American Baptists helping to transform New Orleans through Ecumenical Work Week
During Ecumenical Work Week Aug. 1-7, 2010, participants volunteered in New Orleans’ Ninth Ward gutting a house; installing sheet rock; cutting grass and bushes; clearing lots; organizing books and preparing two charter schools for opening day; cleaning a cemetery; and restoring city wetlands.
Of the 104 participants, 90 of them were American Baptist volunteers and 41 of them were under the age of 18.
Participants included a team of six individuals from three Neighborhood Action Program centers—Rankin Christian Center, Weirton Christian Center and Neighborhood Ministries—and an ABGIRLS team of two. The two teams—including one mother and daughter from New Jersey—merged into one team lead onsite by Rev. Lisa Harris of American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS).
ABHMS sponsored volunteers from NAP with One Great Hour of Sharing funds.
Volunteers diversity ranged from young to older and Euro-American to Hispanic and African-American; in addition to Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio, participants traveled from Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia and Georgia to work on the Gulf Coast. This mission experience was a first for several of the groups.
Midweek activities included dinner and an ecumenical worship service at St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church, an American Baptist Churches/Cooperative Baptist Fellowship congregation. The week ended with another community meal and closing celebration.
PERSONAL TESTIMONY: One volunteer tells her work week story
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