Josh Larabbee - Setting Priorities Straight

When I first heard about this trip to New Orleans, I knew instantly that I wanted to be a part of it and help people in a devastated area. However, with uncertainty about what I was going to do next year, I had to really think and pray about the decision. Within a couple weeks, the decision had been made clear and I signed up for the trip.

The obvious goal of this trip is to help out the people down in New Orleans and help spread the word of God and become close with each other but I personally am hoping for more. As human beings we tend to always look out for ourselves first and everyone and everything else comes second. I was listening to a song called “Consumer” by August Burns Red and there’s a line that says,

“Life will pass us by like a summer storm
if we consume ourselves with ourselves.”

This trip is really an opportunity for us all to realize that we need to think about others above ourselves. The acronym JOY states the order in which joy is obtained by serving Jesus above everything else followed by others and finally yourself. I find that, all too often, I’m not thinking about Jesus or others but just myself which does no one any good. Personally, for me on this trip, I hope to start putting Jesus and others ahead of myself in everything I do.

- Josh Larabbee, 2007 graduate

Kelsey Berglund - Making Sacrifices

The reason why I’m going on the mission’s trip to New Orleans this summer is to help families get their homes back and to show God that I’m willing to make sacrifices for him and others. I want to show myself that I can make a difference in people’s lives and I can do anything as long as I make my focus God. I’m also doing this to strengthen my faith; I know there are going to be moments on this trip when the only thing that will keep me from quitting will be my faith in God. This trip is going to make me a much stronger Christian and will help me continue to build a better relationship with Jesus. I’m really looking forward to this trip and it is going to be life changing for all of us participating. That is why I decided to go on this trip.

- Kelsey Berglund, grade 9

Michael Gardner - Understanding Poverty

I decided to go to New Orleans because I enjoy serving other people and helping spread the word of God. I enjoy working at VBS and helping the little kids and teaching them about God. While I am in New Orleans I hope to learn more about how I can serve people better and learn about what it is like to live with almost nothing. Hopefully, I will be able to serve and help these people in any way possible. I hope to come away with a better understanding of poverty stricken life and learn to be more thankful for what I have.

~Michael Gardner, grade 10

Amanda Berglund - Not Just Another Fun Prime Time Retreat

The reason i decided to go to New Orleans at first was because i thought " yeah a PTSM retreat like soul fest and camp wooo fun stuff!" I also knew I would be helping people who I had only seen on tv and never really thought I could ever actually help. As things started to get going, I realized how big of a deal this really is. I began to realize that i was going to be pushed to the limits both phsycially and mentally. This is something that both scares me and exhillarates me. I know that this experience is going to turn my emotions inside out and I am going to feel things I've never felt before. I have heard so many great things about missions trips and how amazing you feel afterwards. I am really excited to experience it all. What made me really want to go after I had already signed up was how good other people were going to feel because of things that I had done and how good I would feel about making them happy. I love giving people gifts and seeing their reaction and I feel like this is going to be one big group gift that will change people's lives. I can't wait for the feelings I'm going to get during and after that process.

- Amanda Berglund, grade 12

Bob Gardner - If We Are the Body

Over the past few days I've thought long and hard about why I am going to New Orleans in July. There are many thoughts rattling through my head as I write this, but they all seem to point me to one thing - it's about people and relationships. It's about reaching out and helping those who are in need in a tangible way. It's about getting to know people in another part of our country who have been devastated by a natural disaster. It's about developing deeper relationships with other members of the team - both students and leaders. It's about watching young adults grow in their faith and become leaders. It's about seeing God raise funds above and beyond what is necessary for us to use to bless those in need. It's about being Jesus to someone who really needs to see Jesus. It's about me getting up off the couch and out of my comfort zone so I can actually make a difference in someone's life.

The words of the Casting Crowns song "If We Are the Body" ask "If we are the body, why aren't His arms reaching? Why aren't His hands healing? Why aren't His words teaching? If we are the body, why aren't His feet going? Why is His love not showing them there is a way?" Well, my feet are going to New Orleans to reach, heal, teach, and love.

-Bob Gardner, adult leader

Kristan Bowie - Looking for Change

First of all, I've never gone on a missions trip before but I have always wanted to go. Because every time someone came back from one they would say it was a life changing experience. So I want this missions trip to change me in a way and I also want to make an impact on other peoples lives and help them out, because I love doing that. Also I'm having trouble reading my bible and doing devotions and I'm hoping to strengthen my walk with God while I'm there. Another thing is that it's a really great group of kids/ adults going and I'd like to get to know everyone a lot better.

- Kristan Bowie, grade 10

DELTA training day

Is there still work to be done in New Orleans?

Someone asked me why we're going to New Orleans when "everything is all cleaned up already."

While it's true that the news media has moved on and parts of the city are just about back to normal, there is still very much to do! The cleanup will take years.

Take a look at these pictures from a youth group who was working where we are going just last week. They tell the story better than words.

Sarah Krabbe - Helping People in Need

I'm extremely excited to go down to New Orleans for this missions trip in July. First off, I just like helping other people in need. (I remember when I first heard of the Katrina disaster a few years ago and I wanted to help but felt like I didn't have any way to do so -- but look at me now; I'm going to be there in less than a month!) Doing something for someone else and seeing their happiness is simply an awesome feeling. Seeing the devastation through video and photos has really shown me that the people down there have almost nothing and it's a big wake-up call for me. I find myself so easily caught up in the little things in life and worrying about minuscule things that really don't even matter in the big picture. I think that going on this trip will make me realize how fortunate I am and how much more thankful I should be for everything I have. I also think that this trip will teach me to think more of others before myself. And lastly, of course, I'm looking forward to getting closer with both my teammates and God!

I'm so happy that I've been given this great eye-opening opportunity and I can't wait to see what God is going to teach and reveal to me!

- Sarah Krabbe, grade 11

Training for New Orleans

Our Katrina Team has been going through team building exercises for the past two weeks and will have an all-day training with a representative from DELTA Ministries on Saturday, June 16.

We've focused on working together, respecting each other's personality differences and stepping outside our comfort zone.

We've also expressed our fears and talked about picking each other up and giving support when times get tough and days get long.

We've studied Hebrews 11 and seen that faith is what helps us persevere.

Shara Linscott - We Couldn't Do This Without You

Missions has always interested me, whether it's local service projects, out of state or out of country trips. I love being able to lend a hand in helping others so as soon as I heard about our trip to New Orleans, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. Participating in other trips and service projects has allowed me to see God's power and just how much He can accomplish through His people. I'm excited to see how he'll use our team. Although I'm extremely excited about this trip, there are still a few things that make me nervous (heat, humidity and the fact that I don’t really know anything about construction), but I know that through my fears, doubts and obstacles, God will strengthen my faith and trust in Him. I'm looking forward to being stretched and challenged. I want to fully rely on God and walk away from this trip knowing that God can do anything through me when I allow him to have control of my life. I'm excited to see how each person on our team will be used and what I'll learn from them. I'm looking forward to strengthening relationships and learning how to work as a team. I hope that our team will be able to reflect Jesus in everything we do and I pray that we'll be able to bring these people hope and share the love of God with them.

Thanks so much to all the Prime Timers who aren't coming on the trip who have still dedicated so much time and effort. You guys are a huge part of our team and we couldn’t do any of this without your support! Thanks to everyone else who has supported us with prayers or finances. We really appreciate all your help and again, we couldn’t do this without you! Please continue to pray for us, we're definitely going to need it!

- Shara Linscott, grade 12

Sam Larabbee - Outside My Comfort Zone

I feel like I need to go to New Orleans because God has moved me to do so. I've never been a part of anything like this before and feel that I should have the experience of serving Jesus in a more extreme way. I feel that I am taking a massive leap outside my comfort zone by going on this trip but I know that the reward will be worth the hardship.

- Sam Larabbee, grade 10

Heather Erdmann - Serving Others

New Orleans. One week in the middle of summer. House-gutting in extremely hot weather, with more than a small taste of southern humidity. When I told people I was interested in going on the missions trip, they looked at me like I was insane. "Why would you want to do that?!" I'd shrug. I wasn't sure then, and I'm still not quite sure exactly what to expect during that approaching week in July-- other than some pretty high temperatures and hopefully growing closer to God and everyone else on the team. I've gotten a better idea of the trip through the few meetings we've had, and all of them have been a little nerve-wracking. I'm psyched to find out what God's going to teach us this summer, but also pretty scared about the actual process. I've grown up watching people close to me go on missions trips-- my dad spent 2 1/2 years as a missionary in South Korea, and each of my sisters spent a week in Guatemala. Something's always interested me in the decision to give up a week, month, or even a year of your time and spend it selflessly, serving others. That's something I'm excited to be able to participate in-- even though I'm pretty nervous. I'm pumped for this trip to impact my future, too. I have no idea what God's going to show me through it, but I'm so excited to find out. God's been working in me already, too; teaching me to give all my nerves and fears to Him, and doing that has already made me more excited for the trip. I'm hoping that through the physical and emotional strain we'll all come away closer to God and our teammates, and that we'll have some amazing memories to show for it.

- Heather Erdmann, Grade 9

Laura Mason - contagious excitement

When the idea of a missions trip first came up, it was out of the question for me. Going to New Orleans would be far from home and a lot of work. I didn't think I would be able to do it. When I heard about an open spot on the team, I was nervous, but I considered it. I went to a meeting about the trip that evening and the excitement everyone had about going was contagious. I knew then that I wanted to be a part of this great cause.
While I am there, I hope to build stronger relationships with everyone on the team and also with the Lord. I am looking forward to meeting the people who live there and making a difference in their lives. I am so glad we are being given this great opportunity to help those in truly need.

- Laura Mason, grade 10

Christy Russell - Building faith and relationships

I decided to go to New Oleans because it was a chance to have a really good experience. I've always wanted to go somwhere outside of my hometown, and have an opportunity to be able to help people improve their life. I am expecting this trip to be very fruitful in alot of ways. After the trip is over, I hope that my faith will have gotten a lot stronger, as well as my relationships with others on the team. The main thing is that I'm really excited to simply be able to help the families in New Orleans, and to hear the different stories from the individuals affected by Katrina.

- Christy Russell, grade 12

Scott Gardner - Putting Faith into Action

I'm going to New Orleans to show God's love through my hands. I want to make a difference in people's lives both physically and spiritually. I'm feeling pretty good about going down there. I've never been on any kind of trip like this, but I am very excited to see what God has in store for me to do. The Bible tells us that we are "the light of the world," and I am trying to follow that passage. I believe that this is what God would like me to do, and I am proud to try to represent Him well.
- Scott Gardner, grade 11

Rus Willette - Who will Otis and Powell be?

I have had a number of great opportunities to work with students during the past 12 or thirteen years. I have been a coach, a Teen Director, a Prime Time leader and served in many roles working with students. In mytime working with students I have never had a more rewarding experience than a trip to Tennessee a few years ago. I worked side by side with the students I was typically playing with. We got to know each other much more intimately than we had in any other program. Most importantly we were able to work with people we had never met, and put our faith into action. The looks on the faces of Otis and Powell was one of sheer amazement as we worked all day in the summer heat. In fact many days they would sit and watch us work. Many of our students will never forget the time we spent sitting in the living room getting to know Otis' Mom. We spent time fixing up her house, but the time our students spent with her one on one, I know helped to fix her heart as well.

I am going to New Orleans in July curious as to who Otis and Powell will be this week. I am so excited to minister to a new family or families.I look forward to getting to know our students more intimately than before. God has blessed us even before we leave with resources that will allow us to do things we don't yet know about. I can't wait to see how He will use the resources FBC, our friends and families have supplied. I look forward to telling the story of the people we were able to help through the kindness so many have shown. I look forward most of all to the changes I remember seeing in our students after the last trip. We spend so much time telling them that they are not the leaders of tomorrow, but the leaders of today. I am excited to watch them lead. I pray this trip changes lives; both in Portland and New Orleans.

- Rus

Where are you sitting on the flight

Here's the seating plan. I'm sure we'll be able to move around a bit (like make sure Scott and Rus have aisle seats!) haha

Are you guys getting excited? I am!


Amy Adams
Seat 14A
Benjamin Adams
Seat 14B
Laura Mason
Seat 14C
Kelsey Berglund
Seat 14D
Kristan Bowie
Seat 14E
Jesse Cinque
Seat 14F
Heather Erdmann
Seat 15A
Robert Gardner
Seat 15B
William Simpson
Seat 15C
Michael Gardner
Seat 15D
Scott Gardner
Seat 15E
Colby Adams
Seat 15F
Jacob Groom
Seat 16A
Joshua Larrabee
Seat 16B
Rus Willette
Seat 16C
Eric Mason
Seat 16D
Samuel Larrabee
Seat 16E
Jake Linscott
Seat 16F
Robin Linscott
Seat 17A
Sharaya Linscott
Seat 17B
Scott Linscott
Seat 17C
Amanda Berglund
Seat 17D
Sarah Krabbe
Seat 17E
Christine Russell
Seat 17F

Jesse Cinque - Why Am I Headed to New Orleans?

I decided to go to New Orleans because I like to help out other people. I know that they are going through a lot down there, and I want to see what it's like. I know that these people are in need and when I heard that we were having this opportunity, I really wanted to get involved.
I'm looking forward to seeing what's going on down there. The news hasn't been talking about this issue for a while, but I know that it's still going on. I want to see what they're going through and be able to help. I want to come out of this mission's trip knowing that I got to help out people especially ones who may not even have a house at the moment.
I've never been down there and I know that this week will be a positive experience because I will really get to know people down and be able to help out and build relationships with my team members too.
Overall, I'm really glad that I'm able to have this experience and I'm really looking forward to my time in New Orleans.

- Jesse Cinque, Grade 9

We leave in five weeks!

Ten Keys For Our New Orleans Trip

1) NEVER get discouraged about money! It will all come in! GOD is faithful!

2) Pray now! Pray for your trip, for your team, and for the people you will meet.

3) (BELOW) Give your summer e-mailing address to as many people as you can. Mail is a great comfort. (katrinateam@primetimefbc.com)

4) Bring those cameras. There are faces that you will never want to forget! (I'll be providing everyone with a memory book of photos after our trip too)

5) Pack gifts for your host families and kids. Little stuff (gum, little toys, balls, anything fun, they will love it!).

6) Prepare your heart. Your world will be rocked!

7) Don't over pack! I made that mistake and had to lug around everything from house to house because I just couldn't toss it all away. Leave room for souvenirs for when you come home or plan to throw all your work clothes away.

8) Keep in touch with your prayer partner. Share your trip with them. You need them.

9) Prepare yourself to be open to strangers!

10) Have fun! The key to that is, "Be flexible!"

- Scott