ALWAYS FREE

THE OPEN DOOR

KNOW GROW SERVE

JANUARY 2013

Noel Acadien au Village 2012

Oh what a night, a very chilly one at that! Bundled up and with much excitement, several people began loading sound equipment, risers and supplies that afternoon to begin setting up for the long awaited Noel Acadien au Village. The afternoon of set up went very smoothly and seemed to ease into the evening as people began to arrive at the village. Though our feet may have been chilled to the bone, our hearts and bellies were warmed at the Main Stage in the pavilion. From the hot chocolate and burgers being served to the incredible performances, it was the place to be. The children started off the evening with their rendition of traditional Christmas carols as they were led by Debbie Davis on guitar, Victoria Hammons and Jennie Peterson. All the while, having their performance narrated by Don Avery.

Thanks to everyone who helped!

The evening could not have happened without so many people from The Open Door giving of their time, energy, and gifts to make it be such a success. Thanks to those who stepped up and chose to be team leaders in each area, without you, planning and organizing would have been a slight nightmare. Thanks to those who signed up to serve in each area and man the stations. You were the face of The Open Door that night and more importantly, the face of Christ to those you encountered. To the performers, thank you for proclaiming the Gospel through your song and performances. Thanks to Deborah Pierce for giving our church such a wonderful opportunity through her leadership. And lastly, thank you Pastor Sam for being so supportive of opportunities like Noel Acadien au Village so that The Open Door can go out with the Good News of Christ and minister. Because of Christ in you and your obedience, we are equipped.

continued on page 2

KENDRA COCO, LINDA PLACE, LILY WATSON,AND JEANE CARMICHAEL GREETING GUESTS AT THE WELCOME TABLE.

TONY DESHOTELS BUSY SERVING IN THE KITCHEN AREA.

THE OPEN DOOR WORSHIP TEAM LEADING THE CROWD IN WORSHIP OF OUR SAVIOR AND KING, JESUS CHRIST.

Noel Acadien au Village continued...

Other performances that could be enjoyed on that festive night were the Cajun Christmas story, entertainment by pianist Hannah Knecht, a beautiful trio by Hanah Carmichael, Jeane Carmichael, and Jennie Peterson, The Open Door Worship Team, Westminster Christian Academy Drum line led by Stuart Amidon (that could knock your socks of with the rhythm they produced), a solo performed by Lauren Daigle, the renown Open Door Hallelujah Chorus, as well as several others. The Chapel was another wonderful place to visit. Not only did it too offer shelter from the cold but also warmth for the soul as Truth could be heard throughout most stories being told. Santa was there also wishing children, young and old a very blessed and Merry Christmas. Noel Acadien au Village just seems to offer that small town feel that you see in movies where everyone comes together to share the joy of Christmas. Our greeters at the Welcome Table certainly added to this ambience with their loving smiles and generous gifts

FOOL-PROOFING YOUR LIFE

January 10th - February 21st Thursdays 6:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. FACILITATED BY JOANN BUCKLEY

Email info@opendoorla.org as soon as possible to sign up!

How to Deal Effectively with the Impossible People in Your Life

for families passing by. While those at our craft table and our face painters gave a little extra cheer to the little ones. Whatever your age, whatever your background, you could feel right at home walking the grounds of Acadian Village on the night of December 21st. Thanks to everyone who contributed throughout the evening and made it that kind of night. It was lled with fellowship and fun and even offered some the opportunity to worship our Savior.

BE IN PRAYER FOR OUR YOUTH AS THEY ATTEND THE PASSION CONFERENCE IN ATLANTA
The following students will be attending the conference under the leadership of Stuart Amidon and Rebecca Beasley: Trevor Anthony, Cassidy Sims, Victoria Hammons, Tyler Moore, Seth Burch, Jake Landry, Hannah Knecht, Kirsten Hurt.
Please pray for a m iraculous work of the Holy Sp irit in the hearts of the yout h that the old would go and the new would come. We wa nt to pray for their safe ty as they travel, as well as a hunger for them to know Trut h, grow in the Truth, and be willing to share the Truth, as well as delight in it. Lets join in prayer that they wo uld be an equipped generatio n. !

Looking Forward...2013
by Pastor Sam Brooks It is with a thankful heart I write, hoping that all of you had a wonderful Christmas and were able to celebrate the birth of our Lord with family and friends. Merida and I want to thank all of you for the cards, gifts, and wonderful expressions of love we received. You are such blessings to us and we appreciate all your kindness. It is a privilege to be your pastor. May our Father in heaven give all of us revelation of how great His love is toward us how high and wide and deep. May our hearts be flooded with light so we may understand the great hope we have, the hope of His return and eternal life that has been given to all who believe Him. Truly, we have so much for which to rejoice. I also want to thank all of you for participating in our night at Acadian Village. What a wonderful outpouring of loving service to the people of Acadiana. You were wonderful and a testimony of the love of Christ. Kudos to all leaders for enlisting, arranging, and directing such varied talent. My heart is filled with gratitude for ALL of you who volunteered and served so graciously. You are a tremendous blessing and I thank you! As we prepare to enter a new year, expectations often run high. We look for new opportunities, new experiences, and brighter tomorrows. But, apprehension is often lurking just around the corner, in the quiet darkness of our thoughts. Concerns about the future, our health, family relationships, finances, and other circumstances of this present world press in on us as well. Whatever 2013 brings, let us remember and remind each other of some solid truths as we negotiate the events that unfold before us. First of all, our God reigns. He is in absolute control even when it seems evil has the upper hand. He has promised to direct our steps and continue to perfect us until the day of Christ Jesus. We can cast our cares on Him because we know He cares for us, has forgiven us, and completely accepts us in Christ Jesus. We rest securely in His arms and love as we enjoy the green pastures and still waters. May our faith and attitude be like Daniels three friends if we are faced with the fiery furnace. Our God is able to deliver us; and if He doesnt, we will still bow only to Him. May it be our eager expectation and hope that we will not be ashamed, but that with full courage now and always Christ will be honored in our bodies, whether by life or death. May we truly believe that a far greater glory awaits us so we can live abandoned to His will while still in this life. His ways are perfect, even in the darkest hours. the Spirit, and out of fear into faith. It is the standard for all of our beliefs and choices. It comforts us in affliction, directs us in our doubts, and gives us peace when all around us seems to be in turmoil. His Word reveals our Fathers heart, will, and direction. It teaches us, convicts us, corrects us, and trains us in righteousness so we may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. We must not only know His Word and hear His Word, but be doers of His Word, for His disciples demonstrate their love for Him in obedience.

Finally, we must recognize that all things come through the Fathers hand. Blessings and trials are sent that we might both praise Him and trust Him. For many, 2012 was a year of great blessings and it is quite natural to desire they continue in 2013. For others, 2012 was filled with one trial after another and we are quite glad to see it go, hoping 2013 brings better things. God knows when we need Secondly, we are a family - the blessings so our praises might be family of God, drawn together by lifted with grateful hearts. He His will, for His purposes, and sends trials so we may count it all anchored in His love. That love is joy, knowing we are being refined, shown in our love for one another. having opportunity to be steadfast John tells us in his epistle that in faith while we are being because of His love, we care for perfected. As we go through trials, one another and if we see one in it is essential that we know and need, having the ability to meet trust Gods promise in 1 Cor 10:13. such need, we readily do so. The No temptation has overtaken us body at The Open Door has always that is not common to man. God is been generous in meeting needs of faithful and will not let us be those around us and by His grace tempted beyond our ability, but will and mercy, we shall continue to do with the temptation provide the so. This is not that some might be way of escape that we may endure at ease while others are burdened, it. We have His assurance that if but that the abundance of each can it comes our way, we will be able to be the supply for needs. We endure - and come out on the other rejoice with those who rejoice and side richer for the experience. weep with those who weep. We care for one another, giving to the Whatever comes in 2013, let us needs of others as we are able and choose to face it, rejoice in His looking to the body for goodness and presence in the encouragement and help in times midst of it, and encourage one of trial. another through it. We have His word that He will never leave or Third, His Word is our sure forsake us - whatever the events of foundation. It is the Truth by which the day! Blessings Brothers and we live, the light for our paths. Sisters. Gods Word takes us out of emotion into fact, out of flesh into -Pastor Sam Brooks

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Our shoeboxes went to India!

Spiritual Impact Stories

Our Ultimate Father

In the small village of Kado, the local pastors and churches were able to deliver 80 shoe box gifts to children, including 60 households. For most of the children, their households were fatherless. When they received the shoe box gifts, they were able to hear about their ultimate ILD AS CH Father and they were RISTM N CH of overwhelmed with happiness ATIO e cent OPER ROM to know they were loved. e per eople ar F nin

Surprised by the contents inside the box, Kelly learned that the gift was from a family in America that wanted her to know that Jesus loves her. Kelly says that happiness entered her life that day and that she continued to attend Sunday School and Bible study lessons after receiving her gift. After praying for her relationship with her stepmother, Kellys life at home got better. Jesus helped me to come out of my problems," she said. "No idol has ever helped me like Jesus does, now I know

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Hernandez Jan. 1 ! Mr. & Mrs. Pat Buckley Jan 3 Mr. & Mrs. Tom Buckley Jan. 17 ! Henry Dupre John Philip Doherty Lori Romero Noah Watson Micah Watson James Mayers Dorothy Barbato Jessica Pierce Jennifer Melancon Jacob Moore Belle Menard Linda Bordelon Cathy Peslak Cohen Hernandez Jan 1 Jan 3 Jan 4 Jan 4 Jan 7 Jan 9 Jan 14 Jan 19 Jan 25 Jan 27 Jan 29 Jan 30 Jan 30 Jan 31

tyn on p Twen s 1.2 billi ounger. I y The local pastors said that India rs-old or eason, ill yea -2013 s their village was 100% 14ifts w 2012 hoe box g ren in unreached until Operation the 48 s child 6 d Christmas Child shoe box gifts 363, ivered to t receive n, e l s were delivered. Now, they feel be de which r . Since th , that the next generation of 8 ia India ts in 199 en in Ind ift. children will grow up knowing the f r g i the g 179 child shoe box good news of Jesus Christ. a 75, ved 7,4 recei have

An Invitation

Kellys mother died when she was eight years old. Living in harsh conditions with her father and step-mother, Kelly was very unhappy but found hope from a friend who attended church. Kellys friend said her happiness came from knowing Jesus. One day, when Kelly attended church with her friend, she received a gift-lled shoe box from Operation Christmas Child.

that God is the only one who can help me and change people.

God Commanded It. Israel Celebrated It. Jesus Fullled It. Christ in the Passover.

Model Seder Presented by JEWS FOR JESUS @ The Open Door Wednesday, March 13th at 6:30 PM

FEATURING:
A powerful march from the Old State Capitol up 4th Street to the current State Capitol in Baton Rouge. Great speakers, presentations, and prayer on the steps of the Capitol A Life Ministry Mobilization area plugging you into prolife efforts in Louisiana

Stand Strong. March on.

Saturday, January12, 2013 1-3 p.m.

Purpose: For an abortion-free Louisiana For more information: www.LALifeMarch.com JOIN OTHER PRO LIFERS IN A STAND, IN A MARCH! Stuart Amidon will be leading a group from The Open Door on January 12th to Baton Rouge for the Louisiana Life March. If you are interested in

SAVE THE DATE!

The Open Door Ladies Retreat

What a great opportunity for Connect Groups to fellowship while taking a stand for the unborn.
Talk with people in your Connect group to n d those who are also interes ted in getting involved.

being a part of this caravan, plan on meeting at The Open Door at 10 a.m. The carpool will leave at 10:30. Lunch will be had on the road, so money will be needed for that. The march begins at 1:00 p.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. The plan is to return to The Open Door between 4:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Anyone interested is welcome to come. The Louisiana Life March is sponsored by Louisiana Right to Life, Louisiana Baptist Convention, Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops, Louisiana Family Forum, the Knights of Columbus, Baton Rouge Right to Life, the Hippocratic Resource, and Louisianas Concerned Women for America.

2013
Friday, March 15thSaturday, March 16th

Tall Timbers Conference Center

What goes up...Must come down!

Christmas has come a nd gone . The decorations have gone up and now... you guessed it, they must come down. Come to church on Friday, January 4th for a Christmas Cleanup Pizza Party. From 6-8 p.m. we will need lots of hands to help make the work light. Men and women are invited to come that evening. Men will be needed for climbing ladders and helping with the heavier items.There will be pizza but there will not be childcare, so please make other arrangements.
! !

THANKS FOR SUBSCRIBING TO THE OPEN DOOR ENEWS

HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR! (WEDNESDAY NIGHT SERVICES WILL RESUME JANUARY 9TH.)