Before the trip I had the mindset of “Well, I have never been to New Orleans before, I might as well go on a trip down there!” Since I have come back home I realized I was going on the mission trip for all the wrong reasons.
While on the mission trip, God really opened my eyes and showed me that is not all about me. I was put on a team that was doing more of the work projects then serving with the kids. I was unable to go to the zoo or help out with the carnival. I learned that it doesn’t matter if people see you working or not. Mowing lawns all around the city is just as important as going to the zoo with the kids!
On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, Josh, Drew and I were able to talk with Cordell. He is a 55-year-old man, and the first day we just listened to him and he told us his life story and all about the hurricane. He told how he helped his entire family get back on their feet after the storm. Then on the second day we were able to ask more questions about salvation: “Do you believe in the Bible? Is there a heaven and a hell? Where do you think your spirit goes after death?”
I know these questions really made him think hard. I think between the three of us we helped straighten out some ideas of his. As we were leaving on Wednesday evening, we told him about the Castle Rock Church, and suggested he should check it out sometime. He said he knew where it was and maybe he would check it out on Sunday.
Both nights we held hands with Cordell and prayed for him. I think praying out loud and in a group really was a good thing. Talking with Cordell was the highlight of my trip for sure. I will never forget Cordell’s accent and the conversations that happened those nights.
I hope I have a chance to share my faith like I did in New Orleans in the near future here in Sheboygan. You never have to travel far to talk with someone about Christ. I hope this trip changed the way I look at “mission trips”. I have left a piece of my heart in New Orleans on the porch at Cordell’s house. –Paul B.
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