She saw God joining the generations together to reach out in this time.  In fact, she said that while both generations had zeal and enthusiasm, what made this generation different was that, unlike ours, they were willing to listen - they were actively seeking out wisdom, godly leadership, and the experience of those who had 'been there'.

The second thing I saw was that God is God, even in unimaginable circumstances.  As I was exposed to the utter devastation in New Orleans, I was overwhelmed with a sense of complete inadequacy.  Here was a city of people whose every sense of 'normal' had been ripped from the guts of their lives.  In one moment, everything and anything that made a community was overthrown - whole neighborhoods were gone, material possessions were taken away, landmarks were swallowed, schools vanished, churches were destroyed, jobs were gone.  I wondered how I could possibly answer anyone who might ask me, "Why?"  No problem I had ever experienced in my life could even come close, so I couldn't even provide the comfort of 'knowing how you feel'.  Still, time and time again we heard from those who had lived through the flood and would give bold testimony to God's faithfulness in its midst.

I can quote Scripture and tell you 'what the Bible says' about tragedy and God's sovereignty.  But there is a purity and an awe-inspiring beauty in hearing a worship leader who had lost every earthly thing exhort us to praise God, "Because He is worthy."

One of my favorite people that I met in New Orleans was Miss Angie.  Angie was sitting out on the front stoop of her house when our group came through the neighborhood inviting people to a BBQ that evening. (The Missions House where we stayed sponsored a weekly outreach where they would invite the entire neighborhood to a free BBQ, as a way to build relationships, rebuild a sense of community, and provide opportunities to share the love of Jesus Christ in word and deed as God provided the openings.  Our group grilled the burgers, set up, and served for that night's event.)  She was head of the unofficial 'neighborhood watch' and she checked us out to make sure we were OK for her neighbors.  When I met her, I immediately liked her - she was gruff and edgy and 'earthy' - she was 'real', and not afraid to say what she thought, even if her method of saying it wasn't what I was used to in my middle-class suburban church crowd.  Yes, I knew the Bible story and could quote the same Scripture, but there was something magnificent and worshipful about hearing this street-wise individual who had lived through the destruction of New Orleans say, "Satan meant it for evil, but God means it for good - we just have to watch and see what He's doing in it."

Another ASIDE: Ever notice how it wasn't Joseph's Dad, or Joseph's brothers, or even those who watched Joseph who said 'God meant it for good'?  That revelation came to the one who had actually walked through the middle of the trials and tribulations!  (see Gen 50:20).

So, I never did feel like I had an adequate answer for any New Orleans residents who might ask me 'why?'  But I came home with an answer for those in Maryland who ask 'why?’, from the mouths of those in New Orleans.

I wish I could say that the flood so changed the city that everyone was humble and open to the Gospel.  In truth, the flood and trials magnified the extremes - I saw hard people, hopeless people, and people humbled and broken, all of whom need the love of Christ, some of whom are more open than others.

The third thing I saw over and over was the impact of the Church being the Church.  The speaker our first night mentioned how the local paper’s front page headline two days ago had been about all the church groups who had been in and through New Orleans to help with the rebuilding effort.  Two years after the storm, the local residents felt like the government had abandoned them, everyone else had forgotten them, but the missions groups and the churches were still coming and still rebuilding.  While we were in New Orleans, the local paper had another front-page article about faith-based organizations helping with rebuilding.  This was not some movement lead by a great national leader, but a tidal wave of ordinary Christians doing their part in small bits and pieces, and it was enough to make even the secular media sit up and take notice.  This ‘nameless faceless army’ included over 700 different youth, serving with several different agencies, just in the week we were there.

One contractor donating his time and experience to the rebuilding effort said he had personally overseen 22,000 volunteer church youth in his time serving in the city since the flood.  (He also mentioned that, in all that time, the only injuries were that one person stepped on a nail and one girl had a scraped knee – another testimony to God’s faithfulness in watching over His people, TGBTG!)

Ann,

What a great testimony! Thank you so much for being real and caring enough about us to share your personal struggles. It took me a while to read because I just wanted to pause and cry, pray and praise concerning the things you wrote. It really blessed me.

I believe with all my heart that God is NOW rising up a “new” generation, a nameless, faceless and yes and ageless generation. The next major move we’ll see will come from people who just want God. Not necessarily a people who want to see a “move of God” but a people who want God himself. And in our pursuit of the mighty King, we’ll see him move, bless, pour out, and redeem. We are in for a great “relationship awakening.” That’s the best way I can put words to it.

Now it’s time for us to hear the gentle whisper. God was not in the wind, earthquake, and fire. They were all byproducts of his essence passing by. I believe that the key to the next great move of God will come from people like us who run after God himself and won’t settle for byproducts.

Let’s let our zeal for him qualify us for a greater passion, a greater joy, a greater love and ultimately a greater relationship! Thanks again for sharing your heart. With your permission, I would like to have this entry published in the local papers. I think it’s important that people know not only about the still severe living conditions in NOLA, but also know there are a people in Southern Maryland who cares enough to make a difference. Who knows, it might spark others into action.

God Bless…..

Pastor Shawn 

Pastor Shawn, you are an inspiration and an encouragement to everyone around you.  God bless you for your words, your love, and your prayers.  If you see anything in these blogs that you think would benefit our community, please use it however you see fit.

I've broken the second set of testimonies off onto a new blog entry.

I'm still new at all this blogging stuff, so please forgive me while I figure it out.

More New Orleans Testimonies are HERE.