In Their Own Words- Danielle

"Each time I go to New Orleans God continues to show me himself in so many different ways. One of the biggest ways this year was in how much hope people still have in the city of New Orleans. Many people we came in contact with want to be back in New Orleans and want the community back. They are doing what they have to do to get their lives back together. It’s probably not the first thing you would think of when thinking of the Central City. It is really neat to see how the Church is playing a role and the impact they are having in the community. It amazes me that God can use anything to bring people together. God is working and it was great getting to experience that first hand and I hope I can continue seeing that." -Danielle

In Their Own Words- John

"This was my first trip down to New Orleans although the rest of my family has been down multiple times. In terms of the shape of the buildings, the city was about what I expected. One thing I wasn’t expecting was the communities being as alive as they were, even though a lot of the houses were not occupied. The people there were also very friendly, and ever more so when they found out what we were doing. I think that is something that a lot of neighborhoods back home lack is the feeling of being a community." -John

In Their Own Words- Shannon

"Going down to N.O. was an amazing experience that I will never forget. Being able to serve the Lord and the people in N.O. was so much fun and was so rewarding. My favorite thing that we did was working with the kids at Challenge Circle. They were all so sweet and excited to come play with us. I also enjoyed gutting houses. It was hard work, but being able to see all that we got done was incredible. Through both of these activities, I was able to show God’s love to the people in N.O., especially the kids. I got to know one girl, Brione really well. She was a little heavier than the other girls, and noticed that none of the Castle Rock volunteers wanted to put her on their shoulders. Just by allowing her to ride on my shoulders, I could see her face brighten. I loved being the one to show her how much God loved her. Seeing that little bit of hope in that little girl makes me realize that N.O. still has hope for the future with God’s help. Yet another Godsend was how well all the other youth groups got along. We were able to work efficiently and still have fun doing it. By the end of the week, we were all reluctant to leave N.O. and the friends we’d made there. This trip to N.O. has been eye-opening, a blast, and I can’t wait to see how God will use this experience to change my life!" -Shannon

In Their Own Words- Connor

"One of our first days down in N.O., we took a tour of the lower 9th ward where the hurricane hit the hardest. The first thing that struck me was the silence. It was like someone took the entire area and wiped it off the map. It just made me realize how great and powerful God really is and how our very existence is in His hands." -Connor

In Their Own Words- Theresa

"As I was preparing to go down to New Orleans I had no idea what to expect. I wasn’t quite sure what God had planned for me. As the week went on, nothing really happened that revealed to me God’s purpose. I prayed about this and asked God to show me His reasons for having me there. Still nothing extraordinary happened. I thought about what happened this week and thought about what I learned. I realized that this week God revealed to me the importance of using my resources for Him. Also, I was able to meet so many new people. Everyone acted as though they had been friends for a while and it was so cool. This trip was awesome!" -Theresa

In Their Own Words- Kevin

"My experience in New Orleans was amazing in many ways. God opened m eyes to the world that exists beyond my own sheltered life. But He also showed me how He works through the interns and staff at Urban Impact. Everyone working there had a selfless desire to make a difference in Central City and in the lives of the children. The last, and probably the most amazing aspect of the trip was how the groups got along together. Because we were all down there working towards the same goals, bonds and friendships formed very quickly. It seemed like we had known each other for a lifetime, not 6 days. It just goes to show God’s power of unity when we gather together for Him. This trip was one of the best experience of my life and I couldn’t have done it without your prayers and support. I am really excited to go back next year." -Kevin

In Their Own Words- Carter

"New Orleans was an eye-opening experience to all of the various ministries within Louisiana. Looking at the 9th Ward showed the reality of Katrina not presented by the news. Also, working with the kids of N.O. was fun and rewarding. I thought the different teams and the Yellow House were really fun. The trip itself was fun and enjoyable." -Carter

In Their Own Words- Diana

"Our teens were awesome! They were hard-working, loved playing with the little kids, got along great with everyone, and had great attitudes (even with our run-ins with giant spiders and roaches)! I also appreciate what I learned about the ministry of Castle Rock Church and Urban Impact – including the comment from one of their speakers that “Christians are called to be dangerous, wild, creative, and daring!” It has been my privilege to serve with our team. Thank you for your prayers."- Diana

In Their Own Words- Ashley

"One of the best things during this missions trip for me was getting to play with all the kids at the Melph Project for Challenge Circle. The first night we got there we were mobbed by kids asking for piggy-back rides. One girl came up to me and grabbed my hand. Her name was Tiyatta, and we mostly blew blew bubbles, played hopscotch, and jump-roped until we were out of breath. On Tuesday, Tiyatta and I were coloring rainbows and flowers with chalk. When she asked me, “Where’s God at?” I was able to share about who He is and His amazing love for her. Although we weren’t able to finish the conversation I’m sure that a seed was planted in her mind. I’m in awe of our God’s power to answer prayers because earlier in the week I had asked God to give me a opportunity to share about Him with someone New Orleans. Being around such a different environment than what I’m used to has really changed my perspective on poverty and it’s effects on people. I’ve come to realize that the poverty and destruction from Katrina in New Orleans has many faces and that every person has their own story of love, hope, despair, and restoration. God has raised an awareness not just about the hardships I New Orleans but in Minnesota also. I’ve also seen what a humongous effect the Church can have on a community just by doing what Jesus told Christians to do. I pray that I will be able to transfer this experience into a deeper passion for God and for everyone around me." - Ashley

In Their Own Words- Eric

"Thank you for all your prayer and support for the whole team. I have been down to New Orleans two (count em) times before, and both times I saw God work in many ways so I was curious to see how He would work on this trip. God showed himself to me in many ways on this trip. All three teams worked very well with each other ad had a unified goal of bringing glory to God in all we did. God taught me that I can glorify Him with any talent I have, no matter how small or great it is. Every time I have been to New Orleans, it gets harder to leave, and I feel like God may be calling me to serve as an intern there next summer. I ask that you would keep all of the staff and children they work with in your prayers as they try to rebuild and restore the community of New Orleans. Thank you again and God bless!" -Eric

In Their Own Words- Megan

"This trip was a once in a lifetime experience – I’m so glad I got the chance to take this opportunity. Getting my application and support letters out late I had my doubts about whether I would be able to go. Down in N.O. I learned about so many lessons about the reality of life after Katrina. My eyes were really opened to God’s love for the people that have been hurt physically, spiritually, and emotionally by the storm. I will take these lessons home with me to use in my daily life and whatever I encounter!"- Megan

In Their Own Words- Quinn

"God has revealed Himself to me in many ways on this trip. He provided me with more than enough support money. He gave me the opportunity of getting to know some great friends. He gave me wonderful little children to play with and to love. He has showed me His power by answering many prayers throughout the week. Most of all, He has taught me to step out of my comfort zone and to not be ashamed of Him." -Quinn