The Mission’s Work Team has just returned from an extremely successful week of missions in Dulac, Louisiana.  As connections were made with the local Houma Native Americans we were constantly reminded of how rich most of us really are.  We completed the projects we went to complete and then did some extra.  Every morning Pastor Kirby would do “drive by church” as he went to his job with “at risk” youngsters in the local school system.  We met each day at 7 a.m. for a meditation and Pastor Kirby would drive-up to our group and ask what the scripture for the day was.  He would inspire us all with his “drive by” spontaneity.  Pastor Kirby is full Houma Native and he did not start public school until he was eight years old in 1964.  Education for the Houmas was illegal until 1964 both by the Federal Regulations and Louisiana Regulations. 

The Houmas work hard, play hard, live hard and usually die hard.  They are a people of wit, beauty, and intelligence. 90% of the people in Dulac are Houma.  What a fantastic culture…rich in oral tradition and creativity!!  Their livelihood is based on the fruit of the sea – shrimp, crab, crawfish and red fish.  Shrimp season started May 14.  They receive $2.00 a pound for their shrimp off the boat on good days.  What a place to be in mission?

We encountered much racism, injustice, and oppression (especially economic) in the Bayou.  What a proud heritage and a proud people.  We are better because of the little piece of recovery we did.

We come home to Sunnyside UMC and the Annual Conference on May 31 – June 4, 2007 at Calvin College.  See Aaron Gray’s letter elsewhere.

As a church, we are confronting the direction of our Ministry and Mission in the midst of cash flow challenges and the need for continuous church growth.  This congregation has the opportunity to continuously invite our friends and neighbors to church to join in worship and fellowship while making disciples for Jesus Christ.  Please continue to invite people.  The life of this church is dependent on the participation of every individual member.  “75% of the population around us has never set foot in a church.”

Our neighbor across the street from the church Deb Erb, put it this way, “Sunnyside has become our neighborhood center.  Your playground, the music, the selling of fruits and trees, the precinct voting booth, the people milling around, and the Bonus Bucks Pantry, adds life to this neighborhood.<

Maybe, as we reexamine our financial stewardship we will find at the center of everything we do the presence of God’s spirit calling us to become one.

Shalom, Billie r