Raven team update

10/03/05

Yesterday we took a big team (25-30) out to the Bywater District of town. While this area is near the river-it is really a natural levee because of its elevation in comparison to the neighboring community. Most house had sustained wind damage. There were many windows blown out, roofs tore off and other strom related damage, but fortuantely they were able to avoid the flooding that has wiped out other areas of the city.

This area is still without electricty (along with 85% of Orleans Parish) and the boil order is still in effect for the water supply.

The people we met there, for the most part, had stayed and weathered the storm...and the looters.

One man that we ministered to, said that because the area was dry--it served as a great staging area for the looters to come. Just around his block there were 10-12 abandoned City buses that had been stolen and used as vehicles in the looting. These buses were EVERYWHERE. Some had blown out tires. Others were half in the street. It was very "apocalyptic" in this area.

He said that he and several neighbors banded together with firearms outfront to discourge the looters. I asked him, "So what about Jesus." He answered, "Yes. I have talked to him ALOT this past week."

In many places the need is not mainly in what YOU CAN SEE. Now a month into this, many places have been "tidied" up somewhat--but it is what you DONT SEE that needs to be ministered to.

One man, Edwin, has been backslidden since 1972! We were able to minister to him at length and to pray with him. I will be returing to his house to visit him.

**Kayla and the Derrick's kids started back to school this morning! They were all very excited about getting back in. They all love school--but I think as much as they like it--that just going back to school provides them a little bit of "normalcy" in a situation that is anything but normal.

We have teams arriving this week for ministry. Please pray for us (we area little tired!) and for them that God would bless and use them for His glory while here in NOLA.