By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer
NEW ORLEANS (LBM) – The love of Jesus took centerstage June 9 at New Orleans’ iconic City Park as First Baptist Church, New Orleans, welcomed nearly 500, collectively, from Phillis Wheatley Community School and the community for a night of thrill rides and games.
By the end of the night that also included free portraits drawn by cartoonist Joe McKeever and magic by illusionist Shane Willbanks, 20 volunteers from FBNO had poured into the school children and their family members.
The event was co-sponsored by the North American Mission Board, which on June 9 and 10 coordinated 51 “Serve Tour” compassion ministry sites in Houma and New Orleans as the foundation for evangelism.
FBNO Executive Pastor of Discipleship Gary Myers said this was the first face-to-face event they have held for the school since before the coronavirus pandemic. Many of those children who attended will receive in early August a backpack filled with school supplies.
“We wanted to bless Phillis Wheatley Community School and tell them that we love you and that God does too,” Myers told the Baptist Message. “Our members were really excited to have this opportunity to meet many of the students for the first time. We hope this was an evening where they got to enjoy a free night at the amusement park but also get to know us better.”
For Jasmin Gayden, the event allowed her to spend the evening with her son, Tyjae, in a family-friendly atmosphere. Tyjae recently completed first grade at Phillis Wheatley Community School.
“It was a nice idea for them to do that for the kids because there’s not a lot for kids to do in the community,” Gayden said. “I hope it continues and maybe it will get a lot of kids out of the streets and a lot to do in the area.”
FBNO member Terry Arceneaux said the event reminded him of their mission to share Christ’s love.
“It’s what we are called to do,” Arceneaux said. “My wife Helen and I are now retired and we love to serve. By doing so, our grandkids see us involved and hopefully they will be faithful to serve in the church. Our church has seized this opportunity to serve this school and we are excited about many more opportunities with them.”
