Last Friday night we held a crawfish boil for the men’s ministry of Journey. This was my first crawfish boil of the season. Man they were tasty. I couldn’t get enough of the sausage and onions. If you are reading this blog entry from outside of Louisiana it may be hard to understand how seriously we take crawfish boils. It’s a part of our culture that weaves together food and relationships. Definitely a Cajun thing. We capped the night off with worship and the Word. I had a blast hanging out with the guys. Thanks Ronnie for boiling to perfection. Also thanks to Marshall and Luis for coming early to pull it all together.

   Last week I hung out with Steve Pike of the National Church Planting office in Springfield, MO. We met at the Airport Hilton in New Orleans then went to tour our newest campus in the Ninth Ward. Robert Burnside, (Journey Ninth Ward Campus Pastor) and Al Eden (Louisiana Church Planting Director) traveled with us also. We had an awesome night. For dinner we stopped at Copeland’s in Slidell, then finished the night by touring the new Northshore campus of Journey. I am very proud about the passion and aggressive nature that the AG is displaying about planting new life giving churches. I love church planting. Man, I love my job.

    Our fellowship of churches host an annual Fine Arts Festival. People from around the nation enter and compete in categories ranging from drama and photography to public speaking and music. There are over 12000 churches in the fellowship so the talent is thick. The regional event was held this past weekend in Lafayette, LA. Our very own youth band from Momentum entered and played in the worship band category. Well congratulations are in order. Momentum’s worship band is headed to the National competition. They will be traveling to Charlotte in August to compete. Way to go guys. I’m proud of you all. Megan, Bernard, Chad, Christian, Kim, Brandon, and Patrick. You guys are awesome.

  SOS @ J9 means our Summer Of Service is being held at Journey Ninth Ward this year. Summer of Service is a servant evangelism event each summer at Journey. We demonstrate the love of God to our neighbors is practical ways.  And J9 is short for Journey Ninth Ward. This morning we held a planning meeting at our J9 Campus and did a prayer walk in the neighborhood. Next Saturday we will start going door to door on Alvar Street doing works of service for our neighbors in the Ninth Ward. There was some really bad weather today while we were there so I really appreciate all those who came out to SOS @ J9. You can join us next Saturday from 9 til Noon. Free T Shirt for all who show up to serve next weekend . (While supplies last. See offer for details. Not available in Alaska , Hawaii , or Guam. Wearer must be present to win.) I’ve always wanted to do that.