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I ♥️ Louisiana

Louisiana is a special place to me. While I am not from there, I feel like it is home. I lived there for my college years and met some of the finest people I have ever met. The southeast Louisiana culture is one that is refreshing. The sense of family and community run deep in the small towns that litter the bayou. 

Seeing pictures of the wreckage after Hurricane Ida was difficult. I was hearing from friends when they returned home from evacuation. They stated it looked like a warzone. Their places of work were destroyed and their livelihood is at risk. Schools remain closed and superintendents commit to reopening instead of being closed for the year. Thousands remain without power. September heat in Southeast Louisiana can be stifling to endure without air conditioning.

Not being there, it's easy to get on with our routines and to ignore the tragedy God's people are enduring. The news cycle moves on to other affairs and the people left in Ida's wake are soon forgotten. Yet their needs still remain.

Paul tells us in Romans, "Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality"
(Romans 12:13 NIV). When we bless people in need, we glorify God. The image of hospitality resonates. When we have guests, we clean up our homes, prepare a fine meal, and make extra effort to create a space that is loving and inviting.

 In Matthew it says, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16 NIV). Through our good deeds God's light shines in the darkness for His people. God's glory is on full display by the kind acts we bless others with. 

Our support of the people in Louisiana gives our little church a chance to let God's light shine through our generosity. We get to share our hospitality with His children As the people of Louisiana face fear, despair, and loss, our gifts can share the hope only found in Christ. 

So, on behalf of God's children in Louisiana, I thank you in advance for your gifts, beyond your normal offering, to help their recovery and show the love of Christ.

Be blessed and be a blessing,
Matt Ennis


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