monthly focus ~ rebuilding-restoring-reaching out to new orleans

The Big Un-Easy 

Rebuilding/Restoring/Reaching Out in New Orleans  

“Therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians  6:10) 

“…In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”  (Matthew 5:16)

Devastation beyond measure exists in New Orleans. 

Christians need help.

EBM recently flew Gary Goodge ( Director Of Enlistment), Don Whipple (International Projects Coordinator), and Jim Sandberg (an Indiana Pastor) to New Orleans to survey and assess how EBM can help restore life to the our brothers and sisters there, and in turn reach out to many unsaved that are neighbors.  The survey team met with staff of First Baptist Church in New Orleans, a historic urban church in the heart of the city, that is one of the few functioning evangelical churches there now. 

The church can use help. 

EBM exists to help churches!

EBM is a facilitator/conduit  for bringing work teams to FBC to meet immense needs in that community.  Phase 1 of The Big UnEasy will involve gutting houses and clearing out debris.  Phase 2 will involve cleaning, hanging drywall, electrical, painting.  In both phases there will be opportunities to comfort and encourage both believers and unbelievers with the love of Christ.

EBM is scheduling teams for phase 1 now to begin in December. 

NEEDED: 

Weekend work teams (Friday-Sunday).

 - - - > An 8-man team can gut and clean out 1 house in this time

Week work teams (Monday-Saturday)

 - - - > Depending on the size of the team, several homes could be gutted and cleaned out.

Contact  EBM today to schedule your The Big UnEasy Team

Phone:  317.872.4488   |   Email: ggoodge@ebm.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Qestion:  How big a team can we take?

Answer:  This varies, but initially 5-10 men would be good. 

Question:  Can women be part of teams?

Answer:  Yes.  The days will be long and hard.   The work is heavy and very dirty. 

Question:  What kind of work will teams be doing?

Answer:  Tearing out drywall, hauling furniture and appliances out to the curb, ripping up flooring, cutting up downed trees and bushes, etc.

Question:  Will housing and food be provided?

Answer:   Housing will be provided by First Baptist Church, however, it will be on the floor.  Teams need to bring sleeping bags, air mattresses and pillows. Lunch and Dinner will be provided at the First Baptist Church.  Breakfast will not be provided.  Plan to bring non-perishable breakfast items such as breakfast bars, high protein bars, and peanut butter/jelly and bread.   

Question:  What sort of items would be helpful to bring?

Answer:    

Tools (shovels, hammers, crowbars)Pressure washers

Generators

Wheelbarrows

Chain saws

Large construction site Thermos for water

Styrofoam cups

Question:  What personal items do I need to bring?

Answer:    Work clothes, work gloves, heavy work boots, breathing masks, hygiene supplies, sleeping bag, pillow, air mattresses and Bible.

Question: Will there be ministry opportunities besides the physical work?

Answer: Yes. In addition to the physical labor, this is an ideal time to minister by listening to those who have lost everything and are "grieving" this loss. Why not include in your team someone to who you are ministering?

Question:  Is there any health risk?

Answer:  Yes.  We suggest that you consider getting a tetanus shot (or booster) before traveling to New Orleans.  We strongly caution people that have respiratory problems since the area is heavily infested with mold and dust (dried sewage).  At this point, refrigeration is not always stable, so we would also caution diabetics that are dependent on insulin. This is not an appropriate trip for those under the age of 18.