Jenn and I know first hand that God can do more in a moment than any human could do in a million lifetimes. Almost 20 years ago while in the Home of Grace for heroin addiction, God spoke to me (Al) while reading a book. In an instant, I knew I was called to be a “Bridge of Hope” for others.

In that moment, I knew I would not only never use drugs or alcohol again, but God was calling me to lay down my life and help others get from where they were to where He wanted them to be. That guiding philosophy for life helped reconcile my marriage (24 yrs now!), raise 4 children who love and serve the Lord, and guide me through Bible College and Seminary as I helped countless others find freedom in Christ while on staff at an amazing church in Slidell, La.

Recently, I’ve come to see that my personal philosophy for life, to help people get from where they are to where God wants them to be, is actually a God-given mission for a new strong and healthy church in Mid-City Baton Rouge. East Baton Rouge is estimated to have over 400k people with roughly 30,000 of them packed into a 3.5 mile by 1.5 mile area called Mid-City. On any day of the week in this diverse area you’ll see artists and creatives, young entrepreneurs, and locals on Government St enjoying life.

But for those with eyes to see, just under that lively outer shell you’ll also see homeless teenagers from dysfunctional families (over 1100 between 12-18 yrs old), a significant number of people trapped in addiction or in the grips of a mental health crisis, all while half of Mid-City’s population (18-49 yr olds) go through the normal routines of life in the world without direction or hope in Christ. This is why Jenn and I are planting Bridges Community Church, to help everyone we encounter get from where they are to where God wants them to be!