New Orleans, LA 2013
While I was glad to finish in Mississippi, I was not so sure that New Orleans should be one of my stops in the State of Louisiana. As the time drew nearer I had peace in going so I did. Here’s a little about what happened there:
It was not long after I arrived that I was provided a great place to call home base for the week. This was courtesy of Celebration Church. The parking lot was well lite and security cameras everywhere. So right away, one burden was no more. Later, I was glad to find a Panera Bread close by (There were none in MS) and then a Lifeway Christian Bookstore. Before the day was over I was invited to attend a four session apologetics course at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary! Wow things were looking pretty good until I discovered I had a leak in the ministry trailer. Then the check engine and brake warning lights came on in the truck. That could be interpreted as the devil was trying to ruin my day. But I don’t believe the devil can cause the roof to leak and with 81,000 miles on my truck it just might be time for brake pads. So, a bucket caught the leak and then off to school. I loved the way they started with praise and worship. The guest speakers were outstanding. After a couple of visits I was thinking how good it would be to go back to school. Then again, maybe that was in part due to me feeling young again.
Wednesday evening I decided to skip class to attend the Worship Service at Celebration Church (So don’t send money for school). The Worship and praying one for another was rejuvenating
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New Orleans, LA 2013
Thursday, I journeyed downtown and through the infamous French quarter. The response was mixed from salutes, thumbs up, jeers, mockery and so on. The one I remember most is hearing a woman say to her friend “He needs some beads” (pointing at the cross) and she said it again. I thought; Beads Really? Christ has already been adorned with beads. Jesus wore beads of Sweat and beads of Blood before and during the Crucifixion. Christ did this for you, your friend and for me, so we could be saved! What beads then? No Way! Looking back I think it would have been right to say it then, but I did not. The illustration is pretty vivid. Maybe I will use it at a speaking engagement?
Friday night I met up with Raven Ministries to go into the French quarter with the gospel. Looking to get firsthand knowledge of what that looks like. We met in a home to engage in prayer and worship. The goal was the emptying of self and the plea unto God, biding the Holy Spirit to come, fill and have His Way in each of us. We overloaded the van and others joined later. Upon arrival the Cross was hoisted and the precession to the target began. There in the middle of the street a young man began to preach. Everyone else scattered to engage with those who stopped or paused at this spectacle. During the better part of three hours 4 or 5 different preachers took turns compelling people to come to Christ. While the rest were at work as the Holy Spirit lead.
Bourbon Street New Orleans 1-11-2013
During this event I personally engaged both numerically and qualitatively more people for the sake of Christ than ever before (as far as I know). What I witnessed was God working through ordinary people to impact many with the compassion of Christ. Through the preaching of the Gospel, hearing testimonies of Gods power in transforming lives, seeing tears on both sides of the isle, words of encouragement and people praying in the streets for one another. All this happened in a place which is probably written off by most. As if the people here are beyond help. I know, because I was one of them. But now my eyes have been opened because I have seen firsthand that not everyone is totally intoxicated. Now I have looked into the eyes of hurting, searching and broken hearts. I cannot just pass them by and thus deny the Power of God to save them. After all, I know the One of whom there Heart desires and He has come! He has come! He is here!
His name is JESUS! Amen.
Saturday, I was low keyed because I was spent and my voice was raspy. In the evening I enjoyed the worship service at Celebration Church. Here again I was refreshed. Thanks, Celebration Church for your part in making the week in New Orleans more than pleasant.
In appreciation, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary it was an honor to be with you.
Special thanks go out to Raven Ministries International for an awe inspiring experience.
To all the Saints, Please join with me in prayer: Pray you therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest. (Matt 9:38) Consider how you may be one of those who go. Please let me know how I may be in prayer for you. I desire to be a source of encouragement to you along the narrow way. Thanks for all that you do on my behalf.
Agape, David
FB David Banton (HisCall)