A group of 16 students and three adults from Anderson University went to the devastated city of New Orleans Dec. 11-17 to serve people in need.
Tearing away – Walls were stripped down to the bare studs to be redone.The group worked with First Baptist Church, New Orleans, to help families clean out their storm-ravaged homes in preparation for rebuilding. They divided into two teams that spent Monday through Thursday hauling off ruined personal belongings and tearing out carpet, sheetrock, insulation, plumbing, appliances, and furniture.
“We ministered to the families who wept as they discovered ruined, irreplaceable personal items and were overwhelmed by the huge challenge of rebuilding their lives,” said Bob Cline, Anderson vice president for Christian life. “We prayed with them and encouraged them to trust the Lord. They were so appreciative, but the greatest blessing was ours as we experienced the joy of serving others just like Jesus would do.”
Helpers – One of the teams poses with a mother and father, far left and far right, in front of the family’s home after the Anderson group helped clean out the house so that it could be rebuilt.The group spent Friday at New Orleans Baptist Seminary helping them prepare for other volunteer groups coming to work and served a hot lunch provided by the Red Cross to 300 people.
“Perhaps the greatest joy of our journey was the fellowship shared by our team. I was so proud of our students for the way they took care of each other, worked hard in some dirty conditions, laughed often, displayed Christlike character, and gave themselves to the people they encountered,” said Cline.