The Most Resilient Creatures in the World!

Friday was one of those days when it didn't just rain and pour. Flash floods and severe weather threatened to dampen our spirits and cancel our service project. The rains succeeded at accomplishing the latter. This was a rain that impressed even the residents of the city, and that is no small task. 

We spent all day preparing our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls to do service in the community of New Orleans, only to be left with nothing to do. We waited out a nasty storm, waded through knee high water, and we sat patiently as we anticipated lunch. We did worship together to prepare our hearts for service, and we again waited to be released to our service project. We were promised an alternative. We were given the choice to just go home, but we weren't wearing wet shoes all day without reason. We pushed on to do whatever we could to help out in the city of New Orleans.

When we arrived at the the convention center to sort books, the bus drove away in the rain. Upon setting foot in the building, we were informed that there was nothing for us to do. These twenty-five high school students were disappointed--and rightfully so--, but they handled it with such maturity and poise, that I am still in amazement. Certainly, high school students are the most resilient creatures on the planet. Their spirits are still soaring and they are inspired just the same. 

That evening during devotions we talked about how we celebrate the life of the church. We celebrate as so many others are doing meaningful service projects in New Orleans as the Church demonstrates its compassion. We celebrate the economic impact our presence has on a hurting city and the relationship with the area that Bethlehem is continuing for the fourth year in a row. We celebrate because we are here with 33,284 other high school students in worship, play, and prayer. We celebrate because we are in New Orleans!

These resilient creatures in our group of young adults also agreed to a day of service within a few weeks after we return back home from New Orleans. We are Citizens with the Saints no matter which state or city we are in, and that is a practice we will take with us as we head back home. We will indeed fulfill our commitment to a day of service. These young people are ready to embrace the challenges that come with being the hope of the Church. This week, I am proud to be walking, praying, singing, dancing, playing, and mentoring these wonderful young disciples. We are indeed blessed with a group that is called to action.

                                                                            --Aaron Shoppa, Director of Youth Ministries