Hump Day

I am convinced that there is nothing better in this world than working side by side, serving someone in need with our eyes fixed on the father!  We have been working the past few days on Ms. Jermaine Elizabeth's home that she recently purchased on Castiglione Street near the Ninth Ward.  The home had recently had an addition built on and was about three different shades of blue, white, & grey when we arrived.  For the last three days we have been trimming, painting base coat, doing some carpentry work, & building relationships with her and those living nearby.  Praise God, we had a full workday yesterday with no rain and working 8:30-4:15.  As the painting rose higher and higher up the side of the house and the available ladders were being used, those not painting began enjoy the summer heat and horsing around while cleaning up the paint brushes and roller pans. 
Last night we had an awesome time with the other group is also staying at the Annunciation Mission.  They are from a private school in Boston, MA and decided that we should get our two groups together to share about the stories being heard & experienced while in New Orleans.  Our very own Rebecca Wright started off the time by encouraging them and mentioned that she was glad that they were with us.  Then, one-by-one the other students began discussing how they have been moved by hearing the stories of others and building relationships with the residents as they come back year after year to the Ninth Ward to do work.  We were so encouraged to hear how they were being changed by their work this week.  God is at work here!  After sharing time, we had a time of worship in the chapel and then split up for free time games.  Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.  Tanner says 'hi' & please remember to pray for gospel breakthroughs this week!  Our students are getting more and more tired as the days go by and the power of Christ is something that when observed at close proximity can alter your life forever.  Thanks for walking beside us!

Josh 'Gillyman' Gilman