With all the focus on Hurricane Isaac heading straight towards New Orleans, it's so different for me, now that I have actually visited New Orleans. I've walked those streets, seen those buildings and most importantly met some of those people. My prayers are with them during this time and the days to come.
As sort of a tribute to this city, I figured I'd finally do a post on our trip.
In June, Steven, Caleb, Asher and I drove to New Yorleans(as Caleb says it!) for the Southern Baptist Convention.
This convention was historic because Southern Baptists elected the first African American President, Fred Luter. He is a native of New Orleans and pastors Franklin Avenue Baptist. Their church was completely destroyed when Katrina hit and my heart is so concerned for them now. But I've heard his wife's testimony of how God raised the church after Katrina and I have no doubt He can do it again!
On the day of the election, the convention hall was absolutely packed, it was standing room only. You could feel the excitement in the air. Since the election was uncontested, the current President didn't want to take away the privilege from the delegates to actually cast their vote. So he asked the delegates in favor of Pastor Fred Luter to please raise their ballots in the air. The crowd not only raised their ballots but everyone stood and began cheering and clapping! It was something I won't soon forget. It still gives me chills as I type this over 2 months later.
As we were on the way out of the convention center that day, an older man took Steven by the arm and said, "let me tell you something young man." This stranger, with tears in his eyes said, "I was at this convention, in this very same city, back in the 60's. And if you would've told me on that day, what would be happening today, I would've told you you were crazy. But this is proof that God changes hearts." It was a priceless moment.
