Saint Thomas Baptist Church, 2926 Jackson Ave, New Orleans, LA 70125, US

Although not witout opposition from the local and national preservation interest, Mayor Landrieu took a leadership role and stance to do what was in the best interest and safety of the community. He kept his pledge to take action, and he did with the full support of the residents and supporting associations of the neighborhood. Pastor John was one of two speakers asked to share a few words, in addition to the Mayor, and boy did he!!!! His message was clear, and for all of us who know him- was passionate. It was awesome to witness how people working together for the good of others can succeed. God was with us. He opened the doors about a month ago with several meetings, and orchestrated a swift response from our government. To Him be all of the honor, praise, and glory !!!!!!! In addition, the Mayors nephew, Bradley Cook, was the team leader on a one day mission with us from Arkansas. You can imagine the Mayors suprise as he sees his nephew from Arkansas in the crowd during the speech. Urban Inpact and Castle Rock are working with Pastor Perry and his leadership team this week to help get them open for their first service on April 3rd. We have a team of 29 from the University of Nebraska helping us with Pastor Perry's church and continuing " Blight Busters." It is amazing how we met Pastor Perry through cutting grass and willing to dig a trench for them, all because someone showed the boldness and courage to approach people through conversation on the street that they didn't know and offer to help them. Now another cornerstone foundation is being put in place in Hoffman Triangle for His purpose of sharing the "Good News" and being a source of hope and direction for the people in this connumity. To Hin be all ther praise, honor, and glory!!! Urban Inpact and Castle Rock Church had a HUGE week this week. We had 55 missionaries in from Bethel University, Ankeny Free Church in Iowa, and Intervarsity groups from Georgia and Harvard, and a group from Miami. In addition, we hosted an EFCA conference, Hispanic conference and African American conference this week. This Saturday we are hosting a Gateway Training at CRCC, and CRCC and UIM are one of the major participants in the Taylor Park "Extravaganza" (an effort with the city, neighborhood association, and others to highlight this park as one of the featured parks in the city to restore for community use). It has been amazing to watch God's hand and direction this week. We met Pastor Perry who is renovating a church in the Hoffman Triangle and is attempting to open at months end. We are helping and partnering with him and his congregation to get them open for his target date.