Why Go To Mardi Gras?
I have been going to New Orleans, during Mardi Gras, for over 25 years. I know men and women that have been going longer than that. Why is it that thousands of Christians have felt the call to go to New Orleans over the past 30 years? There is no other event or outreach where so many believers have felt the urgency to visit and share the Gospel in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. The Lord is up to something and I am completely convinced that He never wastes our time. God’s desire is to save and rescue as many as will turn to Him. While we have seen miracles year after year, I believe a great move of God is still waiting for New Orleans. Why else would He be sending thousands there every year to preach the Gospel?
We, as Christians, must do everything in our power to see the hearts of men changed by the Gospel. Mardi Gras provides an ideal destination due to the millions of people who visit from all across this nation and throughout the world. Even with the large number of people flocking to the French Quarter, in the heart of New Orleans, most have no thought or interest in pursuing a relationship with the Lord. However, as soon as we gather on Boubon Street holding signs with questions, such as “Do you need prayer?” or “Is there only One True God?”, many will stand in line waiting to talk with us. There are a few who will curse and mock us, but there are many who are hurting, broken and looking for answers to life’s biggest questions. There are few opportunities in our nation like Mardi Gras which offers the ability to share The Gospel with as many people as possible within just a few days.
Last year, during Mardi Gras, the Lord put on my heart to read Jeremiah chapter 7 in front of the famous Saint Louis Cathedral in the French quarter. As I read, our team saw an incredible display of demonic activity. In a matter of a few minutes a major riot almost broke out. Some on my team thought we were going to be attacked. A couple of men thought they were going to have to tackle one man as he ran at me with his violin raised, ready to hit me with all his might. However, as he approached me, something more powerful than all those demons stopped him from hitting me. Thankfully, we serve a mighty God who never sends us out on our own.
This is part of what I read from Jeremiah:
“For if you truly amend your ways and deeds, if you truly practice justice, between a man and his neighbor, if you do not oppress the alien, the orphan, or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place, nor walk after other gods to your own ruin, then I will let you dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers forever and ever.” Jeremiah 7:5-7
Let’s take a look at what the Lord is telling us in this passage;
- He is telling us that our behavior needs to change. We should all want justice. None of us should want this nation to oppress the alien (immigrants), orphans (literally fatherless children), widows (single parent moms). We should treat our neighbor like we would want to be treated.
- We should not want to see innocent children be murdered on our streets, but we have done nothing to put a stop the incredible violence that is taking place in our inner cities.
- We should all want this nation to follow the only One True God, instead of accepting other gods who lead us down a path that will destroy us. Most Americans do not know the difference between the God of the Bible and Allah, even though it is easy to see the different fruit produced by following a false god.
- Since this nation was founded by believers coming here in order to escape religious persecution, I believe the Bible can be applied to America, just as it was directed to Israel. It is the Lord God who established this nation and gave it to our forefathers. The Lord gives and the Lord can take away.
This chapter, from Jeremiah, contains many more warnings than what I just went over. The Lord warns about committing acts such as: adultery, swearing falsely and stealing. This passage also includes the Lord accusing church leadership of robbing their congregations by proclaiming that we are all okay and do not need to worry about our bad behavior (see verses 10-15).
All I was doing, in front of that church in the French Quarter, was reading the Bible. Satan does not want anyone hearing the Word of God because it teaches us how we should behave and most important of all, reveals His plan of salvation for our life and our nation. He has an incredible hold on the vast majority of Americans and he does not want to lose his grip. There are many in the church who talk about spiritual warfare, but those who chose to enter the harvest fields are the ones actively engaged in the battle.
Will this be the year you join us?
This outreach is not for everyone, but if you ever wanted to do something tangible to help rescue our nation from destruction, I cannot think of a better plan of action. We plan on leaving Flower Mound, Texas, Thursday, February 27 at 7:00am and returning Tuesday March 4 around 8:00pm. The cost this year will be $400.00 and will include all transportation, room and board, and about 15 of the 21 meals. You will need at least $60.00-$100.00 for spending money throughout the week as well. The $400.00 is due no later than February 8. For those of you who cannot come for the entire week and plan on using your own transportation or plan on flying in, the cost is $320.00.
For those of you who will be joining us, or if you want more information, we ask that you attend our evangelism prayer and training meetings scheduled for Saturday, December 28th and Saturday, January 11th. Both meetings will start at 6.00pm with dinner, followed by prayer and biblical training on personal evangelism. If you are thinking about joining us, you need to make a strong effort to make at least one of these initial meetings. By the time we leave at the end of February, we will make sure you are ready. All in all, we will have a minimum of 6 meetings prior to going. These prayer and training meetings are an essential part of our preparation for this trip. If you are interested in attending these meetings prior to leaving, you may contact me for further details. Attending these meetings does not mean that you have made up your mind to go with us, but you will definitely be exposed to a group of believers who are serious about sharing the Gospel with non believers.
How can you help us get ready?
Whether you are able or unable to join us this year, we ask that you prayerfully consider the following needs:
- Sponsor someone.
As a ministry committed to helping place believers on the front line, we have supported countless individuals over the years. Your aid in this area means we have greater freedom in using our funds for ministry and supplies. Every year we have among us strongly gifted evangelists who make incredible financial sacrifices to leave their jobs and homes to take the Gospel to the streets. Your financial aid helps alleviate some of the financial stress that so often follows many evangelists as they answer His call. Friends of this ministry, over the years, have helped send many to New Orleans. - Donate towards food & supplies.
Donations are welcomed and needed as we plan on passing out thousands of tracks and feeding hundreds throughout the week. Our trip also includes general costs involved with such an outreach, such as van rentals, gasoline, and the rental cost of the awesome home we stay at that is provided to us by YWAM (Youth with a mission). You can make a donation today to help us by clicking othis link: donate through PayPal. If you would prefer to mail a check or even Wal-Mart gift cards that we can use to purchase food when we arrive, you can do so to:
Executing His Word
PO Box 294245
Lewisville, TX 75029 - PRAY. PRAY. PRAY.
Although the financial needs are great for a mission trip like this, we must have fellow laborers praying now and during the trip. Please commit to praying for divine appointments, health and safety of our team, and that we would have an abundance of everything we need so that we can accomplish everything the Lord has for us. Additionally, be praying for our nation, the city of New Orleans, and our brothers and sisters that will join in the work of the Gospel during this outreach. The testimony concerning the reading of Jeremiah Chapter 7 reveals the incredible importance of prayer. There are many friends of this ministry that have been part of this outreach over the years who have helped cover us with prayer. Without serious intercessors, who seek the Lord on our behalf, we realize we would not see the incredible miracles and fruit that takes place while working the streets of New Orleans. If you would like to commit to pray for us, please let me know and I will put you in touch with individuals who will have the responsibility to stay in touch with you to inform you, on a daily basis, of specific needs that arise while we are there.
This is an extraordinary opportunity to become part of Executing His Word to thousands of hurting and confused people who are on a path that will lead to their destruction. We would love for you to become involved. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you and God bless,
Nelson Ligon
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