Hope and Determination

I recently returned from a mission trip to New Orleans with approximately 80 college students and sponsors. It was a humbling experience and wanted to take this opportunity to share some things with you as I process them myself.

• New Orleans is not even remotely fixed from Hurricane Katrina. Only one fourth of the lower nineth ward is inhabited. This was the neighborhood that was basically washed away when the levee broke. Although the Make It Right Foundation has gone in and built some houses, a great number of lots are vacant or still have houses on them that need to be demolished. And to add insult to injury, what the flood didn't ruin, thieves carried away while the owners were relocated.
• Government money has all but dried up and since the flooding occurred in some of the poorest of neighborhoods, there is no money to rebuild or tear down and certainly no one wants to buy the house or lot.
•  Despite the devistation, there are some of the most inspirational people I have ever met living in these neighborhoods. Self-pity is just not in their vocabulary. Those that have come back from being evacuated and are trying to breathe life back into their areas have a hope and a determination that far surpasses anything I think I could muster. I heard so many heart wrenching stories of tragedy and suffering but when we asked if we could pray with them, they often times wanted to pray FOR US instead! And quite often their prayers were of adoration for who God is and how He has taken care of them with not one mention of what they need now.

After I returned, my first personal devotion dealt with the verses where Jesus was asking Peter if he loved Him. While I had always looked at this conversation as a way of redeeming Peter's betrayal, the author pointed out that Jesus knew what Peter was going to have to endure in his life. He knew that ambition could not get him through. He knew that determination or desire could not get him through. He knew that only love for Him could sustain Peter throughout the persecution he was going to face.

And then it hit me. That was exactly what had sustained these people in New Orleans--a passionate love for Jesus. Of course, a bit of determination and good old fashioned stubbornness didn't hurt but only love could explain the level of hope that was so evident in these strong and faithful people.

Thank you people of New Orleans for showing me just what it is that will lift me up no matter what comes my way: an intense and unwavering love for the Lord Jesus Christ.