Dear Family and Friends,

I am finding it hard to explain living here. There is a sadness in not being home, at times we miss it a lot, but there is such peace and joy knowing we are where God wants us for now. We see His hand everyday working in people's lives, the opportunities and the openness to share about God's grace and His love for them is amazing. I am writing specifically to ask you to pray diligently for the city of New Orleans. We are in a battle. This last week New Orleans has been in the National News. There was a murder last week and a masacre this week end. The National Guard has been called in to help. These are the neighborhoods we are working and living in. What you are not hearing is how the churches in these communities are rebuilding and restoring. We, with AIM, are partnering with churches that are  in some of the hardest hit communities. Yes by Katrina, but even before that with drugs, and gangs, and break down of the family. We are a mostly white group in mostly black and hispanic neighborhoods, but there is a unity that comes only from being in Christ! I Praise Him for this blessing! The church buildings have been badly damaged, most of their members are  not back, but they are  courageously fighting this battle. The cost is great for many families here. Please pray for spiritual and physical protection for us warriors here in New Orleans. Pray with scripture that you know to do battle with. I am pleading with tears as I write this that you will understand the urgency.  The battle is real, we have no fear, the battle belongs to the Lord!

We love you all so much, we praise God for  the strength that comes from knowing you are there and with us. Please continue to pray for wise decisions concerning our children and marriage. God is still teaching us how to do this.  God has specifically laid on my heart that I need to be more of a Mary and less of a Martha ,(at His feet, not on my on strength)please pray for me in this. Pray that God will continue to give Brett wisdom and discernment as he is carrying a major load in this ministry. Please let us know how we can pray for you!

With deep love,

Debbie, for the Henson