Revolutionary Rants: Louisiana Missions

Wow! What a crazy time it's been. The first trip in Memphis ended on Saturday morning as I watched the slightly dazed middle schoolers climb into their vans and head back to Houston. They were an awesome group to start off with and had an absolutely amazing youth leader, Eric Hill. I'm hoping I get to work with him again some time. I enjoyed his extreme depth and focus, and at the same time held an amazing sense of humor that meshed so well with me. He kept a blog of the week that students could write on, so if you want to check it out, it's http://web.mac.com/fsmstudents

It has some amazing comments from students and the staff about personal growth and challenges from God in their lives.

As soon as the vans pulled away, Lauren, Cherilyn, and I packed up our belongings, loaded into our own van, and then drove down to Lousiana to get ready for a new team. We hooked up with three other LeaderTreks staff members: Amy, a full time staff member; Evan, a summer intern from Cedarville college; and Morgan Jane, a summer intern from Rhodes college. Amy is the official leader, but her and Lauren have been sharing teaching times. This trip kicked off it's start on Sunday night as our high school team from Bloominton, IL pulled into our basecamp. Frank, their youth pastor, is a former staff member from LT and knew his team would grow and prosper from these trips. His students have already been challenged to step up a lot and have pulled together more

and more.

The last two days I've been leading a small team as we remodel a kitchen in an apartment unit used by our main contact in the area, John Paul. Not real sure of JP's last name, but that's okay, because everyone in the area just knows him as John Paul. This man is amazing! I've been so impressed with his knowledge of the area, his wit, and his unending grace when it comes to working with the teams and the people in the area. JP works with the United Methodist Church's Disaster Relief team and is the sole staff member here in Dulac, Louisiana. He's running on more cylinders than he has and will not stop. I'm a bit concerned for him as he's nearing the point of burn out. They have him coordinating all the volunteer teams in the area, working 7 days a week, cooking for the teams, cleaning their bunk houses, and he's away from his wife, who lives in South Carolina. I have never gained so much respect for one man in so short a time period. He loves these people with a passionate heart of service that is only from God, for no mere man can give this much on his own. I have been burdened by his story and hurt for him today. I know his treasure in heaven will be great, for he is a true example of a man who is forsaking all earthly riches for the good of the kingdom.