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| The Sun Sets on Bayou Boeuf in Lecompte, Louisiana |
Story and Photo by Ken Hulsey
I have often noted that the strength of Louisiana comes from its people. The folk down here are hard working, polite, loving and God fearing. They greet you with a smile and they genuinely want to know how you are. It's not just lip service. If you are looking for good people look no further than the Pelican State.
The people of Louisiana, for the most part, all attend church on a regular basis if not every Sunday. Their grandparents attended church, their parents attended church, so likewise they attend and then go out someplace with the family for some good old fashioned southern cooking. It's a matter of tradition as much as it's a matter of religion. It's just what you have to do.
It's often been discussed around my church that the major hurdle to reaching people here in this region is that people attend church out of obligation instead of seeking the word of God. No matter what sermon a pastor can compose the people have heard it at least a dozen times and the true substance of the message falls on deaf ears.
This is of course not always the case. There are still people who come to church to be fed the word of God and study the scriptures in order to build a closer relationship with the Creator and affect positive change in their lives.
The backbone of any church is it's small groups where like-minded believers can come together and study the faith and learn more about it through personal interaction. Here at Journey Church (in Pineville, Louisiana) there is such a group where the true message of Jesus is shared and discussed every single Sunday. The group is called The Coffee Club and it's truly a special place where even a first time visitor is treated like a long-time friend. It's more of a family than just simply a bunch of people who gather every week to watch a video and answer discussion questions. Though that is the basic structure of session it is more about sharing personal insight on a certain subject than simply that.
Participants often time bring their own personal sufferings and experiences to the table without fear of any judgement or ridicule. No matter what is expressed there are no prejudices or malice here. This is group of true believers in Jesus Christ that have one mission to bring those far from God closer to God through study, fellowship and prayer. Everyone's insight and beliefs are valid and can be expressed openly.
I can personally testify that my walk with Jesus has grown stronger through the study, fellowship, discussion and prayer I have shared with this group of truly amazing believers. I can only pray that my contributions to the group have been as big a blessing to my fellow members.
As you can probably guess from the name of the group the fellowship centers around a good hot cup of strong Louisiana coffee. I have to tell you that they really do love strong coffee in this part of the country. It's not for the weak!
All kidding aside it is honestly a group of loving people who share their personal relationship with Jesus over a good cup of coffee.
The Coffee Club is for anyone, married or single, who are looking for an open spirit-filled group to learn and share with in order to develop a more Godly view on both life's hardships and pleasures in order to bring praise and glory to our savior Jesus Christ.
We meet every Sunday @ 10AM in Room 1 of Building C on the campus of Journey Church located at 2900 Donahue Ferry Rd in Pineville, LA 71360
Please feel free to come by and see us sometime!
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