Thanks to Volunteers, Donors and Staff for Keeping DSM and DSA in Action

Feb 07 | Nov 06 | Oct 06 | Aug 06 | July 06 | Mar 06 | Jan 06 | Oct 05 | Sept 05

I recently had the opportunity to visit our ministry facility in New Orleans. This building, like most within the Desire neighborhood was flooded with murky water for weeks. The first time I visited the building after the storm, I was in shock. There was so much work to do. We found spoiled food, mold on the walls, soaked books and materials, ruined equipment, standing pools of flood water, and walls that needed to be replaced.

Ben McLeish, Desire Street Ministries’ assistant director has been leading the recovery efforts in New Orleans and bravely took on the task of restoring our facility to operational use. Let me say that on my last visit, I was blown away by the progress. Hundreds of volunteers from all over the country have generously given their time and talents to gut the building, clean it, and prepare it for remodeling. These volunteers have endured long hours of messy, physical labor. These teams not only cleaned our facility, but have also served the local community by gutting houses and church buildings—nearly 100 to date--preparing them to be rebuilt.

During this spring break season, the recovery efforts will continue as we host work groups from numerous colleges. These students will work during the day and participate in missions training in the evenings. The opportunity to teach some of the theological foundations for ministry to the poor along with the time spent working in the neighborhood will give these students a taste of the realities of urban life. We pray that many will catch the vision for urban ministry.

You may have also heard that Desire Street Academy’s basketball team made it to the second round of playoffs in New Orleans. I’m so proud of our players and the hard work and dedication they have shown this season. The boys played with tremendous heart and represented Desire Street Academy well. Way to go Lions!

As we prepare to transition some of our ministry efforts to the Baton Rouge area, we ask for your continued prayers and support. We are increasingly excited about the doors being opened for expanded ministry. I’d also like to publicly express my thankfulness to my hometown community here in the panhandle of Florida for supporting us. The local citizens, churches, and businesses have welcomed us with open arms and provided for many needs. They’ve been a lifesaver.

And thanks to you for standing with us.

God Bless,

Danny Wuerffel
Executive Director