Jen Pacini
I am a witness to God and to the Holy Spirit. God has shown Himself to me in many ways and all I had to do was open my heart to Him. We started the mission trip with Steubie on the Bayou. I really started to open my heart to God and started to see the amazing things that He can do.
The first day of missionary work I chose to do Free Prayer. We were standing on the side of the divided parkway and were just about to move then a car from the other side turns around and comes to pray with us. That was the best feeling and the group and I could not stop talking about it!!!
Miss Ava is the sweetest person I have ever met. I was able to go to her house on the last day of work and she was so happy to see us there, which made me smile even though all I did was wash dishes! There is so much more that happened that I could share but then it would be way too long!
During the trip I kept hearing from Wes that to be a witness and you have to witness and now that I have seen what God can do I can really be a witness and it is the best feeling in the world! This mission trip is like nothing else you will ever experience and I hope that every one can have this experience!
Megan VanGoethem
When deciding whether or not to come to New Orleans, there was always doubt in the back of my mind. But deciding to come was a decision that changed my life! I can honestly say that this mission to New Orleans is one of the best things that I have ever done. The most interesting thing about my mission was that I learned not everything is about what you want. I came to New Orleans thinking that I would be working with kids during vacation Bible school. God has a completely different plan for me. I ended up doing things that I never imagined
myself doing. God called me to a variety of ministries and with each one, a separate miracle took place. When God called me to go out and do free prayer, we had the people of a tattoo shop down on their knees praying with us. We were able to bring life back to the people of an assisted AIDS and HIV house. And a a team, were able to feed and help thousands of people at Feed the Multitudes on July 4th. This experience for me, has been a mixture of many emotions. But when it comes down to it all I can feel is happiness and being at peace with God. My relationship with God has grown more that I could ever explain.
Kelli Lawless
This being my second mission trip I was very excited to be heading off to New Orleans to be a part of the Team Nine. My excitement turned to nerves as we waited for the plane. I have not had good experiences with flying so I was not in the best state of mind. We experienced some difficulties with taking off but we were fine within 30 minutes. While in the air I started thinking about the trip and why I was so called to be there. I was confused and intimidated. When we arrived at the Center, I was greeted with a warm "Welcome Home" but this place wasn't my home. I got scared that I wasn't going to fit in or belong. I was overwhelmed. At Steubie, I learned a lot about myself as well as others around me. I realized that I could be the real Kelli here because that is what God wanted. I didn't have to pretend here. Then one day during devotions I was reading a letter from my mom and the last line said" let your love and faith shine through you" -- with those words I was done running, I was done trying to convince myself that I was okay. It was time for me to 'fess up and start over. I was being handed a clean slate and I was being forgiven. After that I felt clean. I felt like a new person. I loved the sense of freedom and joy that I had been given. I also was given the most amazing gifts of friendship that I could have ever thought. The people on New Orleans #9 are my family. Without them I would not be who I have become. It is amazing that in such a short amount of time, people you just met are the same people you couldn't imagine living life without! I now have roots in New Orleans and I have family in New Orleans and I have a home in New Orleans. This city has changed my life, these people helped me see the real me and God let me know I was His and I was loved. There is so much that happened here that I will never be able to forget and I could not tell you everything I have been through. New Orleans is not just a city. It's a way of life and after ten days it's my home. It's going to be hard without it but with these amazing people as my rock and the Big Guy Upstairs as my shelter I know that I'll be okay. I know now that God has a plan for me and now I know that I can do this and He is holding my hand. It took ten days, an amazing group of people and an amazing strong faith to help me realize that.
God Bless New Orleans #9
Danielle Cornelius
Coming into this mission trip, being my fourth one, I really thought things would be like always. God would show up, we would change lives, as well as have our lives changed a little. But something was different this time, because I was very hurt and upset and sad. Earlier this year a very close friend of mine hurt me. I really didn't know what to do. I thought I was getting over it until the day we were leaving, it all came back. All the hurt and pain showed up again. I
knew I had to find the strength to forgive him, because unforgiveness is only a barrier that keeps us from God. I just didn't know where to look. That's where God stepped in. At Steubie on the Bayou, God reigned down His love and strength on me and I just felt this burden of unforgiveness lifted off my shoulders. I soon realized that even though the forgiveness had taken place, the hurt was still there. There was still part of me that was broken. That's when I remembered what my Aunt told me. When my aunt and I were on a retreat together, she came to me one night during worship and told me " when you are broken, pray for others" so that's what I did. First day of ministries, I did intercessory prayer. All day 3 amazing people and I sat in the chapel praying for others as they were on their ministry sites. That was the day God changed my life forever. He came into that chapel and I felt His love like I never have before. The four of us just praised Him, but not with our voices, with our hearts. As we did that God just held our hearts and fixed all the brokenness in us. I would love to explain to all of you what I felt, how God and the Holy Spirit moved through me, it's too hard to put into words. As my amazing brothers and sisters in Christ said, "God is so much bigger than words" And He really is! So now I live for Him. Everything I do I want to do for Him. Because I can never fully explain what happened that day in the chapel, I will live it. So people can see Christ our Lord in me without me having to use words. After that day, the rest of the week I went out to do God's work, to be His hands and feet. I met amazing people who quickly became family. The people on my team also became family and God also showed up through them but if there is one thing I would take home from this trip it is that I should never doubt God again. The way He showed Himself this week showed me that the one I can always count on is HIM, He won't ever hurt me. He just wants to be there to take the hurt away. Life changing is really an understatement for this trip. God came and changed lives and I thank and praise Him for that. God Bless!
Kristen Bryar
This was my third mission trip, and second trip to New Orleans, and coming back was truly like coming home. I fell in love with the city all over again as we began our ministries. I started off the week strongly as an intercessor, praying for the rest of the group. During this time my heart was opened to God and I learned how to listen to Him, and let Him guide me.
I realized how lucky I was while ministering to children at vacation bible school, where the kids were excited just to receive a hot dog and new toothbrush. My heart broke saying goodbye to the kids because I knew they wouldn't receive the attention that we gave them at home.
After cleaning a bathroom for the first time, I felt proud and accomplished. Through learning and hard work, God taught me to value and believe in myself, as well as how to rely on my team. I have seen God's love grow in every single team members like and I'm extremely proud of all of them.
God has given me a gift of friendship of the people of New Orleans also. While working the 9 - 12 year old water slide at a fourth of July Feeding of the Multitudes for 5 hours, I surprisingly got to know a lot of kids and was sad to say goodbye to them. It was a difficult and extremely tiring day, but the feeling of helping kids to have fun was more than I could ask for.
I saw God in people like Hy & Libba McEnery, who devote their lives to serving their community, always putting themselves last. In people like Miss Ava, who never fails to have a kind word or prayer to share, and in Mr. Tui, a 18 year old fixing a house so that his family can move back to their home town. These people are an inspiration and by working for the and alongside them, I have grown immensely as a Catholic.
This mission trip has given me courage, friendship, and the strongest faith in God that will stay with me forever.
Cathy Scott
I started off thinking "how is this going to work?" I had been distant in my faith for quite a while and wasn't sure if I could ever make it back to where I was before.
Now here it is 10 days later and I feel pretty good about my faith. I'm praying everyday and talking with Jesus. My hope for humanity has flourished and by the grace of God didn't freak out at anybody. I'll hold onto what I've learned for as long as I can.
Ryan Heraty
Where have I found God on this mission trip? I've found God numerous times so far. When I was doing free prayer this guy named Doug pulled over and gave everyone in my group a drink. I also saw him in vacation bible school playing with kids who don't own a lot and see trouble every day. I also saw God in chaperones. They spent so much time and money for us. They also drove us around to wherever we needed to be. Finally, I saw God in the veterans because they helped all of us newbie's understand most things and showed us around.
Alissa Serio
I had the privilege of witnessing God's big picture this week. The things that I experienced one day prepared me for the following days events. Compared to other trips, this was much more spirit led. During previous years when we would pray and discern where God was calling us to go, the sign up sheets were quickly filled and frequently there were too many people signed up for a day's ministry. This trip, it was the complete opposite. It was incredible the way the Spirit moved through moved through everyone, and even just as incredible the way each missionary was ready and willing to do what God was calling me to intercessory prayer. (this is a ministry where you spend hours in the centers chapel praying for every person on the trip) As I signed up, I saw the other names who had also felt called to this ministry. I was excited as I saw the names of three very close friends. All three are very spiritual so I knew we were going to have an intense day to say the least. Throughout the day we prayed for others, and now it was time to pray for each other. We spilled out guts and shed a few tears. It was obvious how present the Holy Spirit was in that room. We spent the following hours (which was like minutes) comforted in the presence of our God. We learned to worship with our hearts that day. Just about every prayer I had prayed for years had been answered in that time. He made me realize how little we know or can truly understand. We can pick up on bits and pieces of God's big picture but never can we fully grasp it. God works in His own time. And He knows better than all of us when the correct time is to answer our prayers. It is a very humbling experience to really realize that we are not our own God. Through the weeks prior to the trip God had been weighing a few simple words on my heart, these words were "You must die to yourself: I heard these words about three times a week for the previous 2 weeks, and once even on the trip. It is such an important phrase. We have to die to our own will, our own plan, and our own ideas. We have to die to our own will, so we can live out His. God's grace reigned down upon every soul on this trip, and by Gods grace we were all set free. I compliment each missionary for letting this happen. It was a beautiful thing to witness and experience.
Sue Schulz - adult
My mission experience has been the most humbling yet fulfilling experience in my life. Jesus came to this earth to be a servant to all of us, and through serving poured out His love to everyone. As I worked and watched and listened I witnessed lives changing all around. Some were changing because of all the help they were blessed with physically and spiritually and others were changing as they shared more of themselves with others that they even knew they had. The common denominator in all of these changes was God's love. The more I and everyone around me opened our minds and our hearts and our ears the more God poured out His love to the world through us. I came onto this trip expecting to help and guide the youth in rebuilding homes in New Orleans, hoping to be helpful and supportive as they grew in their faith and learn how to strengthen my own relationship with Christ. I have to say I was blown away. I do not recall a moment when I was guiding any of the youth. I was learning and growing and receiving so many gifts through the tremendous power of their faith and love within themselves and toward each other. Yes, I learned how to be closer to Christ, but not through books or teaching but through watching and listening to the talented, gifted and blessed servants in Christ we have in our own youth.
What I experienced was a brand new beginning to my own life. This was not a mission trip. It was the start of a new journey. I see the love of God in all the good around me. Sure, we helped the people of New Orleans, but in doing so, we gained so much more in return. As I learned to be humble and truly enjoy serving others I became so incredibly enriched in return. The more I was blessed and able to give the more I received. God's love truly is contagious. Helping others is no longer something I feel I should do, it is something I feel privileged to do as I am rewarded in ways so much greater than anything I can ever give back. I have gained the love of Christ through my new extended family, my brothers and sisters in Christ.
Emily Disselhorst
Getting ready to go down to New Orleans for a second time, I couldn't find words to explain how excited I was. This summer was my third mission trip and all I wanted was to be back in the center of Jesus the Lord. I couldn't wait to return and create stronger relationships with the residents of New Orleans, but more importantly a stronger relationship with God. This summer I was able to return to see the people I met last year like Miss Ava and Hy and Libba McEnry. It was great to see the changes they made and their faith with God grow even more. Starting off our trip I was looking forward to meeting the newbies and forming relationships with them. As we worshipped and served the Lord together, I was blown away at how open they were to this new experience. In the end, I formed relationships with them much stronger than I expected. This year on mission trip I had experiences things that I haven't experience before. During a day of intercessory prayer, I was able to experience God in a very big way. I felt God's love and strength more powerful than I ever have before. My experience this year will stay with me forever in my heart, along with the new relationships I have grown with the people a part of the team. My relationship with God is stronger now than it ever has been before. God has sent me to be a witness of His love and to spread it as far as it can go. These people have changed my life and with my relationship with God, my life will never be the same again. God Bless!
Steve Scott - Adult
I've been going on mission now for nine years and the N.O. trip is so different than a group work camp. The N.O. trip is more free-lance and not as structured as Group Workcamp, giving you more opportunity to listen to what God wants you to do.
God works through me in more subtle ways. I don't have the emotional jumping up and down but rather hear God through suggestions in the mind. I was working on a project Saturday and was tired and wanted to quit and go back to the Center leaving the connections of the wires to someone else. A sudden peace came over me and I realized there was no one else to connect the wires. The voice said "you have to make the connections and here is how to do it."
I keep looking for the burn of the spirit I see in the teens, but meanwhile, I listen for the voice.
Susan Ludwig - Adult
Where do I begin...To be completely truthful, initially I had NO plans to go on a mission trip. But I thank the Holy Spirit and my son Jake for inspiring me to come.
It was the end of April when Jake and I had a discussion late one evening. In fact it was around midnight on a Friday night. We were discussing how judgmental I tend to be of others (which I admit is something that is true and that I'm not proud of and I'm working very hard to correct) and he suggested I go on a Mission trip with him to New Orleans. He said, "Mom, it will change your life". He reminded me how going on his first mission trip 3 years ago had also changed his life --- (I can testify and agree it certainly has).
However I told him that with working full-time that I had limited vacation time and to be truthful, I would rather spend my vacation time either up North in Minnesota fishing, or in Florida laying out on the beach! He looked straight at me and said "That's horrible! I can't believe you would say something like that!" And I looked at him and thought to myself, he's right, that is horrible. Here my son is asking me to go on a mission trip with him and I'm selfishly thinking about myself.
And then, I knew he was right - I had to go to New Orleans - I knew in my heart that going to New Orleans to spend time ministering to others and to do this together with Jake was the right thing to do and what my heart told me to do.
We had an amazing week!! After spending a week with these fabulous young people and worshipping the Holy Spirit--- I have a whole new appreciation and outlook on Life!!
God Did Show Up!!!! He was with each and every one of us every minute of the day. It didn't matter whether we were ministering to the aids patients, or on Eagle street at Vacation Bible School, or rebuilding a home that had been gutted, or doing Free Prayer, of talking and listening to those that had lost their loved ones, friends, and homes in the horrible devastation left behind from Katrina, or Feeding the Multitudes on the 4th of July -- God always showed up!
And everyday, we had a perfect evening, ending with worship where we were all Blessed by the Gifts of the Holy Spirit! We were able to reflect on our day during processing and then spend time praying, singing and worshipping the Holy Spirit.
Every night I went to bed I felt so much at peace. It was such a great feeling to know that we spent the day ministering to those in need, and the evening we were Blessed by the Holy Spirit. What more could you ask for on a mission trip?
New Orleans, Team #9 was family. I loved being able to spend a week with such inspirational, spiritual youth and adults. We all fit well together like pieces of a puzzle - but also, it was so wonderful to spend time with Jake. How lucky I am to have been able to minister and worship together with him. The Bond that we have shared together this week will be with me forever. I thank Jake so very much for asking me to go to New Orleans with him. The Love that I have for him just pours out of my heart. The new friends that I have from this week I hope will become lasting friendships.
I thank God for making this all possible-the mission never ends! This is just the beginning!!!!
Kati Scronce - adult, well kind of!
I wasn't sure how much one group could do for a devastated city. Tears of joy and remorse for these amazing people poured from my soul and has forever changed me. Who knew that a short ten day trip could change my life forever? That a simple thank you could change me so! By putting myself in the middle of the battle that some thought was over God was able to place me miles outside my comfort zone and take my faith to a new level. I never could imagined how unbelievable this mission could be- As we came rolling in representing God's army in neighborhoods we would otherwise be chased out of. We were welcomed like soldiers returning home from war. I fully believed-no, expected that all the people of New Orleans to angry, hard shelled and unpleasant. I have never been so happy to admit I was wrong! While they are still angry at the government they see us as a beacon of light in the aftermath of a storm. We equal hope. The hugs and smiles confirmed that we were wanted and appreciated more than we could ever imagine. the feeling is mutual now here on a plane that just landed back in Chicago and am fortunate enough to get to go home but I will never forget that many people did not have that option. One of the most incredible moments of truth for me on this trip came with a tour of the lower Ninth ward. I simply cannot put into words the devastation that still exists after three years; the houses still bearing their battle scars tells a story of hopelessness and abandonment. My heart hurt and for once I was silent. My spirit was angry and God was reminding me how many people still need our help. I am proud to say that a group of kids and chaperones who boarded a plane on June 26th, 2008, are returning as a family and accomplished missionaries. I now know what a family, not a group, can do for a devastated city full of hope.
James Schnell
This being my second mission trip, I had big expectation for myself on the trip. I didn't know how I was going to accomplish those goals but I would try my hardest to achieve them. We got down to New Orleans and heard what we were going to have to do and I didn't know how I was going to manage my time. But then the Holy Spirit showed up that first night we were there and I knew everything was going to be alright. I said a prayer and hoped that God would take control and help me get through this week. The week was going on and our jobs were closer and closer to completion. On the last day I felt the most relief I have felt on the entire trip. We finished Mr. Toi's house. The screen door was up and had a lock on it. The front door was finished and for the first time this man could feel safe in his house. The look on that man's face when we handed him the keys explains our entire trip: joy, happiness, relief, and comfort.
Dan Guentz
How have I seen God this week? The answer is in many ways. To kick off our week we attended the Steubenville conference where I saw God in the really hardcore worship. And then in the beginning of the week during free prayer (in which a group of people would go out with a free prayer sign and pray over the people of New Orleans). During free prayer I saw God through all of the people we prayed over and then the next day I went to VBS. I saw God through all kids having a good time hanging out with us and the change in their attitudes. Then I went into intercessory and free prayer the next day. During intercessory prayer I felt God because for the first time I rested in the Spirit and was prayed over/prophesied over. Overall this whole week I saw God through all of my mission co-members and how we all became like a big family.
Steve Omiatek
This week was amazing. I have witnessed God many ways but not only through me. I have experience God during Steubie for the 1st time in a long time. The Holy Spirit was so strong with me, that it gave me chills. Later that week God decided to give me the gift of prophecy. With this gift I have opened my world to God as well as others through me. I helped at vacation bible school and showed kids how to pray. Opening to them showed them that some one cares for all the people whose houses were destroyed. We helped them get out of their darkest times. All of these are being witnesses for God!
Amanda Omiatek
My life has changed forever. If you were to ask me before the trip if I had a strong faith in God, I would of said 'no.' I have felt, seen, and heard more than I could ever think of from God. My perspective on life has so much of a greater purpose than before. I never thought I would come home and feel like a better and more happier me. I was nervous at first to come on this trip. I felt like the odd one out and a little scared because I didn't know anyone. But then at the airport to New Orleans, everyone started to open up to me and make me feel comfortable. By the time I got to New Orleans, I felt like we were family. Everyone opened up their heart to the Lord and to each other. On this trip I learned not to be shy and to open up my heart to the Lord. He died for us and we should praise Him for that. He is the one person who will always be there for you. I learned that during worship and by helping those who have absolutely nothing and are just happy that they are living! New Orleans is a town of many sins. But there are so many great people who need our help. So next year, when I go on this mission trip again, my heart will already be open to God but I will be prepared to learn more and to help people see God's light. PTL!
Jared Mathews - chicken nugget
On the first day of ministry I wanted to do free prayer but it was filled up so I did Mr. Earl's. We went there but there was nothing that we could do besides play with the dog, but since I'm allergic to dogs, I couldn't do that either. We got back to the center at 3:30 and the free prayer groups were back so we grabbed a sgn and walked out the front door and while we were walking down Rampart a guy sitting on a bench in front of a tattoo shop whistles at us and waves us over I didn't want to but we did anyway. When we crossed the street he said "free prayer?" and we said "yes" and he invited us inside the tatoo shop. Then we stood in a circle and the guy kneeled and looked at us so we knelt too and he asked some people and 2 or 3 more people were standing around us. Then we started to pray and we went around in the circle and the guy told us to read Psalm 23. After we got out of the tattoo shop we called Alissa and she read it for us. Then we walked around for another hour but we didn't get to pray for anyone else but it's not like anything would have been as good as going to the tattoo shop!
Katie DeVita
Going back to New Orleans this year for the second time was something I had been anxious for since July 8, 2007, the day that we got back home last year. But the last month leading up to the trip I found that I was leaving for New Orleans for the wrong reasons. I was using the mission trip as a way out from the teenage drama and a way out just leave my life for a while. Although I did get a vacation from my life, I got so much more. God truly touched me in a way that I never dreamed possible. At Steubenville, I sang my heart out for every song, truly praising the Lord for everything He has done for me. I realized that God has a plan for all of us. Everything truly happens for a reason. Going into a week of ministry after Steubenville, amazing things started to happen to me. I began to read the Bible and see just how much it had to teach me. I made connections with others and our team slowly but surely became a huge family. Las year, I stuck to a ministry and went there everyday. This year, God had things to teach me in every ministry. He taught me to be grateful at Mr. Toi's. He taught me how to be a witness at free prayer. He taught and showed me how much He loves me at intercessory prayer. And He taught me how to love His children at the Lazarus House. The biggest thing holding me back was my self-esteem. I was tired of being made fun of, I was tired of being different. I wanted to go back to the girl I knew last year before team 7. A girl lost without Jesus because teenage life was honestly a lot easier. But this year, God showed me a huge thing. It didn't matter what others thought about me. It didn't matter if the kids at school called me a 'Jesus freak' or if I didn't get invited to a lot of parties because I was different. Being at a party with Jesus Christ Himself is the best party I could ever imagine! God will always open His arms to me and let me in. This year I have learned how truly blessed and happy I am to be a woman of God. So yes at the beginning I used this trip of a way out. But what I found instead was a way into a truly happy new life, just being me, Jesus Christ's beautiful daughter.
Dylan Maule
During team #9 I saw God at Eagle Street many times the way they used manners and became polite. I felt that God moved through me and through the kids of Eagle Street and of course felt it during worship.
Carolyn Gorski
This was my 3rd mission trip so I was considered a veteran, but when I got to New Orleans I felt like a newbie. We got the warmest welcome from team #8 when we arrived. I looked around the Center and I remember Bryan saying it was like Hogwarts and it truly was. I got so confused on where everything was. But at the end I finally got it.
When I came on this trip I thought I was pretty close with God and there wouldn't be that much of a change, but boy was I wrong. The first night of worship was so intense and I knew that this trip would be completely different from a Group Workcamp.
When we got to pick out our ministry site, I felt called to go to Mr Toi's house. I thought he was going to be older, but he was only 18, the same age as me. He was living on his own in a house that wasn't in the best living condition at all, but one of the things I saw hanging on his walls were pictures of his family and pictures of Jesus dying on the cross. He showed me that even though you may have nothing of significant value, you can still believe and strive to do better for your family and for yourself. No matter what, always believe and have faith and God will always be on your side.
So the past 10 days have truly changed my life and I will never be the same.
Andrew Hoggatt
Where have I found God on this trip? I don't even know where to start. Between free prayer and having all types of people come up to you and ask for prayer or vacation Bible school where kids don't even know how to say please or thank you.
I spent most of my time in New Orleans at VBS, and the change I saw in the kids by the end of the week was just amazing. One thing that amazed me the most is how almost all of them knew a Bible verse and these kids are only 8 years old! On our mission trip it's not all about rebuilding from Katrina and helping the poor. It's also about just listening to people talk and tell their stories. Sometimes just sitting down and talking to someone is the best help. God works in all different ways and New Orleans still has such hope and will restore back to normal.
Alyssa Fanella
This trip has been my 6th mission trip taken with SEAS. God has really sent people to me in my struggles and has shown me that He is there for me. I truly needed this boost because I was beginning to really doubt even God's existence in my life. Through this trip I have realized that God has completely blessed my life with many wonderful people and I simply let my struggles blind me to that.
Katie Browning
At the beginning of this trip, I had a lot of things that weren't going right in my life. Coming on this trip to New Orleans for my second time I was excited yet nervous at the same time. We started the trip off on an amazing note. Steubie was fantastic, I connected with God on a level that I have never connected with Him before. God showed up so much, he filled the entire arena with His presence and it showed. After the amazing Steubenville, we headed back to the Center of Jesus the Lord with God and the Holy Spirit flooding out of us.
The first day back I had a rough time at worship so I went to my room and called a friend. God showed me His presence through him. He ended up coming down and my whole life changed. He was basically an angel, he helped me mend broken relationships. After I finally forgave everyone in my past I had the most amazing night of worship ever! Little did I know it would get way better. I was an intercessor on the second day to the last day and I had the most amazing experience of my life. Dawnelle, the event coordinator came into our intercessor group and began praying over me. She helped me let go of all the crap that I have been holding onto for a very long time. Ever since then I have been extremely happy. I have experienced God in so much and hope that I can keep my fire going because of all the mission trips I have been on this was by far my favorite. Because since I got here I can feel God's presence in every decision I make and in every word I say. This whole mission trip was the most amazing time of my life! I wouldn't even think of changing one thing because for the first time in my life everything is perfect, God is in my life and I am never going to let Him leave my life and I will remember this trip forever! God Bless!
Allie Heraty
I can honestly say I've gotten so much out of this mission trip. I've experienced a love and relationship with God that I thought was never possible to develop. Everywhere I went I felt loved. I learned a great deal not only from my team - but the people of New Orleans.
I went into this mission thinking nothing will change. I can't believe how wrong I was. Now I find myself accepting and listening to God in my heart everywhere I go. The love that was given to me was indescribable. Everyone greeted me with open arms ready to make me their friend. Every home I went to in New Orleans I miss. I grew so much respect for everyone I met. Deep down in my heart I know they aren't my friends-they're my family!
During missions I learned so much. God is everywhere ready to embrace you when you need him. He'll lead you to where you belong; just have faith in Him. After all, where the Lord guides, the Lord provides! God Bless!
Emily Lenzini
New Orleans will forever have a spot in my heart. This was my very first mission trip and I went into the trip with a very open mind. However, I felt like there was something missing in my life, like ther had to be more to it than just hanging around the house everyday. I was ready for a change and this trip did exactly that. It was like this piece of my life was put into place. It had always been there but it was waiting for me to grab hold and put it back together and that is what happened.
We kicked off the week with a Steubenville Conference where I experienced Adoration like I had never before. It wasn't until I got to the conference and they addressed certain things that I realized how much baggage I had been carrying around. I realized it had been keeping me from my relationship with God. At Steubie, I was able to get rid of that baggage. It was like I was starting the week off fresh!
On one of the first days of the mission after Steubie, I went to vacation Bible school at a local neighborhood that was kind of rough. It ended up that we didn't do much vacation Bible schooling, it was more playing basketball, drawing with chalk and blowing bubbles. Even though we weren't directly quoting Scriptures we were spreading God's love by spending time with kids that probably don't get enough of it at home. By modeling behavior that reflects Christ these kids were influencing us. I guess, looking back at it now I realized that at the time, it didn't seem like we were doing much when in reality we really were. It was amazing to see these children again at the end of the week after we had groups of our kids going out there everyday. One of the boys at the beginning of the week just didn't listen to us and was kind of rude. By the end of the week he was saying thank you and listening to us.
With each day on the mission I could feel myself growing closer to God. For the first time in my life I felt like I could turn to God for anything and it was the most amazing thing ever. I went into this trip knowing God but being distant with Him. Now coming home from the trip I feel like my relationship is stronger than ever and I want to spread my new found love with my family and friends! I know that God sent me on that trip for a reason and I am so grateful for it. I'm not the person I was before and I Praise God for that everyday. God bless!
Jake Ludwig
Love, strength, joy and hope. These are a few of the things that we experienced on our journey with Christ. This will be my 3rd year on missions, but this year, I decided to extend my usual 10 day period to participate on both New Orleans teams for 2008. Each of these groups of people were amazing, with life changing witnesses of the power and grace of God. Their perseverance and endurance have been beyond measure; and their amazing fellowship has formed mighty bonds with their old and new found friends, and even more than that, their new found family in Christ.
With this being my 3rd and 4th mission trip to New Orleans, I thought I had seen it all. But God showed me otherwise. Through the sorrow and the hopelessness of the people of New Orleans, a light was brightly shining over the horizon. Despite the hardships, the loss and the loneliness a light was still there and through this, Hope was not only restored within many of the hearts of New Orleans, but by it's amazing example, in my heart as well. It's a hope and a love and a comfort that is everlasting, unchanging and too outstanding to comprehend. It's something bigger than ourselves and it is something that will stay with us forever. This something is GOD. And this something, I will continue to love, with all my heart. Thank you.
Andrew Boehm
The past year I slowly fell away from God. I made bad choices and was messing up my life. It wasn’t till recently that while lifting weights and listening to “Five Iron Frenzy” that I heard a message from a song that I’ve listened to so many times. At the same time my best friend Kelli was praying for me, I managed to get people at work to cover my shift on July 4th and Phil got me a plane ticket. Within 48 hours I went from not thinking about missions to being on a plane heading to New Orleans! I was welcomed with open arms and I knew God and all my friends forgave me after abandoning them for a very long time. All of the activities on this mission trip were the same, but God touched me from eating raw oyster or cleaning out Ava and Trace’s house. I’ve always have been told that our God is a forgiving God but until last week I had no idea how forgiving He really is!
Denise Ramis- adult
This trip was my fourth mission trip to New Orleans and it was nothing short of amazing. The Holy Spirit worked powerfully through our team members and my faith was renewed and deepened. I saw God in how our members interacted with each other and how they cared for each other as well as the people of New Orleans. New relationships were formed and old friendships were renewed. This team was an extremely cohesive group with no age barriers. I know that I received much more than I gave. I am so grateful for this time with our Lord as well as some very special sisters and brothers in Christ.
Sam Pauletti
There are so many words I could use to describe how I felt when I first arrived back to New Orleans. I was extremely excited and nervous at the same time. I knew God had some major plans for all of us this week and I couldn’t wait to find out how we were going to be blessings to the people of New Orleans. We were all welcomed with open arms and hearts by team 8, which calmed every nerve I had about the trip. It was obvious that the Holy Spirit had been working and would continue to work while we were there. We started the week off with a Steubenville conference – which was absolutely incredible, except it was honestly not the best conference I’ve been to so when we left the conference to begin our ministries, I felt a little unsatisfied. All those feelings vanished that Tuesday after I did free prayer. As two of my closest friends and I walked around the French Quarter wanting to minister to each and every person we saw, we were stopped by a few people who seemed genuinely interested and excited to get prayer. After we prayed with them we hung around to answer a few questions they had for us. Everything seemed to be going ok and the next thing I knew I had just been groped by a strange man. While something like that seems traumatic and greatly unexpected, it turned out to be the greatest eye-opener ever. We came back from Free Prayer and the most amazing things was that I had no anger towards God, my friends, or even the man who did it. All I could feel was thankful that it wasn’t anything worse and that I was back with the people I love. I knew that I could easily move on because I had so much strength from God that it could easily be defeated. From that point forward I felt more open than ever and felt like I was cleansed from every pain I’ve ever felt in my life. Through God’s strength and love, pain that would normally take months or even years to heal would be healed in days—hours. The impatience and irritation I felt at the beginning of the trip was replaced with forgiveness and healing. As I write this testimony, telling my story, I can’t help but feel overjoyed and glad that I could share everything from this week with the people that I love –old and new. This has been the most life changing experience of my life and I can’t wait to be a witness to every person I meet back home. Thank you all for your support and God Bless!
Bryan Smyth - worship leader
This mission trip was different. I was the worship leader and it was my first time in this role. The kids on our team made it easy to do however, I wasn’t very excited about being the worship leader; I was extremely nervous. However, as the days went on the role grew on me. I missed, however, being able to pray over my teammates and minister to them in that regard. I eventually learned more about how I minister to them through the worship and how I can better serve that way. This trip was about confidence in God. I really needed more confidence in Him and He showed me that and now I can say that I have more. I really doubted my abilities to lead worship well, but God showed up anyways as I was confident He would. I learned to rely on God in new and bigger ways. I have been asking Him for more for a long time. I have been dreaming of more responsibilities and greater opportunity from God spiritually for as long as I can remember. God has always provided but I still felt called to something greater. I had this specific image in my head and now that opportunity is here. Two weeks ago I was really unsure if I could do this. I can’t. But God has never let me down and now with this greater reliance and confidence in God, I know that I can. However, it won’t be easy. I am excited to now face what is coming my way with my God as my strength. I will make it I swear. Woah-oh. Living on a prayer.
Mat Wellington
This year has been amazing. My faith has changed so much. I spent a lot of time at Belle Reve, the new house for patients with Aids. My new friends there have really changed my perspective on life. At Feed the Multitudes I was helping with the security, pushing cars out of the mud and directing traffic. The man in charge seemed really stern and kind of like a jerk. But after helping for the day, he gave me and Andrew a PowerAde and seemed really appreciative, that was when I realized how easily I can forgive. I also helped with the waterslides and I really got pretty close to some of the kids and that is when I realized how I learned so much about myself. Not to mention I feel like I accomplished and helped so many people. I realized that I have been disobeying God so much and I really don’t know where I am with Him. I feel like I’ve grown but at the same time I feel so much farther away.
Kevin Bottalla
I went on the New Orleans number nine mission. It was my second mission. This year I saw the Holy Spirit appear sooner. Last year, it took until the second night of Steubenville to see the Holy Spirit acting in full, but this year it was the night we arrived. The Spirit’s presence this year was the strongest I’ve ever seen. I also saw spiritual gifts like I’d never seen like the gift of prophecy. I was thinking this would be my last year of mission before I came, but after this trip I’m planning on coming back.
Mike Brasie
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. During my two weeks I couldn’t find out what this meant until a couple of days before we left. When the two teams came down, whether it was your first or fifth, we all thirsted for justice. The question didn’t become who, what or where, but why? Why is nothing changing? Why is the government abandoning its people. Why? Starting off small was the easiest strategy. Mr. Toi is an 18 year old boy who lives with his brother in a house that is in bad shape. Since it doesn’t have electricity, they sleep in a barber shop at night. Anyways I went there the first day and told was all we were going to do is paint. But I began to be hungry for righteousness and didn’t feel painting was all we can do. Fast forward to the last day at Mr. Toi’s house and it was unbelievable. Besides painting, there was a new front door, screens and clean kitchen/bathroom. After we left I felt we served justice and gave him dignity. Besides the ministries, I’ve never been so close with God. I feel I can now talk about God to whomever and not feel ashamed. Then the question came up: How do I die to myself when I got too much to live for? Simple, to serve other people with the same love that God looks at every single one of us with. To serve my fellow sisters and treat them with respect, show them how important they are to me and the world. It’s time my fellow men and I stand up and protect them and not use them. I feel at peace and I’m a changed man.
Emily Schnell
Going on this trip to New Orleans has changed my outlook on life forever. While being in New Orleans I have made friendships that I know will last. I do not know how I am going to sleep without my roommates. I do not know how I am going to go to bed without worship every night. I don’t know how I will ever look at these people the same because they mean the world to me. They helped me find God. My absolute favorite story from New Orleans all started on our 1st day of ministries. I did free prayer. During free prayer you walk the streets of the French Quarter holding a huge sign saying “free prayer”. While walking down Rampart (a street comparable to Algonquin Rd) we were on the left side of the street. From across a 4 lane road, a big man whistled at us. Thinking that he was just being ignorant we took a couple more steps, when we hear another whistle. So we walked over to this big intimidating man in front of a bright yellow corner store with a sign reading 'tattoo'. The man whose name was Skip (who was the owner of the tattoo shop) asked “Is it really free prayer?” We all replied enthusiastically “yes it is”. He said ”alright come on in.” We were a little timid at first but we all walked in. We walked into a room with walls painted bright orange with tattoo designs all over them. When we walked in. Skip yelled for his co-workers to come to the front room. So two more people walked in, including a man in the middle of getting his tattoo. We all stood in a circle and joined hands. Then Skip asked “aren’t you going to kneel down?” So we all knelt down and said a prayer. Aloud everyone prayed a prayer for each other. As we left the tattoo shop Skip yelled “God bless you and what you are doing” We ran across Rampart so excited we just prayed in a tattoo shop! While sharing our story that night at processing (when we all share what happened that day) I told the story. Telling everyone that story so many times somehow made it into “my story”. I was so excited to have this one as my story because it is a thing that happened in my life that I will never forget. I won’t forget the Center, the city, the smells, the food, the hospitality but mostly I won’t forget the people. The people I met in New Orleans and the people I used to see occasionally in Mass on Sunday. We are tied together now through the city of New Orleans. I will never forget my teammates from New Orleans team #9. They have changed my life forever I love you guys!
Kristen Linner
5th summer in New Orleans 8th Mission team and none are ever the same. This year our team was able to see some of the restoration of New Orleans. We saw the way God provided for the people—changing houses from disasters to homes. We saw the way God gave hope in the faces of our friends here every time a small improvement was made. On the streets of New Orleans, God led us to pray with many people who praise God for our mission team. New Orleans is rising. Its people are moving back, stores are re-opening and life has returned. God is so faithful!
The people of New Orleans’ gratefulness is humbling. They appreciate every little thing – and do not take God’s blessings for granted. What a lesson for us! Within our teams I witnessed relationships between people grow strong and more importantly, witnessed the Lord lavishing gifts on us and allowing us to draw nearer to Him. I thank the Lord for our young team who are loving and open to what God wanted. New Orleans has inspired me, again, but not just the city; our group down here inspired me as well. Their prayers and hugs and smiles will always bind us together in Christ.
Jason Liuzzi
To describe my mission in New Orleans, it simply must be summed up in one word, “bubbles”. (Bubbles was a daily theme for Jason in sharing his ongoing painting frustration with bubbles forming as he painted a ceiling). For me, New Orleans was my home away from home. I plan on living there eventually, but this time, being my second time, it seems if nothing in the city had changed since I last left. Some parts of the city look the same! Things are tough there. A report on the levees recently estimated that it would only take a Category two hurricane to flood the city again. Hurricane Katrina was a category three. The levees are leaking and it’s not even raining. ! But there are small signs of new life – a gas station here, plans for a youth center there.
It’s the spirit of New Orleans that keeps me coming back. The people there have such faith in God. I wish that I had such faith and trust in God. But with the mission this year, I know I’m getting closer. Thanks and God bless.
Phillip Peterson
As always, I didn’t plan on going on missions this summer. About a week before leaving I finally was able to get the time off work, and before I knew it I was on a plane flying to New Orleans. This year was of course not like any other and was much needed. I would have to say that I saw God the most through Miss Ava, one of the residents of New Orleans that we’ve worked with for the last two years. She has cancer right now.
That really hit home for me, since my mom also has cancer. Being able to see how much Miss Ava shines and lives for God, even during these times, has inspired me to continue to minister to my mom and live and cherish this time that I have.
Another amazing moment that I experienced while down there was during praise and worship. I was unable to see the wall I was building that was preventing me from hearing God’s voice. After having a very in depth conversation with a friend I was able to see this wall and during praise and worship. I closed my eyes and very powerfully asked god to break down my wall. Before I could even finish I felt so excited that I felt the room explode with the Holy Spirit!
I cannot thank God enough for changing my life once again! If you feel God calling you to go on missions even just a little, get yourself over to the church and sign up. God is calling you…. He is there!
