Tuesday Testimonies 

Okay, so today was an awesome day! We went to Curbonia and I loved it there.  Almost the entire time we were there I was fortunate enough to talk to a man named Brit.  He told me all about his life and how he was in jail for about 25 years but he had never been homeless until now.  Today was only his 15^th day of living on the streets and he felt like God is testing him.  He is such an inspiration to me because he still has ridiculously strong faith and courage in God and he completely understands that God hasn’t abandoned him.  He was explaining how nobody should ever have to live like this and he thinks that what we did by bringing the food and water and then staying for a few hours talking to all of the people will always stay in their minds and they will never forget us.  Then when Emily and I prayed for him he joined in and was admitting that he feels discouraged but he knows that God is always with him and that was such an inspiration for me. 
JBRYCE J
 

Wow I had such a good day but I am glad to be coming home. I have lots of stories to tell.
                        Love ya, Mandy

Well, today was a pretty fun last full day here in New Orleans. I stayed back this morning to send prayers to those who went out to do a prayer walk/cleaning the firehouse and those who went to help Mama Jan with any chores. During our prayer time, Bishop David Shelton stopped by one more time and that kind of gave me an energy boost because I was really tired and about to fall asleep. He is truly one big inspiration to me and I will NEVER forget him. J Later on, we went to Curbonia (waterfront by Miss. River), which was a little nation started by people who have been “kicked off to the side of the curb” and gave them lunch, ministered, and just talked and hung out.  I handed out fleece blankets and the people were really thankful. There was one guy who didn’t get one and now I’m trying my hardest to not disappoint him. While I was talking to him I could feel my heart crumbling for the people there and especially him. I have enjoyed this trip soooo much and I am so thankful for all of the wonderful, unexpected surprises that God gave us throughout the trip. I will miss this place so much and I hope to return one day to continue the growing of the seeds we have planted throughout the city. I am happy that God has given me such a heart of pure compassion for this wonderful city.
~Love,  Rachel J 
 

Hey, today was really cool. Today we went to Curbonia and just chilled with the people there. I met lots of great people who told me all about the rules of their “country”. It was really cool to see how everyone there was a family and cared about each other. The courage in those people was amazing and they were so awesome. I learned that everyone has a special talent. I also met a guy named Catfish. He learned he was dying of cancer a while ago and he was still so alive. It was just cool to talk to him and to pet his dog J.D. who reminded me of Abby. Today was cool and I met a lot of people I won’t ever forget.
-Katie Biniki
 

Yesterday when we were doing our daily prayer about what god wants us to do this day, I didn’t hear anything. Once everybody else had separated into teams Bill prayed with me, and we decided that God wanted me to spend part of the day with him. So I spent the morning reading the bible. The prayer team prayed for me right before lunch and I joined the prayer team after lunch. Last night I went with the group that went to café-du-Mond and ended up going to Curbonia (homeless group of people). I met Tony and Jen, the Queen of Curbonia. Tony used to live in Colorado Springs as an electrical engineer but is now homeless. He has gone through many religions and has decided that all religions, at the base, have two laws.

1. love God
2. love each other

we talked for a while and then I got to talk with Jen for a few minutes. She is a humorously crazy lady who has a heart of gold. All of the Curbonians do. They all make sure that everything the have is evenly distributed. They are also, by necessity, very hard at times. I pray that more people could be like the Curbonians because they have more of the heart of Christ than many Christians.
~John Kreinbring 

**Curbonia** is an area by the Mississippi River where people who feel “kicked to the curb” hang out. It is sweet.

On Saturday, I went to Bourbon street to pass out flowers to the women and anyone who wanted them to minister to them by just being a friendly face. While I was there, I saw this guy sitting down on the street and I really felt like I was supposed to give him a flower and talk to him. The group was moving quickly and I lost my nerve so I didn’t talk to him. Yesterday the opportunity to go back to Bourbon street came up again and I decided to go. I asked God for me to see him again if I was supposed to talk to him, and sure enough, I saw him sitting down again. So I went and talked to him. His name was Brian and he was perhaps the coolest person I have ever met. He is 19 and one day just decided to pick up and leave his home to travel. We talked for half an hour or so and it was super enjoyable. I am so glad I did no pass up the chance to meet Brian with his curly Mohawk and rockin’ cool personality. I hope he travels to Denver and I meet him again. PRAISE JESUS!
    ~      Meredith 

MONDAY’S TESTIMONIES

 Today was a powerful day of ministry for our group and it had a huge impact on me. This morning we did a sports ministry by just showing up at a park and playing some football and basketball. Three kids showed up and we spent much of the morning with them. Then a few of us had the opportunity to walk the neighborhoods and talk to some people which was a powerful way of relational evangelism. Then we had lunch and had the opportunity to walk on the boardwalk handing out water and talking to people. Yesterday at Tent City (homeless people who live under a bridge in tents) I met both Kevin and Matthew, but left focusing more on Kevin. Today along the river we saw Matthew again and I was able to remember his name and pray and talk to him again. God really showed up to me in this and made me realize that everybody is important to him. Matthew also called us “his guardian angels.” Then we continued on our way and met the homeless people of “Curbonia.” (Curbonia meaning that they are homeless people that have been kicked to the curb of the street) I had the opportunity to talk and meet to Joe, Corey, and Tony. Joe and Corey shared their life stories and were a real encouragement to me. As I was leaving Corey said to me, “I will never forget you,” which made me realize how powerful and impactful just bringing water and Jesus’ love is to the people of New Orleans. It was an awesome day of ministry and God teaching me lessons.
-=N[i]C=-

 Today I was on the pray team with Carson, Logan, David, John, Joni, Justin, and Lynett. We stayed back at Firehouse ministries while the other teams went out and talked to people. The things we prayed about were safety, courage, strength, etc. It was really awesome. We prayed the whole day while they did all this. I felt like it helped because of the stories that the teams would come back and tell us about. They were amazing. God has worked in so many ways while on this trip. He is so amazing. We really felt God talking to us while we prayed for those teams. We have really come to make disciples of men and women while in New Orleans. It’s so awesome to hear about people coming back and telling us how they impacted some ones life and totally turned there life upside down after we prayed for them. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us tomorrow and times to come.
*IaN CoNnEr* 

To start out, when this trip started out I was very worried because no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t hear God’s voice.  Then when we started doing listening prayer each morning, I began to get this image of a bunch of us students playing at a park with the kids in that area.  Finally this morning, that image that God placed in my mind came to be a reality.  Nick, Justin, Michael, Rachel, Aaron, Carson, Jake, and I went down to an old abandoned school to do some sports ministry.  Even though only a few kids came to play, it was still awesome and tons of fun!  Bryan, Ron, and Keron were the ones who came out to play with us, and they were totally in to whatever we were doing.  We played football, basketball, and Frisbee with them.  I was so excited when I found out that this ministry would actually be possible and I am sure that we planted some seeds inside those boys during our time with them.  I can’t believe that this trip is ending soon, it is sad L.  
JBRYCEJ

Hey All!  So today I felt that the Lord was calling me to stay back and pray for the teams that were heading out.  We prayed for the team that went to Bourbon St. and one team that went to an abandoned school for sports ministry and then they went to walk the Mississippi and handed out water.  However we had a team of 6 or so that stayed back and prayed for the whole day.  That surprisingly took a lot out of me physically and mentally.  We stayed back to read the bible and prayed for these teams.  For the first half of the day we mainly focused on praying for the team down on Bourbon St.  However for the 2^nd half of the day I broke away and decided to pray for each individual from our youth group that wasn’t here and then all of the people we met over the past two days.  Wow that had to be the most exhausting thing that I have ever done, took about 3 hrs.  I took a little time to praise Him and that rejuvenated me for the rest of the time praying with the team.  I was happy when everyone returned okay from their trips out today.  It was made worth it when they came back and thanked everyone who had spent the day praying.
Your Brother in Christ,
David Bearss

Hey all! Today God spoke to me and I felt that God was calling me to Bourbon St. again. Then comes HOBO JIM riding his bike down the street.  If you don’t know who HOBO JIM is, read the testimonies you will find out. We then went to Washington square park and ministered to the “Gypsies.” The People that we came across first were “Happy” and Erin (and their dog; Rose) they were the nicest people. We ended up buying all of the homeless in the park Rally Hamburgers and ice cold WATER.
~Dallas Jenney~

This morning I stayed back at our “home” to pray. I’ve never done anything like that so the whole experience was so interesting! We entered the battlefield armed with our Bible, our voices, and some songs. We prayed against Satan and the spirits of discouragement. But what I thought was really interesting, was how Logie-Bear (Logan, it’s NOT pronounced loogie) brought up how even when we’re praying, we still need to praise the Lord, which is so true for our lives. Then later in the day, I felt that I was being led to do some water ministry (handing out water and ministering to people) on the water front of the Mississippi River in the French Quarter of New Orleans. It was so much fun giving people water and watching the incredulous looks on their faces and sharing the love of Christ with them.
Amy (Lomo) 

Tonight (Monday 8:30 p.m. – 11:30 P.M.) we had the opportunity to go back to “Curbonia” and reunite with some of the homeless people we met this afternoon. It was so encouraging for them to see us and talk to us again. We had the opportunity to talk and minister to them. We went and bought burgers, fries, and water for all of them. It was powerful to hear other people’s stories and what circumstances brought them to living on the streets. One guy, Jason, was laid off from work after a take over, went to Indonesia for two years, then came back and had his wallet stolen his third day back. Dallas and I had the opportunity to talk to him and also have intelligent conversation with him about Jesus even though he was Agnostic.
(((((((((((NIC)))))))

After a day of intercessory prayer with several of the students who completely blew me away with their prayers, discernment and hearts for  God (and I mean an entire day of prayer!) several of us went to the River Walk after dinner. It was so beautiful to meet these humble people (homeless people) who have lost everything. We bought them dinner and they were so grateful. It was so amazing to hear their stories. What a blessing it was to just love on them. A group of us had met them (“Curbonian’s”) earlier in the day so groundwork had already been laid for us to just be able to share and talk to them. We truly fell in love with these people. Hopefully we will see them again today. God has stretched us and challenged us and met us every step of the way. He is so faithful!!!  Love you Mandee!!! JOni

Saturday/Sunday update: 

Last night (Friday night) the entire group went out to a local café for coffee and French doughnuts. When we were walking back, we decided to sing some worship songs. When we got back to one of the vans a man on a bike, Willie, showed up and started singing. He then led us through three southern worship songs and amazing grace. We sung for him the song Undignified. He is a follower who spends lots of time going around the city doing the Lord’s will. He gave us a lot of encouragement when he talked to us. Today I helped a group of students finish working on Bishop Shelton’s church. The Lord has led us to many people who love the Lord, and I hope and pray that he will lead me to many more.
~John Kreinbring

O Praise Him!! Bless Him!! Put Your Name On It!!! Wow goodness gracious, God has worked so much this trip!!! On Friday God showed me a vision or image during listening prayer of a little girl being spun around by one of us, and kids coloring with chalk. Yesterday and today I went down to Bishop David Shelton’s church with a group to help clean up his courtyard and railing. Bishop Shelton is so enthusiastic about his relationship with God. Everything he talks about is God’s amazing works. It is so inspiring and refreshing to be around such a Spirit driven man. Mama Jan was the same way. Truly filled with the Holy Spirit so much that every room they enter is Joyful in the Lord!!

This afternoon, Ian, Michael, Amy, Joni, and I went around Bishop Shelton’s church’s neighborhood to pass around flyers for a barbeque we are hosting tomorrow at the church. We saw a lot of people who were so excited for the barbeque. One lady in particular looked extremely strung out and just tired with life, came out to get a flyer. She was so excited and as she walked away she said “Aw, ya’ back in da’ hood. If da hol’ hood know ‘bout da’ barbeque, dey all be ther’.” It was so cool to see somebody so excited about a free meal, you could tell she was so blessed by our invitation. Then, later on this afternoon, the very last house we went to, God showed me why he wanted me to go to Bishop Shelton’s today. I knocked on the door, and immediately little tiny paddy patters went scrambling on the floor and a little voice said “I got it! I got it!” I stood there for a minute smiling. Then another minute went by and the door was still jiggling like it was trying to be unlocked but wouldn’t work. Yet, another minute went by, and I got discouraged that the door would never open. Then the door swings open and there stands a mom on the phone and a little girl, with her hair fresh out of corn rows, huge jewel earrings, a white one-sie un-buttoned at the bottom with her diaper showing. She stood in the doorway smiling the biggest little smile and yelled “HI!!!” and waving frantically. She jumped from her doorway, down 4 stairs, and lands in my arms, hugging me panda bear style! She was giggling and laughing and smiling and I just held her. I put her down to hand her mom a flyer and she jumped right back up on me. She started sliding so I caught her with my hands under her armpits, and instinctively started spinning her around. That laugh that came out of her mouth, and that smile that stretched across her face, that glow in her eyes. She showed me hope. She showed me joy. She was that vision God gave me yesterday morning. She was the reason God wanted me to go to that church and hand out flyers. God is surprisingly, inconceivably amazingly good.
–Susie B. 

Today we had the opportunity to bless two ladies in the lower Ninth. We felt God calling us down there to help in any way possible and when we passed these ladies the opportunity to minister presented itself. We helped mow their waist high lawns, weed eat and clear out an overgrown side walk. It was hard work in the sun and we had sweat pouring down our faces, but we really blessed these two single ladies. It was awesome to hear their story and also see the inside of the rebuilt houses.
Love~nicbreenandmattbiniki ;-) 

Today a team of six and I went down to the famous Bourbon street. It’s known for having very sketchy shops. We felt lead by God to go there. We went with sharpened “swords” and strength in the spirit. We handed out beautiful white flowers and talked to several of the people working in shops or people just passing by. In the midst of darkness God sent us to be a light to the lost people. I felt we accomplished that. We also encountered believers on the street and we prayed with them and heard their stories. This was a pretty hard task that I personally was afraid of. Prayer in the morning really helped me. Justin prayed the whole day and a team in the afternoon also stayed back and prayed for us while we were out. We didn’t have any rough encounters and God’s hand protected us. We kept our eyes fixed on God. This was a very sketchy thing to be doing, but the lives we touched were what mattered. It was very spiritually draining. My prayer is that the total seven of us be renewed by God and replenished to finish the good work we have done down here in New Orleans. Today was a good day. Thank you for your prayers.
 <Aaron Zitek>
 

Sunday

Today Matt, Jake, and Aaron, got to reunite with a hobo we met on Friday. His name is Hobo Jim. The meeting was glorious. His face, beard and all, lit up when he saw the three of us. Hobo Jim cares for people and spends his days sitting by the road with a sign that reads, “SMILE and have a good day- Hobo Jim J.” His sign was taken away from him by the police today L. Hobo Jim knows Jesus and loves life. He was truly a great guy to meet. He also gave us some Hobo Jim memorabilia signed Hobo Jim.
 Sincerely, 
Us…..long live Hobo Jim. J

Today Nic and Aaron got to go to tent city and meet a homeless man. His name is Kevin. The meeting was spectacular. He enjoyed the hot dogs and hamburgers we provided him and really opened up when we talked to him. He told us his life story and we were able to share Jesus’ truth to a fellow believer. He was truly a great guy to meet. He also gave us some wise words from his experiences.
Sincerely,
Us…..long live Hobo Jim and Kevin’s 4.7 second 40

Today was a great day out here in New Orleans.  I have been praying about this trip for awhile and God had laid it on my heart to set up a barbeque and invite the neighborhood to join us.  Well for the past two days we have been working at a church for a man named Bishop David Shelton, or Big Daddy.  Big Daddy was having trouble repairing his church, well he is 84 years old and he is still a great preacher thoguh.  Anyway, we helped him weed out his property, literally.  He gave Bryce a weed-hacker and John and I got an edger and it died. We used WD-40 and a lighter on the rest. : )  WHOO!  Ok getting back to the point, as we worked for Big Daddy he offered us his church to host a barbeque and I was ecstatic.  So we set it up sent out flyers and started cooking hot dogs, hamburgers and beans the next day.  We had maybe about 30-45 people show up between 4pm-6pm, I honestly was hoping for a lot more, we bought 200 hamburgers and 80 hot dogs.  But God really showed me, the first couple of families or couples that showed up we had the opportunity to pray for them and we did.  A quote came to mind, “You can convert by the hundreds but only affect 10 of them enough to change their minds to Him.”  I truly believe that we affected these chosen by God today and I hope that each and every one of them walked away happier than when they came to us today.  It was a good day and I can’t wait to see what He has in store for us on Monday and Tuesday. 
Your Brother in Christ,
David Bearss

Well, let’s see…this morning I went to Bishop David Shelton’s church for the church service. This guy is such a wonderful, beautiful man who is SO passionate for the Lord.  Just the way he speaks is so powerful. Everything he says is just booming like the voice of God, and earlier during our end-of-the-day prayer I said he was like an eagle whose words from God were soaring into everyone’s hearts who listen to him speak. I truly am thankful that I met him on this trip. It’s just the way he impacted me through the words God gave him to say that inspired me to just crack open the Bible whenever he did during the service. Now for the barbeque today, I was so happy to serve anyone who came. We later found out that someone else down the street was having an “even better” barbeque, but I said that I was thankful for everyone who came to ours and they were all worth it. Then later on we took the leftover hot dogs, hamburgers, drinks, and baked beans to Tent City to feed to the homeless. It was cool cause when we got there, there was empty containers and boxes, and used silverware everywhere of food that other people had brought. It was neat to see that other people cared as much as we do about the well-being of these people. But anyway, when we got there with the food, everybody there was swarming us and was awesome to see some stick around and talk to us. On Friday, I was at Tent City as well, and I met this guy named Bill. He rode his bike here from Tampa, FL to help build up houses after Katrina. But then, he got his all his stuff stolen and became homeless. We prayed for him that he would get offered a job, because he said he was never giving up. Then today we found him again and he said that he was offered a paint job. We prayed that he can follow through with it. So that’s my day, and I can’t wait to see what else God will be doing.
~Rachel Kuhl

Today we had a cookout at Bishop Shelton’s church, but afterward we still had a lot of food leftover, so we went down to tent city, which is a group of tents under an overpass. While I was there I was working the drink cooler and after the crowd died down this guy comes up and starts telling me his story. His name was Hykee (I have no idea if I spelled that right). He told me that after the hurricane he lost everything and he can’t get a job and is having trouble supporting his wife, two daughters, and grandchildren. He still hoped and trusted that God had a plan for him, but he was really discouraged because his prayers hadn’t been answered yet. My heart really went out to this man as he described his situation because the whole world was working against him, yet he still had hope and kept on fighting. I pray that God blesses him and provides for his family. Keep Hykee in your prayers.
~Logan Smith

So today we had a BBQ at Bishop Shelton’s church. The problem was that was another BBQ right down the street. We touched many lives with our BBQ,but we had a lot of food left over. So we went to Tent City (homeless people that live in a tent under a bridge) to hand out the extras. On Friday I went down there and met many people. One person I met was Bill. He saw the destruction from the hurricane and rode his bike 900 miles. All of his stuff got stolen and now he is homeless. I prayed with a few others for him to get a job. Today when I saw him he told me that he may have a job. I prayed for him today with a few others too. It amazes me how God works at different times.
-Katie Biniki

Today was the BBQ at Pastor Bishop Shelton’s Church. He told us that we had to serve them instead of letting them serve themselves. I really wanted to help grill the hamburgers and hotdogs but one thing that disappointed me a lot, was the fact that I couldn’t because of this mono thing but I got to bless people with the lemonade and water. It was also a blessing to me a lot. After that we served the homeless by asking random questions that were relevant to life in general. It was nice to serve the people that don’t normally get attention.
~Dallas Jenney~
MONO MAN 

Ministry has been very real and authentic this past week as we have been able to love on those in need and share the love of Christ with everyone we come in contact with.  God has been speaking to us in powerful ways and has been leading us to people he wants us to minister to.  Thank you for your prayers, we have two full days (Monday and Tuesday) of ministry left, continue to pray that we would continue to clearly hear the Lord’s voice as he directs us to new ministries these last two days. 
 Randy Stensgard
|Student Ministry Pastor

Saturday:

Unfortunately the internet service is down and Randy was not able to send any pictures.  But he said they had another great day of ministry!  Mowing widow's waist high grass, handing out flowers on Bourbon street and sharing Jesus, and inviting a neighborhood to a barbeque on Sunday.  Oh, and word has it that Mandy Mol ate a cockroach this evening!  (Sorry Lisa!)  I can't wait to hear how that came about - and they got it on video!
~ Linda
 

NEW ORLEANS'S WEBSITE UPDATES:

Friday’s Update:

 Even though I’ve only been in New Orleans for two days, God has worked in big ways in my life. Yesterday, we visited Mama Jan’s ministry to get us fired up for missions work, and while I was praying I asked God to make what breaks His heart break mine. After that I couldn’t stop bawling. God loves the people of this city so much and He feels their pain and their hurt. It filled me with compassion for these people as I started to comprehend just how much God loves all of us. How can I stand by idly after experiencing that? I know that God has a lot in store for us in New Orleans and I’m excited to see where he guides this week.
~Logan Smith

Yesterday was very fun and interesting, going around town and giving all we have during worship at Mama Jan’s house (some times I cried).  After the outlook that we all got on the city, it really set some foundation for what would do today.  I find it so amazing how so much happened in so short of time. Today, after praying to see where I should go today, I went to Tent City, which is where homeless people stay in tents under a bridge.  We gave them all water and cookies, and then had some conversations and prayed for some people.  I find it so amazing how I saw these people react, and some told me they will never give up.  They were so thankful and I really felt God there giving them hope, and keeping them safe. Their stories were really touching, and most of them were wearing crosses on their neck. I thank God so much for making my experience here so far  a great one, and I am really excited for the rest of the week to see what else He’s got up His sleeve for us.
~Rachel Kuhl 

 Yesterday was an amazing experience. I got to interact with Mama Jan, who is crazy for the Lord. She challenged us to stop being ‘dead-heads’ in all parts of our lives. She led us in a worship session that was unlike any I have felt before. She also led us in giving ourselves to God entirely. Many of us, including me, were bawling partway through. That event is truly indescribable. Since those few hours with her I have been more outgoing and courageous. Today helped Bishop David Shelton rebuild his church. This was a much more earthly form of doing Gods will that I enjoyed. I have experienced two different forms of expressing Gods will, and I look forward to experiencing more.
~John Kreinbring

 Today was a great day. My group got a chance to help Pastor Sherman rebuild parts of his church. It was a great experience. He is such an amazing guy and has such a HUGE heart for Jesus Christ. We helped rebuild the railing on the upper level, the floor boards on the upper level as well. We weeded and sawed away at wood. He was so grateful to have us there to help him work. After we finished up we sang some songs and prayed for people. God is working in so many ways through me and everybody else around me. And I can’t wait to see what he has in store for tomorrow and the week ahead. I am so glad that God called me to go on this mission’s trip. ~Ian Conner

So today, I mowed the lawn at the old abandon Church the lower ninth ward. Which may not seem like a lot of work, but for the kid that has mono, its pretty hard work. Last night I was praying to God to show me why he brought me here with mono which I must add is a royal pain. But, I’m getting through it. It just wipes you out and you feel like all of your muscles are powerless. I also know that god has a plan for me on this trip and I cannot wait for it to unfold
~Dallas Jenney~
 Mono Man

 Thursday’s update:

Thursday was a great day of laying the foundation for what the Lord has in store for our team from Centennial Covenant Church.  We took a tour of the city, prayed over some of the area’s and church’s.  Being here in New Orleans finally really makes everything real as we prepare to minister tomorrow (Friday).  Today we had an awesome worship service with Mama Janice, she runs a ministry for the down and out and is bearing incredible fruit.  Many of our students were touched by Jesus in a fresh new way today, it’s as if God breathed new life into our team, wow, what a way to start the trip!!

Friday we are anticipating hearing from the Lord as to where he would want us to go and minister and who he wants us to minister to.  We can’t wait!!

Randy Stensgard
Student Ministry Pastor

 Today we went around the town. We went to the Ninth Ward and the French Quarter. It was a real eye opener. God really showed up today to our entire group. We met a woman named Mama Janice, she is a real neat lady. Mama Janice showed many of us Christianity in a whole new light and perspective. Today mainly consisted of meeting people and seeing locations, so that God would have the opportunity to speak to us through listening prayer. The place we are staying at has AC so its verrrrrry niiiice!
With Love,
            M4TT 8!N!K!, JU5T1N W1L50N, N!C 8R33N

 It’s me Mandy!! I have to write to you on the computer because my cell phone got taken away.  (I disobeyed and brought it with, so it got taken away.) I am having a great time so far even though it is really hot, but I am thankful that our room we are staying in has AC. So far I think my whole body has been detoxed and I have lost about 20 pounds for the road trip!! Today we walked around the ninth ward and it was very sad to see all the damage that still remains.  I am very excited to see what the Lord has in store for us. I love you all very much. I haven’t even complained once which means I’m getting ice cream on Randy. Yay Me! Anyways talk to you later.
Heart you, Mandy

 Well today we met two of the most inspirational people I have ever met in my life. Mama Jan, who has gone to hell and back, now runs one of the best ministries I have ever experienced. And Bishop David, almost 84 years old, acts as if he is 4 years old and he is desperately in love with The Father.
Love,
Jakey-Poo 

 It has been so amazing here. Today I felt God speak to me and through me. I’ve never felt so close to God before in such a way. Today we met Mama Jan, and she was such an inspirational and powerful woman. The way she praised God was so AMAZING. It’s pretty nice here. Hot and humid. Makes my hair stand out better J Lover,
Ian Bo Bian

Hello!
Canada is awesome so far. Mountain climbing has been he best thus far. Well actually we’re in New Orleans. Today we spent time laying some ground work and getting a tour of the field. Its very different having been raised as a white suburb sheltered child. But outside of comfort zones are good. One person that we met that really impacted me was Mama Jan. She is one awesome, on fire individual for God. In the time we were spending in worship she was walking around to everyone and praying for them and when she came to me she said, “haven’t you been asking for this for a long time?” I answered yes, I had been asking and looking for a real encounter with God, and she said that it is time to it all go and just drink up His presence. Then I laid on the floor and drank up. After all that, she said that God had told her that I was in need of being touched by God. And she was right, God was telling her. It was a moving experience and this is only the first day! There is so much in store for us on this trip. So that’s day one for me.
<Aaron Zitek>

Our adventure started last fall when we began praying that God would reveal to us if we were to go on a mission trip although we had not decided on the destination.  After this first step in faith it became clear that New Orleans was to be our destination.  We are partnering with Adventures In Missions on our trip. We will engage God in listening prayer and trust that He will speak to us and lead us in our daily ministry.

POSSIBLE MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES IN NEW ORLEANS:

• Listening Prayer

• Prayer Walks

• Evangelism

• Work Projects

• Meeting felt needs of others

• Ministry in a church

• Sharing our testimonies and the gospel

• Ministering to the poor and needy

• VBS

2008 New Orleans Mission Trip Team:

1.   Bearss, David
2.   Beblavi, Bryce
3.   Biniki, Katie
4.   Biniki, Matt
5.   Bissett, Susan
6.   Breen, Amy
7.   Breen, Nic
8.   Clark, Michael
9.   Conner, Ian
10.  Greenhaw, Carson – Staff
11.  Higgins, Meredith
12.  Hinkle, Emily – Staff
13.  Jenney, Dallas
14.  Kreinbring, John
15.  Kuhl, Rachel
16.  Mol, Mandy
17.  Mramor, Joni - Staff
18.  Nice, Jake
19.  Nice, Lynette - Staff
20.  Smith, Logan
21.  Stensgard, Randy - Staff
22.  Wilson, Justin
23.  Zitek, Aaron

New Orleans Team #1

1. Randy Stengard
2. Bryce Beblavi
3. Aaron Zitek
4. Jake Nice
5. Ian Conner
6. Logan Smith
7. Mandy Mol

New Orleans Team #2

1. Carson Greenhaw
2. Joni Mramor
3. Justin Wilson
4. David Bearss
5. Michael Clark
6. John Kreinbring
7. Amy Breen
8. Rachel Kuhl

 New Orleans Team #3

1. Lynette Nice
2. Emily Hinkle
3. Matt Biniki
4. Nic Breen
5. Dallas Jenney
6. Susie Bissett
7. Katie Biniki
8. Meredith Higgins

Randy's Team


Carson and Joni's Team


Lynette and Emily's Team

Wednesday, July 9 – Leave for New Orleans

• Meet at DIA at 10:30 a.m.
• Meet in front of the Air Tran Check-in area at DIA
• Flight leaves at 1:05 p.m.
• Bring Picture I.D. for airport security and flights
• Parents are responsible for getting their student to and from the airport
  on the day we leave on July 9^th and when we arrive back on July 16^th

Thursday, July 10 – Tuesday, July 15

• Ministry in New Orleans

Wednesday, July 16 – Leave New Orleans for Denver

• Flight arrives in Denver at 10:55 p.m.
• Parents are responsible for Picking up their student from the airport
  on the day arrive back on July 16^th