"Absolutely awesome!!" is how one mission worker described the work week in New Orleans sponsored by EOA Church in the World. Fifty volunteers from eight churches were truly "church in the world" in covenant with Disaster Response Ministries of the United Church of Christ and our mission partners in New Orleans.

They were literally "red hot for Jesus" (a sign on an east New Orleans storefront church) as they tirelessly worked in the heat and humidity of October.

As they reflected after five days, mission workers from Eastern Ohio and Western Reserve gave thanks for stories shared, for lives changed, for hearts touched, for faith lived, for lasting friendships, for porta potties, for St. Paul United Church of Christ (an aging congregation hosting up to 40 volunteers and serving an authentic Cajun meal to volunteers each week!), for learning to play euchre, for being in New Orleans, and for the United Church of Christ, our wonderful denomination dedicated to hope!

"When will we be coming back?" was the question on everyone’s lips as vans were loaded for the trip back to Ohio. Work weeks are open in January, February, and March 2008. Department of Church in the World’s Disaster Response Working Group will be reserving weeks and making plans for a winter trip.