Our mission trip is more than a one time event that ends when we come home. Ascension has partnered with Bethlehem Lutheran of New Orleans to help that church survive the immediate damage caused by Katrina and the economic difficulties that continue today. Over half the New Orleans congregation has yet returned to New Orleans. Their old jobs are no more, their homes remain unlivable. Here are some opportunities to help Ascension in our ministry to New Orleans through Bethlehem Lutheran.
New Orleans Mission Trip Transportation Fund
Help send a young person to New Orleans to work on restoring homes. It will enrich the young person's sense of Christian love, and it will help the people in the Bethlehem Lutheran neighborhood get back into their homes. Thrivent Financial, a Lutheran fraternal organization, is providing dollar for dollar matching funds. In the memo section of your check write "NOMT Youth"
New Orleans Mission Trip Materials Fund
While in New Orleans we'll need sheets of drywall, exterior siding, floor coverings, paint, plumbing fixtures, electrical wiring, interior and exterior doors, curtains and the list goes on. We'll need to rent a portable electric generator, and some construction tools. Thrivent Financial, a Lutheran fraternal organization, is providing dollar for dollar matching funds. In the memo section write "NOMT Homes"
Bethlehem Lutheran Appliance Ministry
Pastor Keen of Bethlehem Lutheran, New Orleans, said it this way, "On one day in August 2005 over 200,000 refrigerators and stoves and washing machines in New Orleans short circuited and burnt out. Thousands of residents are living out of temporary trailers and using picnic ice chests and wash tubs. At Bethlehem we're helping 1st responders, teachers, police, fire fighters, EMTs, get back on their feet by providing $450 grants towards the purchase of appliances. These people who are the front line in caring for our communities should never be taken for granted." In the memo section write "Bethlehem Appliance Ministry"
For the three previous funds, make checks payable to Ascension Lutheran:
New Orleans Project
c/o Ascension Lutheran
5106 Zion Ave
San Diego, CA 92120-2728
Bethlehem Lutheran General Assistance Fund
Pastor Keen of Bethlehem Lutheran has a vision...."If I can get houses restored and apartment buildings put back into shape, we can raise this whole neighborhood up. It's not about making a church look pretty. It is about improving the lives of people all around the church." Pastor Keen needs your support as he makes his vision a reality. Bethlehem Lutheran house hundreds of volunteers from all over the country throughout the year. Lend your support directly to this "8 square block" ministry of recovery in New Orleans.
Make checks payable to Bethlehem Lutheran:
Pastor Keen's Restoration Fund
c/o Bethlehem Lutheran
1823 Washington Ave
New Orleans, LA 70113-1727
Thrivent Financial is matching dollar for dollar on most of our New Orleans efforts. How often do you see a corporation reach out on this kind of a personal level. To access the valuable financial and quality of living resources offered by Thrivent, contact the Thrivent Financial advisor for Ascension Lutheran, Derek Tye, or call 619-464-3373.