The Lord is putting together an army to return to New Orleans this Summer from July 9-17, 2016. Our group is made up of men, women, and children that are compelled to go because we have been redeemed. In being redeemed we have been given the mission to tell others that God can redeem them as well:
Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the adversary Psalm 107:2 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
So many people in America have lost hope of having a good life. The pleasures of sin have infiltrated our society with a twisted view of what living “the good life” really is. As a result, many are left empty by pleasures that only last a season. Whether due to a strangling hold of sin or because they’ve never been told, many are living hopeless lives unaware that Jesus died so that they could live an abundant and victorious life.
As we enter the lower 9th Ward of New Orleans, we enter an area overcome by gangs, prostitution, violence, and drug addiction. We see children of all ages trying to survive while dad spends his days drinking alcohol and mom markets her body in hopes of funding her own drug habits. Young boys are forced to sell drugs by men who threaten to murder their families if they don’t do as their told. Meanwhile, young girls are hardened by the things done in secret to them. Innocence is lost to hearts filled with fear and hatred.
No matter how bleak the reality may be, every time we go to New Orleans we see God change lives, save souls, and spark a new hope for a great future. Our goal in going is to see hurting, discouraged people encounter Jesus Christ and be born into the Kingdom of God so that they might be free from the restraints of sin and able to live in God’s mercy and grace. What an honor it is to see God rescue the precious young people from Satan’s grip and watch Him save and deliver those without purpose in their adult years.
If you believe the Lord is calling you to be part of this outreach, here are some ways you can be involved:
- GO WITH US
Total cost per person is $400.00 for the full trip which includes transportation, lodging, and 85% of all meals. If you cannot come for the full 9 days, contact us and let’s see if we can’t make something work. Don’t let fear or unbelief try to stop you – take a step of faith if you believe you are supposed to go. - PRAY FOR US
We need intercessors to pray over our time of preparation, the entire time we are in New Orleans, and also after we return.
Pray for protection and health, that the Holy Spirit would begin softening hearts, for safe travels, divine appointments, and that the Lord would supply all our needs and the needs of the community we serve. - FINANCIALLY SUPPORT US
+ The truth is that $400.00 is an expense that isn’t easy for everyone to swallow. We want to make sure that everyone who feels called to be part of this outreach is able to.
+ Part of the outreach includes serving food and drinks to the community through cookouts. While we are able to serve many in this capacity, there are many more without food in the area. While we welcome funds to purchase food, we have also found gift cards to local fast food restaurants to be helpful.
+ We want to be a blessing to our host church Abiding Temple and also to Youth With A Mission New Orleans who owns the house we lodge in. Both ministries are incredibly supportive to our efforts.If you would like to aid in supporting financially you can do so by clicking this link: donate through PayPal, or you can contact me directly at 972.724.7800.
As part of our preparation we will be holding prayer meetings on the following dates that you are welcome to attend:
- Saturday night June 18th
6:00-9:00 PM - Saturday morning June 25th
6:00-9:00 PM - Saturday night July 2nd
6:00-9:00 PM
I want to end this by restating Psalm 107:2 but this time from the New Living Translation:
Has the LORD redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies. Psalm 107:2 New Living Translation (NLT)
Thank you and God bless,
Nelson Ligon
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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