We have come to expect great blessing and encouragement through those who come to work with us here in Southeast Louisiana and this past week’s crew was no exception.   For months, we looked forward to seeing our old friends from Harvest Bible Chapel in DeKalb, Illinois as well as meeting new friends from Calvary Bible Church in Roger’s City, Michigan.

They arrived Friday night, and were already hard at work on Saturday morning, beginning a series of on-site projects.   After only 48 hours, the group was already tight knit and working as a unified body.

“Its been fantastic!  We’ve only been here for a couple of days, but we’re getting a great feel for what the church is doing here and we’re feeling right at home.  The team here is very hospitable, and put us to work already!  We’re having a great time.”  Dan Sullivan from Harvest told us.

On Sunday, Steve Best, Pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel, preached for us a very challenging and encouraging sermon on what congregations can do to improve their pastors.  To listen to Steve’s sermon, click here.   After lunch, the group got the chance to take a swamp hike and experience the beauty, heat and challenges of Southeast Louisiana’s terrain.

The rest of the week was full of rewarding work and opportunities to connect with the community surrounding us.  For the first time, we partnered with the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity and pitched in on some of the work they are doing in Covington for aspiring homeowners.

Along with finishing up major projects here at the church, such as fencing off the front of our property, some of the guys were able to help elderly and disabled community members with smaller projects in their houses.  At the end of the week, we got the chance to take the crew to the Lower Ninth Ward Community Center to once again work with Mack and help his mission move forward.  For most of the crew, it was an eye opening experience to see the devastation that still exists five years after Katrina.

Led by our intern Tim Young, Matt and Dan from Harvest visited a total of ten local households as part of our EPC (Evangelism, Prayer and Counsel) mission work. These followups are a great way to minister to those who we’ve helped in the past by providing updates and current needs status as well as spiritual counsel.

“I was left feeling so touched and in awe of the power of listening as a form of servant-ship.  There are many everywhere waiting for the opportunity in which someone will listen to them and give them answers that aren’t generic, but heartfelt and genuine.” Tim said in describing the experience.

By the end of the week, no one was ready to say goodbye.  More friends were made and old friends became closer and God was glorified by the ministry of the Word, prayer and practical mercies being displayed by His people. It was an incredible encouragement to everyone.

Thank you, Harvest Bible Chapel and Calvary Bible Church for your willingness to serve and help us in our labors!

If you would like to book a short term mission or an EPC mission trip, click here.

Check out our flickr page for more photos of the Harvest and Calvary crew!