Christmas with the Veterans

Story by D.J. Estopinal
Forward by Rev. Graf

Forward
The true spirit of the Christmas season is not about receiving gifts, but sharing the gifts of God's mercy and grace with others. After all, the greatest ever given is the gift of new life and eternal salvation from God Almighty through Christ Jesus.

I count it an honor, a privilege, and a blessing that this seasonal activity--bringing tangible gifts and music to U.S. Veterans--was so joyously received by the great parishioners of the Good Shepherd Church. Spreading the cheer of this Holy Season with folks who took a time--months, years, and decades--out of their lives, to potentially sacrifice their lives, all so that we could live freely, is one of the most beautiful things a flock can do outside of the walls of the church sanctuary.

I wish to especially offer my thanks to Mrs. Rebecca Estopinal for her obedience in answering the Holy Spirit's call on her life to start this ministry and make it a mission of Good Shepherd Church.
 
Rev'd Graf, Pastor


Story
On Saturday, December 15, 2018, Rebecca Estopinal led twenty (20) members of Good Shepherd Church to the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Home located in Reserve, Louisiana. Their mission was to greet, interact with, sing Christmas Carrols to and hand out Christmas Presents to the residence of the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Home.

Amongst the many good shepherds attending were Rev. Graf, the Good Shepherd Church Youth Group, the Choir Director Mrs. Rinda Coleman and the Choir, and our own WWII Veteran, Mr. Thom Kolesa.

All in attendance said that they had a very good time and enjoyed their time with the veterans in the home.  These veterans are of the Korea and Viet Nam wars.