December 21, 2005

• New Orleans & the the Gulf Coast was wonderful, exciting, discouraging, horrible all wrapped into one.  The TV does not show the true picture.  Imagine Christmas touched more the 12 thousand children and adults in 3 nights.  We had carnival games, sleigh rides, 12 huge inflatable games, 3 stages that had children’s ministry going on.  There were magicians, clowns, puppets and many more children ministry things. Santa & Mrs. Clause were there. (We met the children where they were at.)  So many children said, “I thought Santa Clause wouldn’t find us this year.”  Understand that EVERY children’s program is non-existent in New Orleans and the gulf coast. – No Santa at the malls, No Chuky Cheese, etc - nothing for the children.  There is no children’s ministries in the churches – no nurserys.  I watched as the children entered the grounds.  Their eyes were in total shock as they seen the brightly lit up grounds.  A search light beamed into the sky to advertise.  They left with handfuls of nice gifts.  Their gratitude was overwhelming.  People from all walks of life were there.  The poor, the middle class and the well to do - those that use to have a lot.  We took a tour of the devastation.  TV doesn’t even come close to capture the hundreds of miles of agony.  The people have lost hope & they’ll gain it back only if the rest of the US stays by them.  I told many people that South Dakota loves them.        

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