Final volunteers leaving New Orleans
Filed Under: Committee on Relief, COR, Katrina, Kingdom Workers, Louisiana, New Orleans, WKW
A special worship service was held April 20 at Crown of Life, New Orleans, to thank all of the WELS volunteers who have helped out in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina devastated the region in August 2005. The final group of volunteers will be leaving at the end of April.
During the past three years, approximately 1,200 WELS volunteers gutted 71 homes, rebuilt 41 homes—including the parsonage—and constructed the church's fellowship hall. They also helped Crown of Life reach out to the community by handing out flyers, canvassing, and witnessing. The volunteer groups were part of WELS Kingdom Workers' Faith in Action and Builders for Christ programs. Financial support was provided by WELS Committee on Relief.
"The volunteers were a very positive influence on our church," says Rev. David Sternhagen, pastor at Crown of Life. "Before the hurricane, most of my members didn't know anything about our synod because they are new to it. But after meeting about 1,200 other WELS members, I think they have a better understanding of what it is to be a part of a synod and a greater appreciation for it."
Sternhagen says as people continue to move back into New Orleans, there are many opportunities for Crown of Life to reach new souls with the gospel. "We are certainly committed to this neighborhood," says Sternhagen. "My hopes for this congregation have never changed—we want to be the voice of the gospel so we can bring more people to Christ."
Read more about Crown of Life in June's Forward in Christ. Watch video of the farewell service online: http://streams.wels.net/video/new_orleans_sermon
