January 2006

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It's cold in New Orleans but, blessed with some heaters at the front and blankets on every pew, we are meeting every Sunday at 10 a.m. in the auditorium. Did I say "pew?" God, through the gracious hands of his children, has again provided.

By locating the heaters up front, we have significantly increased demand for front row seats and finally, perhaps, solved the problem of everyone wanting to sit on the last two rows. We also have new song books that have been donated and have more on the way. God has been good to us.

Now for some quick updates. When I was there last week the lights in the auditorium were being taken down for cleaning and refurbishment. The idea here, for ya'll that remember their rather dim glow, is to relamp them in such a way that they actually give sufficient light.

Now comes the awesome part. Both bathrooms at the front of the auditorium are now functional and actually have doors. No lights yet, but doors. Finished out and "pretty?" No. But, they are functional and the guys who were working so hard for us on them promised us battery powered lights until we get power to the building. We are possibly still a month away from having temporary power to the building. Anyone from New Orleans who has tried to jump over the hurdles of permits, electricians, and, worst of all getting city inspectors to come approve the work, will understand the difficulty of getting electricity hooked up.

The vans and trailers we received from Whites Ferry Road Church of Christ last month have Carrollton's name emblazoned on every side and if you haven't seen them yet, they are beautiful. We are working them like crazy hauling equipment and crews to houses we are gutting, carrying donated furniture, and moving anything else that needs to be transferred from here to there. We had two FEMA clean-up guys visit last Wednesday because they kept seeing our vans and crews working all over the neighborhood where they were picking up debris. Kirk Musselman visited with them several times in the street and the next thing you know they came in for dinner and a Bible study having walked all the way to our house.

In the category of "God has been good to us," Jenny and I have been blessed with full-time support beginning two weeks ago. We've started packing a little here and there in anticipation of moving in late June or early July. The plan at this point is for me to come to New Orleans for the last week of each month with occasional extra trips in between. Jenny will be coming with me in February for 3-4 days and is looking forward to seeing everyone again.

I know some of you are starting to wear down. Please know that you all are in our prayers daily.

See you Sunday,

Kirk and Jenny