We now have a new doorway to our half-bath that is being converted to a handicap accessible restroom. Using a special saw (a monster saw) we were able to cut through the brick wall and create the opening. We had to remove some drywall, remove the toilet, and do some minor electrical work before we made the cut. We also took down a section of framing in the garage to further the development of our new 4ft hallway. Tomorrow the concrete man will be here early to prepare the reception area for the load of concrete coming. We prepared the area tonight by writing scriptures and declarations on the ground to be covered so we’ll have a biblical foundation for the Healing Center.

We also spent a bit of time praying over the property and quoting scriptures that declare this God’s property. We’ll put up some more shots tomorrow.

Please pray for the provision to finish the Center, and if you sense God leading you to join the Gideon 300 by making a one time gift of $100, you can always click on the donate button on the right of this blog.

God Bless!

That’s what it felt like when the wall fell down today, breakthrough. We made some major progress today as we were able to take down a 4’ x 7’ section of brick wall to create an opening that will join our reception area to our 3 healing rooms. We had a few obstacles to overcome to accomplish the work. The plan was to knock out brick by brick using a drill and chisel, but after tearing out the wall board covering the brick veneer we learned that the method the contractor suggested wasn’t going to work. This place was extremely well built. Even the studs used in the walls are the best material from the era the house was built, and the brick wasn’t coming out that easy. God knew this place was going to be used for His Kingdom.

Anyway, it didn’t take long to make a decision to get a special saw to cut through the brick, but then it took 4 calls to find a rental and we had to take a short road trip to get one and the blade had to be purchased separately. Now, we knew we were going to have a time with this wall when we were cutting through a section of pipe that needed to be removed earlier and the electric saw completely broke in the process. LOL! We preserved and I knew the Lord was going to come through for us. After all, it was the Lord that told us to build this thing.

We have one more opening to build that will link the half bath to the center and we’ll have that done tomorrow. Once these openings are complete we will schedule the contractor to come and pour concrete flooring needed to level the reception area, then we can begin framing walls. More to come, keep praying.

With the permit process behind us, it is now time to begin the renovation work that will lead to the new Louisiana Healing Center. This week we’ll begin by tearing down sections of an existing wall to make way for the new fire wall that was ordered by the State Fire Marshal. The Fire Marshall also ordered an emergency exit that we will have to create in a brick wall towards the back of the building. We’ll also be taking down sections of two brick walls to make a new door frame and a new hallway, and this has to be done before we can lay concrete in the new reception area.


We’re very excited to move forward with the Healing Center. Once the work is complete we will be able to help many folks discover true freedom in Christ. Although the Center is located in the Greater New Orleans Region, it will serve all of Louisiana as the State head quarters and model for Healing Rooms Ministries.
The Lord has given us many words about our work in New Orleans and the building we were given last year. One that we received directly was out of I Kings 9:3,

“I have heard your prayer and your supplication that you have made before Me; I have consecrated this house which you have built to put My name there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually.”

It is words like this that help us move forward when times are challenging. We ask that you would pray for us that all the work done be done in God’s timing with God’s provision.
We’ll post some pics of our progress tomorrow evening. This is exciting!

Those words, spoken emphatically, came out of the mouth of a man staying at the New Orleans Mission. He told me, “People need to know that just because a person is staying at the mission doesn’t make them an alcoholic, or a drug user, or a bum!”  His name is Steve and he worked in plastics until his company was forced to let hundreds go due to economic challenges. After unemployment ran out and Steve couldn’t find a job, he lost everything.  Steve is quick to tell you he’s not lazy. He now has a job but can’t afford all the expenses of renting an apartment, but with great resolve he says he’s going to make it.

I believe Steve will make it, but not because of his resolve, but because while staying at the mission he heard a volunteer share the Gospel and Steve now has a relationship with Jesus and understands the power of the Holy Spirit. Indeed these are challenging economic times and many we see in homeless shelters are like Steve: hard working people who fell on hard times.

According to the US Dept. of Labor the nation’s average unemployment rate is 9.1%, and roughly 150 US metropolitan areas have a rate of 9.2% or higher, with more than 30 metropolitan areas with unemployment rates between 13 and 28 percent. No wonder many homeless shelters are overflowing with people in need.

Church, this is an opportunity to put faith into action. The world needs to know that Jesus really is their Savior.  When John the Baptist had a crisis of faith and sent messengers to ask Jesus if He really was the coming Savior, Jesus’ response was simple: “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them.” Luke 7:22. In other words, the evidence of who I am is the fruit of my actions.

Maybe you’re not operating the in realm of miracles, signs, and wonders. You can and you probably should, but no matter what you can always preach the gospel to the poor. It’s very likely you have a Mission or Homeless shelter nearby where you can volunteer and bring the love of Jesus to a people that, like John the Baptist and Steve, need to know He is their Savior. Actions may speak louder than words, but you’re actions also give merit to your words. Church, let’s be the church.