By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer
NEW ORLEANS (LBM) – Thieves have stolen valuable construction materials and tools meant for the construction of the new Immanuel Community Church multi-purpose facility in New Orleans.
Pastor Matt Delaughter told the Baptist Message that shortly after concrete was poured for the foundation in early June, thieves took plywood sheets valued at $3,500.
Two weeks later, vandals struck again, breaking into the Louisiana Baptist Mission Builders trailer and looting tools ($5,700) and more plywood ($5,000). That same day they sacked the vehicle of a church member, working on the project, and took a 9 mm handgun.
Delaughter said insurance will cover only a small amount of the stolen materials, but despite the difficulties, his congregation will remain steadfast in their mission to reach the community and city for Christ. Importantly, he said he is encouraged by the attitude of his church, who has prayed continuously for those who stole the items.
“Those things that we have experienced recently have been disheartening,” Delaughter said. “There have been mornings when I asked the Lord, ‘Why is this happening?’ and confessed, ‘I don’t understand.’ But I realize now the Lord is trying to shape us, and we must trust that the Lord has us here to be a light to this community. Our church has been encouraged to press on despite the challenges.”
Louisiana Baptist Mission Builders Field Strategist Mark Jelks said the church has remained bold in their witness to the community.
“People in the neighborhood are very excited about the church and are encouraging the members and construction teams who are showing up each week,” Jelks said. “They see the hand of God even in this uphill battle.”
ICC started in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans as a church plant of Immanuel Baptist Church, Louisville, Ky., in 2015. The congregation worshipped there until 2020 when they relocated to Gentilly Baptist Church, which is less than 2 miles from where the facility under construction will be located.
Delaughter asked for prayers as ICC tries to finish the project by November.
“Pray for our faith in all of this,” Delaughter said. “Trials have been difficult, but we know the Lord is using this to refine our faith. Pray that we would be quick to pray and not be anxious. And pray that we would have a bold witness to continue speaking faithfully to the truth found in Christ.”
Individuals wishing to help ICC replace the stolen materials may reach out by email, iccnola@gmail.com, or visit immanuelnola.com for more information.
