This Saturday the mission team from our sending church left New Orleans after an incredible week of ministry at Georgetown Apartments on the East Bank of the city. One of the highlights of their time was a tour of the French Quarter through a biblical perspective.
It was our first stop that made the strongest impression on me. The St. Louis Cemetery is one of the oldest in New Orleans and the site where Voodoo Queen Marie Leveau is believed to be buried.
Our guide explained that after her death to this day people will come and perform a strange ritual at her tomb. Visitors will mark three X’s on her crypt, whisper or shout what they desire, and leave an offering. If their wish comes true, they are said to return and circle their marks as a sign of gratitude and proof of her power.
Standing there as tourists heard these stories and lingered behind to make their marks and leave gifts at her grave, I was struck at the irony of how those who may mock and argue against genuine faith in Jesus were quick to place their trust in a dead voodoo queen. The Bible declares in 1 Peter 1:3-5
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy,he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Amid the smell of urine and alcohol we walked down Bourbon Street into Jackson Square as psychics and charlatans set up shop right outside of where Catholics gather for mass. What I saw were the faces of desperate people seeking to place their faith and trust in anything except the living hope in the resurrected Christ.
This is why we are here. New Orleans is a devoutly religious city desperate in need of the freedom only the gospel can bring. Yet in the midst of deeply entrenched, centuries old traditions and lies an army of church planters have dug in our heels and joined God in His passionate pursuit of the people who live here.
We are confident because a dead voodoo queen is no match for the risen King of kings.
If you would like to join us in our efforts on the West Bank through prayer, providing, or participating contact us about how you and your church can get involved.
Melsons on the Move 