Church leaders initially decided not to
reopen the 169 year old Episcopal
Church of the Annunciation after it flooded in the aftermath of
Hurricane Katrina. In fact, the entire Broadmoor
neighborhood of Uptown New Orleans was to be cleared and turned into
green space. Instead, the residents decided to stay and rebuild their
community. The Church of the Annunciation reopened and became a
partner in the effort.
I had the opportunity to enjoy the
hospitality of one of the ministries hosted by the church
(AnnunciationMission) during my stay in New Orleans last week. The
Annunciation Mission houses 84 people dormitory style. Hot breakfast
and authentic New Orleans dinners are included for $25 per night. So
are sack lunches, showers and WiFi.
Katrina survivors, Jean and James,
provide tender loving care to all their guests, ensuring all are
well-fed and comfortable. Everyone connected to the mission were kind
and generous and committed to New Orleans' comeback.
My dorm included a diverse group of 7
guys from all over America in New Orleans for the CCDA
conference. We traded stories and ideas which made the trip so much
more valuable for me.
The mission and a daycare have brought
purpose to a church that was declared dead. And, on Sunday, they
worship the Lord who died and rose again.
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