From Lutheran Intercity Network Coalition in New Orleans, La
“LINC New Orleans, as part of Southern District Recovery Assistance, Inc., is connecting a network of local missional leaders who are catalysts for justice and empowerment in their communities. Relationships have been built in area public schools where staff and volunteers tutor, counsel, and share leadership development discussions. Connections are being made in neighborhood societies and civic organizations, small business groups, and through simple prayer walks and conversations in local gathering places. These relationships lead to the formation of small groups, usually gathered around a specific social concern.
“One such group is called Stand Firm: Gal. 5. The group is made up of five women, but that’s not why they’re called Gal 5. Their name is based on Galatians 5:1, which says, ‘It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.’ This is an opportunity for women to discuss Scripture and relevant issues, pray, and equip each other for community empowerment.
“More specifically, Stand Firm: Gal 5 is a missional community committed to standing firm together and empowering victims of domestic violence by God’s grace. Domestic violence has increased since Hurricane Katrina. Stand Firm: Gal 5 partners with community agencies that help battered women. Their goal is to develop a network of women who build relationships with victims of abuse. Kevin Kieschnick, co-director of LINC New Orleans, says, ‘Stand Firm: Gal 5 is a great example of a LINC New Orleans missional community. They stand firm together in the gift of God’s grace, and then intentionally reflect that grace in communities where they share their time and resources.’ The group has provided meals for Hagar’s House, an emergency shelter for homeless women, and they are connecting with the Family Justice Center, a one-stop resource for battered women to obtain court orders, referrals, and other services.”
