The J9 doors are open by the hard work and dedication of people that God sent to prepare this mission field. Men from Monroe, a dedicated group of talented men from Monroe, Louisiana cooked, painted, and gave us witness to God's hands in action. Employees of Lowe's gave their materials and talents as they stepped in as God's angels for J9.
For the past 15 years, members of the Scoma
family have participated in family reunions around the country to celebrate the
heritage given to them by their father and mother, Louis and Annie Scoma. Louis and Annie were married for forty years and raised eight children that continue to lead 90+ immediate family members in service to the Lord. Various family members gave thought and prayer to the possibility of replacing
this reunion tradition by participating in their first family missions trip to
honor their parents. God spoke to their hearts and after months of planning, the Scoma Family Mission Trip to J9 happened in July of 2008. Family members with ages from 4 - 73 traveled to New Orleans from Texas, Kansas, South Carolina, Florida and Alabama. Friends from their home church also joined in the trip. This dynamic group of family and friends took J9 by the heart and made dramatic improvements to the physical building as well as led outreaches to the neighborhood with sport clinics for children. Everything from the ceilings to the floors of J9 were touch by their love as the Louisiana heat blazed. Family meals were enjoyed and time was taken to be a tourist in the restored sections of New Orleans.
Six feet of black flood water sat in the J9 church after Hurricane Katrina's wrath shook the building. God looked down and knew He would change lives with the waters and the winds. He had always partnered with Louis and Annie as they raised their family. Louis was a pastor that served with Annie by his side. They led their family by faith and passed this down to the following generations. God is now guiding their family with the Men of Monroe, the angels from Lowe's, and others to continue what the waters will clean and the winds will renew. J9 reaches out with gratitude and love to all who helped from all those you touched and the future generations of Journey Fellowship 9th Ward.