PIRATES!
Ever wonder what happened to all the merchant seamen and pirates of the past? Where did they go? What happened to their families? Where is all the treasure? Well, we can't answer all of these questions, but we do know that some of them settled in what is now south Louisiana. Many of them settled down, raised families, and even worked in establishing honest businesses.
No, you don't see any square-rigged sailing schooners flying the skull and crossbones any more here on the Gulf of Mexico. But you can see large diesel powered fishing schooners plying the Gulf from Alabama to Texas, some manned by the descendants of these same long-ago seamen. You will still find smuggling and thievery going on that is a life-long occupation for some.
Do you think that Jesus can reach these people? God loves them just as much as anyone else, anywhere else. Some of these folks can be really mean and harsh. They drink a lot of beer and fight and argue with loud, threatening voices. Others are more gentle and caring, honest folks. Many of the seagoing men seem to consider religion something for the weak, for women and children, or for the elderly. Some of the examples of "Christians" they have seen, to them appear to be gutless men or foolish backbiting women. They want nothing to do with that kind of religion. Can you blame them?
These people are usually very careful about outsiders. The few Christians that they come in contact with must not back down from the truth about Jesus. They must live a truly Godly lifestyle and have lots of patience. They must work hard and be faithful to their families. Christians here are always being watched. A true Christian is put through the same tests as are the false ones so the people can see who is genuine. Usually it takes years of walking with Jesus through the criticism of the lost to earn the opportunity to lead one of our seagoing men to the Lord.
Here in south Louisiana, these people are our own families, sometimes our own brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers. Who will reach them if we don't? Who cares enough to tell them the truth about Jesus? Who will endure their insults? It is up to us! We have been given eternal life, not just an empty religion. We have been brought out of our own darkness into the real light of life in Christ. Our Lord is not weak, so we must not be afraid!
Please pray for the hard to reach people of south Louisiana. Pray for us as we try to live rightly for Christ so we may have an opportunity to tell them about the savior.