Lori's impressions...

My "face of New Orleans" is actually two faces that are connected in my mind. Russell and LaJohn were two boys who came out for Challenge Circle at the Melph project. There was a noticeable difference in their ages and size, but I got the definite impression that they aren't easily separated. They both engineered it to be on the yellow team the first night and stood beside each other, even though the kids were supposed to be arranged from shortest to tallest. Whenever the ball came to Russell he gave it to LaJohn and whenever LaJohn got to the ball first, he passed it to Russell.

On the second night we were there, Russell ran out without LaJohn. Before the game started, Russell asked if he had time to run and get LaJohn. We waited a few minutes and the two friends returned together. They behaved in exactly the same way they had the first night, showing the utmost consideration for each other and cheering each other on in the games.

On our last night at the Melph, the boys were riding around together on one bicycle, LaJohn pedaling and Russell riding behind him. I watched them, drawing a blessing from their obvious love for each other. Their care for each other and the way they looked out for one another reminded me of the friendship of David and Jonathan. I don't know if these boys know Jesus, but they definitely grasp the beauty of unselfish love and friendship. I pray that the Lord, through the ongoing ministry of Castle Rock/Urban Impact, will one day bring these two memorable young men to Himself.

~ Lori