Called to Louisiana

Life Changing Experience with a Katrina Relief Team
By Deb Marley

Late last winter I felt that God wanted me to make a career change. I did not know why or what that change was, but He led me to give notice that I would leave my job this past summer. In April 2007 I came with a team from Hope Community Church in Olympia Washington to serve those impacted by Hurricane Katrina. I came with an open mind and heart wondering if God wanted to use me in missions.

In New Orleans the team worked very hard, formed close friendships, met people affected by Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath, had fun together, and worshiped the Lord. Each team that comes to help makes incremental progress in a few houses and witnesses to those they encounter. Most importantly, they show a tiny bit of the love of God and God’s people to those who have been affected.

While in New Orleans I offered to come back for awhile in the fall to do whatever they needed. I went through the process of being formally approved by the Evengelical Free Church of America, Touch Global, to return for a year. Once again, God has a plan that I did not expect. Although I did not have formal approval, I was led to act as though I WAS going to New Orleans. I sold all of my furniture and most everything else. I kept those things that had the most emotional value to me. I did put some boxes of clothes and kitchen items in storage.

God wants to use me, and you, in small and large ways. He has plans for us, plans for our good, and for His good. Everything we are, and that we have, is His. He wants us to trust in Him completely.

Deb Marley is a Manager with EFCA Crisis Response