an update

I just typed an email to one of our Tulane alumni from pre-Katrina days, Danny "Scout" Barnes, and realized it my be a good update for some blog readers, too, especially alumni and others who've seen our campuses and ministry up close and personal. Here's the pertinent text from that email (basically unedited, as I need that time to work on our next newsletter).:

We are doing pretty well down here. It's been a wild semester, and we are seeing lots of growth at UNO. Nikki' Gordy's legacy is bearing rich rewards. Last year's fruit is bearing new fruit, and new freshmen are catching the vision for their campus and running with it. Last spring, I felt we were on the cusp of a legitimate revival at UNO. It seems I was a little early on the timing, but that cusp is close. God is at work, and it's beautiful to see.

At Tulane, things move along slowly. We're smaller this year than last year, which is a first, but some good things are happening this semester. Our ability, as a community, to influence unbelievers is nearing its preKatrina levels, and that's huge! We have fewer solid Christians, but are making a deeper impact. I believe that bodes well for God's glory and for the future of Tulane XA.

Josh and Rachel Harvey are fitting in well at Loyola. They are facing real challenges, of course: one challenge is that the "I'm the only Christian on campus" disease still pervades students' minds beyond al natural reason. We are praying against that foolish stronghold of Bezelbub. The Harveys have been blessed to not only inherit the favor Jen and I had been given and earned, but seen that favor multiply through God's gift and their own faithfulness, as well.

Haiti Update

from The Assemblies of God

HAITI:  Relief efforts continue on several fronts. Convoy of Hope workers have distributed more than 1.7 million meals and installed dozens of water filters since a 7.0 earthquake rocked the nation January 12. U.S. Assemblies of God missionaries and national believers from Haiti and Dominican Republic are assisting in relief efforts and ministering to people’s emotional and physical needs.

Missionaries also are evaluating damages to churches and pastors’ homes. A number of AG pastors, along with Haiti’s AG general superintendent and one missionary family, are without housing. More than one-third of the nation is displaced. The U.S. Assemblies of God is committed to help provide assistance.

COH reports that more than 1 million pounds of food and supplies are headed for Haiti. “At this point many months, if not years, of long-term response will be needed,” says Greg Venturella, international operations director for Convoy of Hope. “Haiti was impoverished before the disaster; the earthquake only amplified the situation.”

go to www.convoyofhope.org to give