep us in your prayers.

Philippians 4:4-8
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearths and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Saturday, July 15, 2006

2006-07-15T15:25:00.000-07:00

July 15, 2006, 8:35 AM
We arrived last night in Hallsville at 12:30 am, and left at 7:45 am. Dr. Tom Nisbitt gave the devotional this morning. He talked to us about the plans that God has made for us and our trip already. These plans far exceed any plans that we might have made and it will be a blessing. We should embrace the work that he is already doing in the world.

Below is an excerpt from the Message translation of Galatians 3
So those now who live by faith are blessed along with Abraham, who lived by faith—this is no new doctrine! And that means that anyone who tries to live by his own effort, independent of God, is doomed to failure. Scripture backs this up: “Utterly cursed is every person who fails to carry out every detail written in the Book of the law.”

3:52 PM
We have arrived in New Orleans, unpacked and are settling in to our home for the next week. A quick note about the housing, the guys are in one house, and the girls are next door. The houses are shot gun style and are in good shape. We have air conditioning, bed, and kitchens.

Driving across Lake Ponchatrain was very impressive on the bridge. It looks as if you were looking at the ocean. As we drove into the city, I weight came upon us as we saw the devastation, and destruction that is still in the city. When you look off the interstate across the tops of the houses there are still sporadic blue tarps on roofs and roofs that have been patched. As we drove in I felt once again that God has called this group of people down here. Additionally, he has called a group to stay behind so they can lift us up and shroud us with prayer.

Friday, July 14 2006

2006-07-15T15:24:00.000-07:00

Friday, July 14, 2006, 2:25 PM

The team has hit the road and we are about 10 miles outside of Borger. It took that long for the computer to boot up…

Dean is driving the van, and it is tricky trying in the van bouncing down he road. The support from the entire church has been awesome, and we can feel the prayers and the love that is sending us down to New Orleans. Overall everyone is excited about the trip, with a few pre-trip jitters.

Mark 10:27 – Jesus said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible though God.”

Last night we had a great prayer, desert, send-off event. The group was prayed over by the prayer team members and others.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angles, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I posses to the poor and surrender my body to the flames but have not love, I gain nothing.

July 14, 10:10 PM

Traveling between Dallas and Fort Worth. We had a lovely dinner at Whataburger, it received Wendy’s stamp of approval for cleanliness. Spirits are still high with eager anticipation of arrival at Hallsville and then New Orleans (Nawlins).

Heat Stress Information

2006-07-11T20:21:00.000-07:00

Below is good information on Heat Stress.

Certain safety problems are common to hot environments. Excessive exposure to a hot work environment can bring about a variety of heat-induced disorders. The primary disorders associated with heat are Heat Stroke, and Heat Exhaustion.
CAUTION: Persons with heart problems or those on a low sodium diet who work in hot environments should consult a physician about what to do under these conditions.

Heat stroke is the most serious of health problems associated with working in hot environments. It occurs when the body's temperature regulatory system fails and sweating becomes inadequate. The body's only effective means of removing excess heat is compromised with little warning to the victim that a crisis stage has been reached.
A heat stroke victim's skin is hot, usually dry, red or spotted. Body temperature is usually 105oF or higher, and the victim is mentally confused, delirious, perhaps in convulsions, or unconscious. Unless the victim receives quick and appropriate treatment, death can occur.
Any person with signs or symptoms of heat stroke requires immediate hospitalization. However, first aid should be immediately administered. This includes removing the victim to a cool area, thoroughly soaking the clothing with water, and vigorously fanning the body to increase cooling. Early recognition and treatment of heat stroke are the only means of preventing permanent brain damage or death. Get help immediately in case you or someone has the symptoms of Heat Stroke.

Heat exhaustion includes several clinical disorders having symptoms which may resemble the early symptoms of heat stroke. Heat exhaustion is caused by the loss of large amounts of fluid by sweating, sometimes with excessive loss of salt. A worker suffering from heat exhaustion still sweats but experiences extreme weakness or fatigue, giddiness, nausea, or headache. In more serious cases, the victim may vomit or lose consciousness. The skin is clammy and moist, the complexion is pale or flushed, and the body temperature is normal or only slightly elevated. Get help in case you or someone has the symptoms of Heat Exhaustion.

In the course of a day's work in the heat, a worker may produce as much as 2 to 3 gallons of sweat. Because so many heat disorders involve excessive dehydration of the body, it is essential that water intake during the workday be about equal to the amount of sweat produced. Most workers exposed to hot conditions drink less fluids than needed because of an insufficient thirst drive. A worker, therefore, should not depend on thirst to signal when and how much to drink. Instead, the worker should drink 5 to 7 ounces of fluids every 15 to 20 minutes to replenish the necessary fluids in the body. There is no optimum temperature of drinking water, but most people tend not to drink warm or very cold fluids as readily as they will cool ones.
If you feel like you are getting hot, stop, take a break in a cool shaded location and get a drink.
Watch out for each other.

If someone appears to be over heated, get them help.

Commissioning TIme

2006-07-09T19:51:00.000-07:00

Today at church we had a short commissioning time, where we all went down and kneeled at the alter while Don prayed for us. Each one of us will be a light in a city that is struggling to get out of the darkness.

Mat 5:14 -16
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.
Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Streching

2006-07-06T20:16:00.000-07:00

Tonight I watched a group of kids stretching before they practiced soccer. You see people stretch before they run, swim, play football, baseball, golf (don’t want the throw your back out playing golf), and other sports. The reason for stretching is to get the muscles limbered up for the strenuous activities that are ahead. Many times as we prepare for a church trip, we are focused on the physical side of preparing. Making sure that we have transportation, meals, a plan, chlothes, ect. Before this trip I challenge everyone to take some time, to pray, read the bible, worship God, or spend so time in communion with God the way the fits you. Much like streching before the game, I pray that we are all seeking him out before the mission trip.

Psalm 25:1-7

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul;
In you I trust, O my God.
Do not let me be put to shame,
Nor let me enemies triumph over me.
No one whose hope is in you
Will ever be put to shame,
But they will be put to shame
Who are treacherous without excuse.

Show me your ways, O Lord,
Teach me your paths;
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
For you are God my Savior,
And my hope is in you all day long.
Remember, O Lord, your great money and loce,
For they are from of old.
Remember not the sings of my youth
And my rebellious ways;
According to your love remember

Tentavie Schedule

2006-07-06T19:25:00.000-07:00

Friday, July 14th
1:00p meet @ FUMC to load up
2:00p depart for Hallsville, TX
10:00p arrive in Hallsville, TX.
Saturday, July 15th
7:00a depart for New Orleans
2:00p arrive in New Orleans
Sunday, July 16th
9:00a help w/ worship service @ youth detention center
2:00p city tour
Monday, July 17th – Thursday, July 20th
8:00a work projects begin
12p lunch
2-4p rest/hang out
4p ministry sites
6p dinner
8-10p evening ministry sites/reflection time
Friday, July 21st
7:00a depart New Orleans
Saturday, July 22nd
12:00p arrive in Borger

Please note, the schedule is subject to change at Ryan's disgression...

Packing List

2006-07-06T19:22:00.000-07:00

Packing List

Signed medical release form!
Please pack everything into ONE bag/suitcase (you can also bring a backpack/bag to carry with you)
Bible, pen, paper/journal
Sleeping bag and/or sheets & pillow
We’ll be on twin beds
Towel & toiletries
Clothes
Work clothes
Plenty of pants/shirts suitable for work conditions/can get dirty
Durable shoes
Cap/hat
Gloves (if you have some)
Casual clothes (what we’ll wear around the ministry sites & at the house)
Modest pants/shorts/shirts
Sleeping/hanging out clothes
Comfortable shoes (lots of walking)
Swimsuit (optional)
Sunscreen
Personal stuff
Optional
Spending $ for snacks, etc. on the road & for things you want to buy in the city (don’t bring a lot of cash though)
Water bottle
Small flashlight

MAPS

2006-07-01T14:42:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 6:9
(NIV)

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send Me!"

MAPS

The first map is the largest Image, the red square shows the out line of the next map.

The next map is a little closer, again, the red box shows the zoomed in are for the map below this one.

The map below is the last image and the smallest. We are going to be staining in the Algiers region of the city. Algiers is also a country in Africa.

While this might be hard to read all of the streets, it does give you an idea of the part of town we will be staying at.

Here we GO!!

2006-06-27T16:59:00.000-07:00

We had a meeting on Sunday after the UMW Sandwich Lunch. Ryan and Brandon went through some of the basics of the trip and travel. It was decided that we would depart the church at 2:00 PM on July 14th and drive to a town in LA whose name I cannot remember. Another exciting aspect of the trip is that each team member has been assigned a prayer partner. Kathryn Nuttall and Mary Cooke are leading that effort.

A couple of important points are below:
We are going to New Orleans.
We are going to be working with YWAM.

As new information is made available it will be posted.