AND ON WE GO

This was across the street from the praise and worship rally we had on Sunday.

i am in the Atlanta Airport, after 6pm Atlanta time, waiting for my last flight to California. i had an intense time for the Lord in New Orleans. Mardi Gras street outreach is like nothing i have ever experienced before. It made me pray and consider my relationship with the Lord. i thought i had a great relationship with the Lord, but i can do so much better. The experience was humbling to say the least. i feel the need to know Him better, know His Word better, so i can "represent" Him better in all circumstances on the streets of the world. That is my heart and prayer.

Lets see, i left off on Sunday morning. That was a great day in the Lord. Some great news is that Nick proposed to Shayne at the church that day during worship. Gods blessings and love to them as they plan the rest of their lives together. i love you guys.


It is hard to remember each day in succession, but for me it was a process of God breaking me down for His service. After the first night out in the French Quarter ministering to the Mardi Gras revelers, i did not want to go back. i felt ineffective, useless, weak. i was wondering why i even came. (Brian had alluded to this feeling on his first visit) Every other aspect of the trip was going great. Fellowship with old friends and new, prayer, worship, meals, everything else was off the hook. Worship as always when RAVEN gathers, was anointed and the Holy Ghost always showed up. i was broken, joyful, dancing, singing, all in random order, then repeat. There was always a word and some testimony. The problem turned out to be me. My bad old fleshy self getting in the way of the Lord. When i go out at home, people are mostly receptive to prayer and the Word of God. At Mardi Gras there is an evil spiritual presence that is present and very real. Breaking through this mess takes a full emptying out of SELF and a genuine filling and anointing of the Holy Ghost. It takes waiting and trusting totally on the Lord. i finally got it. By the third night i was full and ready to do battle. It still was not a cake walk but i was ready and more attentive to the Holy Ghost as he led me. Amen. My brothers and sisters helped me get it. There is a joy that is very deep and real in the trenches for God. Some of my sisters and brothers could tell that my countenance was a bit fallen, even when i thought i was presenting it fine. Thanks to all of you, especially my sisters Elva and Holly, and my brother Pastor Rudy. Thanks to the worship teams that brought us deep into the presence of the Lord. Thanks to you all, i am so thankful to have my RAVEN brothers and sisters in my life.


A special thanks to Melanie Bohn, Elva and the food team for feeding us so well and treating us so lovingly. God bless you all, i love you.


One night out on the street, we were in the middle of a "pagan parade", they call it pagan, i call it evil. What an experience. We all stood firm and responded in love to beer dumping, Jesus taunting, and even some punches thrown at one of the guys by a girl in the parade. It was intense.


i met and got to spend some time with a wonderful family. Billy, Rose and their son Ben. i met them the first day i was there, at their house. They are gracious hosts and loving brothers and sisters in the Lord. i was blessed to spend last night at their house. We had the opportunity to talk about many things of God, and i find the church "in the box" is suffering all over. We talked about the "normal" state of New Orleans after Mardi Gras and they told me that the presence of evil does not go away after the drunk tourists go home. There is a real spiritual battle going on there. A battle that needs your prayer. Please stand in prayer for true and God sent revival in New Orleans. It is a big battle and needs intense prayer. You know, voodoo is a religion there, it is very evil. Even when the party is over, the battle continues to rage. There are some anchors of faith fighting the battle there and they need your support and prayer. In addition to Billy, Rose and Ben there's Pastor Don and Sabrina Eskine and Pastor Thomas and Doree Derrick. The link to RAVEN Gulfcoast is on this page, you can visit it from there. These are front line warriors in a battle like nothing i have ever experienced before. they need help. Pray for them. Thanks.


i am trying to figure out how to put my pics on a slideshow through youtube. Until then, i will post some at a time. i love you all. Thank you everyone at home who supported us with prayer , and texts and financially. i love you all so much. God bless you all. in His great love, Deb