There are certain things that, if I’m honest, I feel a certain sense of entitlement to or take for granted. A warm bed to sleep in, a hot shower to greet me in the morning, three square meals to fill my belly, reliable transportation to get me to and fro, good health and a number of other comforts. By living in the inner-city of New Orleans, God, through my neighbors and friends here, is cultivating a much deeper appreciation for being thankful for the so called “little things.” When many of my neighbors pray, it inevitably starts with “God, thanks for waking me up today.” Somehow I just feel like it is my right to wake up each morning but that isn't true. Year in and year out, New Orleans tops the country in murder rates. Just last week a 17 year-old boy was murdered a couple blocks from the church. With evidence of despair all around, it has been deeply convicting to see such great joy, perseverance and generosity come forth from my neighbors & friends who, by American standards, have very little. I’m very thankful for the ways in which their faith in God as their Great Provider, prods me to be thankful for the many “little things” He faithfully provides for me.
For the work of St. Roch Community Church to happen, it takes a great deal of resources. We are so thankful to all of you who have given of your time, talent, treasure and prayers to see the work of the Gospel go forward both in word and deed. Here are a few other things that some of the members here are thankful for:
“I am thankful for the awesome family that I have here at St. Roch. I have been richly welcomed into a new home. I am thankful for the blessing of opportunity to use the gifts God has given me to glorify Him at St. Roch.” - Julie
"I'm thankful that Christ hung out with crazy individuals. It makes me feel good that when others reject me Christ is always going to be my friend" -Monique
“ I went to church at St. Roch for the first time at Thanksgiving time last year. Since then I have seen my entire life flipped upside down by God. I now live across the street, have loving friends that challenge me and a community to call "home". I am so thankful for SRCC! In all honesty, most blessings in my life can be traced back to my church in some way.” -Benjamin T.
“I am thankful for the way God has assembled such a special group of people together known as St. Roch Community Church. I am thankful for how He has allowed us to grow together, fellowship together, pray together, worship together, etc. I am thankful for the love of God that is evident at SRCC.” -Pastor J.B.
“I’m thankful for my health, my job, my growing faith I have in the Lord, prayer, my children and of course my St. Roch family.” - Ms. Monica
“I am thankful for God’s provisions and providence for me and His calling me to be a part of St. Roch.” - Kayti
Again, thanks for all of your support of St. Roch Community Church. May God richly bless you with His presence as you gather with friends and family.
Sincerely,
Ben McLeish
Development Director
