Ocean Hills Rapid Response Team-New Orleans

Our team recently came back from deployment in New Orleans and was asked to write a short account of what stood out the most for them on this trip.....

Jack,

I talked to Charisse - She suggested I give you a short e-mail as to the highlight that most stood out to me on our trip last week to New Orleans. I know the expectation is a wonderful story of one of the souls we had a privileged encounter with, through GOD's grace, and there were many, but I have to say it was watching the spiritual growth of our teams!

We had 3 Chaplains coming for the first time, 2 for the second, one for the third and one for the 8th time. Six of us were from our church in Calif., and one from Pennsylvania. We also had 2 teams from Samaritans Purse - one from” Team His House” at the University of Michigan and “Team Touchstone” a Church from Sacramento Calif., which included some folks from Skip Heitzigs church in Albuquerque.

As the Chaplain Coordinator, I had the privilege to see our little group at a different level. The apprehension, the expectation, and the anticipation, before the trip, during the trip, and finally our departure.

I was blessed to watch the young group of college students from The University of Michigan (team His House) on their first mission’s trip. They were dedicated to serving the Lord and those around them, to see how it changed their lives by being obedient to HIS calling. It was exciting to see how GOD can use all of us, and to watch everyone be in total dependence and submission to the HOLT SPIRIT. How they opened up, trusted and enjoyed the will of our Heavenly Father, brought tears of great joy and humility to me personally. We were people of all ages and backgrounds experiencing GOD's grace, mercy and love as one family in Christ.

I know you have experienced this personally and have heard it said many times, but it is so true "We Get Just as Blessed as The People Who We are Trying to Bless". These folks will never be the same (including myself). Because of Gods hand on your great ministry, we have had the opportunity to experience "The Great Commission" and as James Ch. 2 calls it "The Royal Commandment - That We Love God With All Our Hearts and Love Our Neighbors as Ourselves".

On behalf of Sandy, myself and our team, I would like to thank you for the privilege of representing BGEA, I can assure you that we represented and held BGEA with the highest standards and integrity.

Give Bonnie our love.

Yours in Christ - Chuck Bender