Joe Razzouk
HEYYYYYY, YOUUUUUUU GUUUUUUUYYYYYS! What a week! First off I want to thank God for putting this trip together and allowing me, the youngest of the crew, to go on this trip with a lot people I was not too familiar with. I have to admit I was nervous at first but through the power of prayer and lots of time spent in fellowship I was able to adapt pretty well. The trip down here was LONG but it was a good way for us to really get to know each other. On Sunday we went to the church and went out to eat with the youth group. We visited the 9th Ward, which touched me the deepest because it was a poor neighborhood to begin with and it was hit the hardest. The bulk of the week was spent cleaning houses and talking to the owners of the homes and its neighbors. Joe and I were the ones who worked on most of the bathrooms, which meant toilets. With the water still in the toilets after a year, let me tell you it was disgusting. On Thursday me, Joe, and Phil were sent to work on a house just to clear the bathroom. While tearing down the shower, me being as bright as I am, broke the cold water pipe and started reflooding the house! The drain was clogged and we didn’t know what to do. Me and Joe were playing with the water main and Phil was running back in forth with a little dinky bucket trying to empty out the water out the house. After about 30 minutes, we managed to turn it off from something far away from where we were looking.
This trip has really showed me the real power of prayer and with God ANYTHING is possible. We had many issues from taking out tubs to toilets; we stood together and held hands to say a prayer for God to give us strength and energy. Before you know it, we finished the task. The prayer walks were really touching. All people want to do is share their story with someone. I’m really happy God allowed me to go on this trip. The bonds made between people on this trip are irreplaceable and I made a lot of new friends. The Bible verse that really got me through this week was 1 Timothy 4:12 (Thanks Abouna Anthony)
P.S: I REALLY MISS EVERYONE BACK HOME
Filed under: Katrina Relief 6-24-06
I am so proud of you Joe. You are a great example to me and all the youth. May you come back and do amazing things in serving God. Love you man! Mike Fam
Joe I have to tell you that I’m so happy I got this unique chance to know you. I was touched by your maturity, honesty and purity of heart at all times. I pray that God continues to use you as an example for anyone young or old who is seeking the Lord Jesus Christ.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. What a man for God to use! Your message really touched me and encourages me as we prepare for Mexico. God bless you.