We are so blessed to be part of a church that has a heart for the world! This summer is a busy one at Healing Place Church as we send out teams all over the world and invite other teams to do missions projects right here in Baton Rouge. I wanted to give you a snapshot of some of the incredible experiences you are participating in this summer. As a church we have sent two teams to Honduras, one to Camp Barnabas, and another to LA Dream Center. We have one more team headed out in July to Durban to help launch a Life Church.

We also have hosted four churches who had their summer missions at our very own Dream Centers. These teams have painted, cleaned, hosted food giveaways and participated in several servolution outreaches around out Baton Rouge and Donaldsonville.

Another win this summer is our Haiti Coalition. Several churches and key organizations have joined together to bring relief to the people of Haiti. Together we have sent ten teams already this summer to renovate, reconstruct, and most importantly bring the love of Jesus to a poor and hurting world. We have committed to serve this devastated community for the long haul and are currently developing even more plans for the fall.

In addition to all the teams we have sent out, we also have sent two of our very own next generation leaders to spend their summers abroad learning under incredible missionaries and serving the needs of those on the field. Heather Leblanc is in Honduras for two months with Healing Hands Ministry under the care of Martin and Wendy Williams. Dustin Anderson is serving at our HPC Swaziland Campus, leading a team of interns under the direction of Pastor Ben Rodgers.

Below are some pictures from HPC summer missions! Who says the summer has to be a bummer? Through your giving and praying, we have been able to make a great impact for the Kingdom this summer!

It is so incredible to see the next generation really learn to be the church. One way we grow and encourage our students is through our Blue Sushi leadership class. Kari Smith oversees this group of 10-12 year olds who are empowered to be leaders in their generation.

It reminds me of the scripture in 1 Timothy 4: 12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Through this class, we teach our kids to be examples through the Word and practical life experiences.

This weekend they had the opportunity to learn from a “more mature” generation when they visited a nursing home. They played games, served, and spent time together. The highlight of their visit was when they met a 100 year old woman named Mrs. Hattie. She had been married for 67 yrs. The Blue Sushi group asked questions about her life experiences and listened as she offered her advice “Never give up”.

WOW! What a great lesson for all of us. I am so often amazed at what we get to be a part of.

Today I read this scripture in 2 Samuel that really struck me:
And David realized that the LORD had made him king over Israel and had made his kingdom great for the sake of his people Israel. - 2Samuel 5:12

It made me think about Healing Place and how God has blessed this church. It is so clear that the blessing He has on us, isn’t for us, but simply for the sake of His people. Everything we do- reaching, serving, giving, building- is for the sake of the people.

Recently the Lord has blessed us with an even greater opportunity to extend our reach for the Kingdom. Winbourne Baptist Church  was looking for a ministry that could continue to serve the people in downtown Baton Rouge and chose Healing Place Church. For several months we have been sharing the building with the Baptist congregation and on May 30th they will have their final service and have given the building over completely. As they pass the torch on, we want to honor them and thank Winbourne Baptist for entrusting us with this responsibility. I think about how for over 60 years, God has been holding this building for us for this very moment for the sake of the people!

I wanted to share this video link from service last weekend at the Baton Rouge Dream Center campus where the church participated in a celebration dance at the end of service. It so represents the heartbeat of who we are- fun, freedom, and all about the people.

Last week I had the privilege of visiting Claiborne Christian School in West Monroe.

I spent time with my friend Beck Payne who serves as youth pastor at Family Church, as well as catch up with Chad and Nicki Olinde who work at the school. Chad and Nicki attended HPC while they lived in Baton Rouge. It was cool to see them living out the life God intended for them in West Monroe.

Though highly intimidated and totally out of touch, I had a blast speaking to the student at CCS. My heart burns for the next generation. Once a youth pastor, always a youth pastor!… even if I’m no longer cool.

While I was there I also connected with my good friend Joel Dyke who pastors Life Church West Monroe. It is so exciting to do life with so many great churches in this region! Kingdom game-changers in north LA for sure- the devil doesn’t stand a chance here!

On my way home, my seat belt broke. I drove four hours with a constant beeping noise telling me I was unbuckled… I had an interesting conversation with my car all the way home!

What an exciting time we are living in! Just two weeks ago, we took our first steps in the new Healing Place Church Arena. We are so in awe of all God has done and is going to do through the faith of his people! Already, the Arena has been a tool for us to reach out to the lost and hurting in the community and bring the hope of Jesus. From Vision Night to an Easter Egg Hunt, this building has provided a place for people to find peace, joy and the love of Christ.

I wanted to share this incredible video that we showed on opening weekend in the Arena. It just speaks of the Promises of Our God!

Click here to enjoy the video: