Brad Pitt

As most of you know, Deb and I are from LA, Lafayette to be specific.  New Orleans was a regular road trip we have made too many times to count.

Brad Pitt and his wife, Angelina Jolie, did something very unusual last year:  They moved to New Orleans.  Everyone has been suspicious about how serious they were about homesteading there, as they said that they just wanted to be a part of renewal there. 

After reading and watching what I have enclosed, I think the question should be settled!

I want to cut to the chase here, as I have to run to meet an architect for our Herman St building:  I think these guys are putting alot of believers to shame!  New Orleans economically is devastated.  It is not a pretty place.  Like here in Pensacola, "post Ivan", many, many believers moved away.  Its kind of sad when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are being more 'missional' in investing their lives into a downtrodden community than most believers are. 

I dont mean to sound harsh, but......am I missing something here??!!!?

I am seeing something happening:  People leaving 'comfortable' places to become change-agents in 'UNcomfortable' places......New Orleans,the Gulf Coast, 3rd world nations, etc....  I see this desire happening in the younger generation in particular, as they want their lives to make a difference.  They are intentionally moving into lower income neighborhoods.  They are getting to know the people in the area and seeking to be a blessing, to be Jesus in their midst. 

I think in the next 20 years we will be seeing a whole new paridigm changing the way we see living out our Christianity in a way that is much more like the Son of God. 

He came and lived AMONGST us....

Just a thought...

PB

Pitt Pitches Green Rebuild in New Orleans

By STACEY PLAISANCE,

AP

NEW ORLEANS (Dec. 4) - Brad Pitt and friends have raised enough money for six. Now he wants you to put up for the rest.

The actor, surrounded by hot pink tents representing where environmentally sound houses should soon be standing in a part of the city devastated by Hurricane Katrina, called on politicians, foundations, companies and individuals Monday to donate to his "Make It Right" project.

The program calls for 150 homes to be built in the area of the Lower 9th Ward where levees broke in the 2005 storm, letting loose floodwaters that pushed homes off their foundations.

"We chose to start here because of the devastation, because of the immense hurdles for the homeowners, for the residents to come back here," Pitt said.

Pitt said he would like to see thousands of the homes built and would like to see his "green" building initiatives extend beyond the Lower 9th Ward.

Each home will cost approximately $150,000 to build and will be built on stilts as a precaution against future flooding, Pitt said. He has pledged to match $5 million worth of contributions for the project, and billionaire Steve Bing has pledged the same.

Pink was chosen for the tents, Pitt said, because "it screams the loudest. It says people are coming back."

To be eligible for one of the homes, applicants must have previously owned property in the ward and will be expected to contribute what they can afford.

Comments

[Jim Mather]

Loved your comments about Brad Pitt and the reality of becoming missional. Life makes no sense apart from community. People need it because God created it. JESUS said I will build my church.... what is church if not a community of people called to be TOGETHER in life through good and bad times. Thanks for building that community in Pensacola. I pray for you and your church community daily!
Merry Christmas;
Jim