Episcopal News Service Friday, September 22, 2006
New Orleans Church of All Souls opens its (garage) doors in lower Ninth Ward
Nigerian Anglican priest follows God's call to mission
By Ben Jenkins and Ann Ball
[Source: Diocese of Louisiana] In a part of New Orleans that is still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Katrina, a new sign of hope has appeared.
In the midst of the Lower Ninth Ward, the Diocese of Louisiana and the Church of the Annunciation in New Orleans have launched a mission station named the Church of All Souls to minister to the many working class families who are trying to return to their homes -- where some have lived for generations.
Located downriver from the Industrial Canal, the lower Ninth Ward received between four to 20 feet of floodwater following Katrina.
The Rev. Shola Falodun, an Anglican priest from Nigeria who moved to the United States to be a missionary to African Anglicans, began assisting with the relief work in the diocese immediately after the hurricane. He helped deliver supplies through the diocesan Mobile Ministry Respite Unit, a recreational vehicle that carried necessary items to the lower Ninth Ward on a regular basis.
During that time, Falodun met the rector of the Church of the Annunciation, the Rev. Jerry Kramer, who was also carrying out a relief ministry in the Broadmoor area of the city where his church is located on South Claiborne Avenue. The two priests tended to the people's many material and spiritual needs during the early months following the storm, and have continued providing goods and services.
Full story and photographs:
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_78002_ENG_HTM.htm
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