Author: Adam, on staff in New Orleans, LA

“In America, there might be better gastronomic destinations than New Orleans, but there is no place more uniquely wonderful.”- Anthony Bourdain

Outside of Princess and the Frog, The Saints, Lil Wayne, Hurricane Katrina, and Anthony “Fear the Brow” Davis, I did not know much about New Orleans. Being here for a brief moment is all you need to see that this city captures everything about America. The city founded in 1718 is full of history and culture: The Louisiana Purchase, The Battle of New Orleans, The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, and the Civil Rights Movements. A city full of southern hospitality, the Mardi Gras festival, Bourbon Street, and some of the best food on the planet. Despite the savory smells of po’ boys and the swing of jazz music, New Orleans is a city full of hurt and broken communities. According to statistics from the last census, 27% of the population in the city is living below the poverty line. The city has a murder rate seven times that of the national average and homeless population that rivals any other major city. Communities are being split up due to gentrification, and the school system is crippling to the youth of the city. But just like any other city, New Orleans is a city full of broken people waiting to be loved on. This is what I get the privilege of doing for the next two months, loving and serving the people of this community. In my short time here I’ve met alcoholics, a woman who lived on the streets for over 20 years, a 19 year old who is living on the streets, homosexuals, Katrina victims, drug addicts, and many others with a story. In the middle of all this is a small little church located in the French Quarter, Vieux Carre Baptist Church.

The Vieux is a church that loves on the people in its community, no matter the circumstance. A church that isn’t looking for the quick fix for a person’s situation, but instead looking at the eternal value this person has. Led by Tom “The Bearded and Tatted” Bilderback, the church opens its doors every Friday to offer the homeless a free meal, a new pair of clothes, and a shower. They also partner with organizations who are doing Kingdom work throughout the city. So this is my home for the next two months and this is the community I get to work and live by. So please be in prayer for me, the other interns, and the people of this city.