Operation Noah Rebuild is a three-year partnership project (through August 2009) between New Orleans churches and associations, the Louisiana Baptist Convention, and the North American Mission Board to help New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Volunteers are needed to rebuild homes; start, restart, or strengthen churches; and reach people with the good news of Jesus Christ.

The mission itself was very life affecting for all of us. Some on the team had been to South Africa and we felt like we were back walking in the squatter camps only with paved roads. The houses are still in extremely bad condition and in many cases the spirit of joy seems to have been drained from the people there. It was hard to drive through the communities and to still see the markings on the buildings that represented the inspections for bodies after the storm; I think the one that got to most of us was a church where 18 people died. It is hard to imagine that the people of New Orleans have to see these reminders every day.

In the first house, our team did some painting and trim work for the family so they could all have their own living areas again. We had been told that they would want to share their stories and to be willing to listen, which we did. This family was two siblings both married with older children. The house had a tri-plex arrangement with two bedrooms upstairs and one down.

The sister and her husband and children were safe, but her brother's wife was being held by the wife's older son trying to fight the current and she slipped away and they have never found her body. The son has had a complete mental breakdown because he couldn't hang on to his mom and save her.

The next house was a wonderful lady who is a minister and had a small church that basically did outreach to the homeless and those in need, which has now stopped since she lost her church building. Her home is being redone and we helped in trim work, sanding floors, and hanging door.

Her prayer was that God would complete the work and that she could bring the people back together in a new place to continue the work they did before Katrina.

We worked 3 days in a third house laying sub flooring and then put down a Pergo wood floor trying to get her home ready for an inspection later this month; if it passes inspection, she can move back in.

All the home owners were so gracious and would come by and thank us over and over again. The accommodations were really unique in that we stayed at a church that had been flooded out and has now been converted into dormitory style housing. The rooms were small, but they were intended for sleeping and were appreciated at the end of a long day. The volunteer cooking team was also great and provided us with great meals; even some Cajun food! They shared themselves with us and encouraged us tremendously. It was a very rewarding trip, yet we feel like we only made a dent in what is still a great need. If any one is looking for a mission opportunity within the U.S., New Orleans still needs a lot of help! David Reese Mission Coordinator Candlewyck Baptist Church VIEW ENTIRE N.O.A.H. PHOTO GALLERY

Volunteer Opportunities There are three ways volunteer teams and individuals can participate: Construction – Volunteers are rehabbing more than 1,000 homes and 20 churches. Skilled workers are needed to help with roofs, dry wall installation, electrical work, plumbing, painting, carpentry, and much more. Evangelism/Church Planting/Church Strengthening – Churches need assistance with projects designed to address the spiritual needs of their communities, often in association with construction projects. Leadership – State conventions, associations, churches, and other institutions are needed to coordinate Operation Noah Rebuild projects in 27 project zones that have been defined for the New Orleans area. Contact Information For Construction Opportunities: noah@namb.net 877.934.0808 (toll-free) 504.362.4604 For Evangelism/Church Planting/Church Strengthening/Leadership Opportunities: NoahECPL@namb.net 877.934.0808 (toll-free) 504.362.4604 Financial Support Donate Now to Operation Noah Rebuild Operation Noah Rebuild Website

Top of Page