Almost 2500 years ago a small group of exiles returned to the country from which their ancestors had been taken captive several
years before. When they arrived, they found their former capital was in ruin. Its wall was broken down and its gates burned. Nehemiah,
rather than being discouraged by the devastation, called together his countrymen. In one of the shortest speeches in human history, the
leader challenged his countrymen to take action, “Come let us rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and we will no longer be in disgrace.”
Hearing this call and being reminded that they could count on God’s help, the people responded, “Let us start rebuilding.” In spite of
immediate and constant opposition, their monumental work of rebuilding the city wall was completed in just 52 days!
When we look at New Orleans, with many of its residents still reeling from Hurricane Katrina, we could feel hopeless by the devastation.
Sadly, it seems New Orleans lacks both natural and spiritual walls to protect its residents. The forces of destruction: vast poverty,
deteriorating families, low academic achievement, and unprecedented violence are extensive. In the midst of such discouragement,
Sherdren and I have chosen to respond as did the prophet Nehemiah by calling people to rebuild the walls of the city.
One of the hardest hit areas by the storm was the Ninth Ward of New Orleans. This section of the city is filled with unique culture and
old-world charm, but the real asset of the Ninth Ward is the people returning home to rebuild. Schools are reopening and shopping
centers are being rebuilt. It is critical that the community of faith rise again. That is where we want to serve. Journey Fellowship Church
has purchased a historic church near St. Claude Avenue. The former Redeemer Lutheran Church will be transformed into
“Journey-Ninth Ward.” We have been appointed as full-time staff to lead the new campus along with a team of people who will work with us
for 6-12 months.
The campus has two buildings sitting on four lots. The first building is a World War II era church with an amazing bell tower and
incredible stained glass windows. Each window recounts stories from the life of our Savior. What an appropriate model for the recovery
effort! The second building is all-purpose and will serve as a children’s ministry facility as well as a community center.
Each of these buildings suffered extensive damage during Hurricane Katrina. More than two feet of water remained in these buildings
weeks after the hurricane passed. The rebuilding efforts to Journey-Ninth Ward include replacing sheet rock, rewiring the electricity and
lighting, replacing furnishings and much more. As we rebuild this Journey-Ninth Ward campus, we will be providing a revitalized place of
worship where hurting people can come to find hope, healing and restoration. Our community center will be used to reach the
neighborhood providing outreach events and programs for the whole family.
It is the mission of Journey-Ninth Ward to simply “Serve Hurting People.” We believe rebuilding the lives of people begins by building
a right relationship with God. What was true of previous generations is still true of this generation, “the heart of the problem is the problem
of the heart.” Because we know that only God can change a heart permanently, we begin by introducing people to the God of love, who
created them and who has done everything necessary to reconcile them to himself in Jesus Christ.
We challenge you, as Nehemiah challenged his countrymen, to stand with us in rebuilding this community. Our goal is to raise $52,000
in 52 days. We are believing for 200 partners to join with us in launching the rebuilding process of Journey Ninth Ward. We ask that you
partner with us in May 1 - June 21 with the vision of reaching our community for God.