My NOLA Experiences: The series V

Part V: The Story of Paster Robert Burnside

Direct/Meaningful Quotes:

"I Love People!"

"It's not about religion, it's about your personal relationship with Christ"

"Sanctification by association"- Making an impact on your sorrounding and not letting your sorrounding impact you...

The Story of Forgiveness:

The story of Paster Robert Burnside is one of the most inspiring stories I've ever heard, if not the most inspiring. Talking about an individual who has overcomed obstacles. Paster Burnside is the man behind the scene, the reason why most residence are gradually getting their life back in the community of the 9th ward in New Orleans. He has devoted his life to his community (the 9th-ward), by rebuilding houses as well as the lives of ressidence who never thought it was worth going back. Hint: the 9th-ward of New Orleans suffered most of hurricane Katrina. Paster B. himself was strongly affected by Hurricane Katrina. He unfortunately lost his mother in a nursing home. Him and the rest of his family left to Mississippi after being warned to evacuate the city. He left with the intentions that his mother was going to be transported to Mississippi. The person in charged was selective about who was to be transported and who was to stay. Unfortunately, the Paster's mother was one of those who was left behind. According to him, he never got to say goodbye to his mother, never got to open her casket or have a proper funeral. There were many questions that couldn't be answered. Now Paster Burnside lives an anger free life, with full unconditional love for the man who was responsible for his mother's death; while his sisters still live with anger and hate. Truely an inspiring story of forgiveness.

The Full Transformation:

 Paster B. was saved, AKA became a christian 19-years ago. Before discovering God, his life was a total roller-coaster. Long story short, Paster Burnside got caught up into the street life like most under privilege kids; robbing banks, dealing drugs and living the life of crime. Paster B now carries the burdon. As of today, four of his nephews are incarcerted because of his influence and introducing them into the drug game. In other words, he thought them everything they know. Paster Burnside was also an ex-convict, charged for second degree murder. The roller-coaster life continued for Paster B even when he became a paster. God truly had a purpose for his life because with the the kind of life style he lived, he probably shouldn't be alive right now. Paster B shared with us a couple shocking stories about his life as a christian. According to him, he once met a man who confessed to attempting to put a hit on him, AKA get him killed. "Man..I have been trying to kill you all along, but I just can't. I can never to seem find you". Well the quote is not exact, but it went somewhere along those lines. Point is, he truly had God looking over him because not too long after the confession, the same individual put a hit on someone else who got shot in the head in broad day-light. Paster Burnside also shared a story of a gang member he once knew name Chuky. According to him Chucky had 3-bodies; meaning Chucky was accused for killing three people, but not found gilty at that point. During the lowest point of his life, Chucky made the decision to turn to God. He was saved and became a christian. Unfortunately, Chucky was killed three days after he was saved. How insane is this story? Where did Chucky go? Heaven or hell? Guess we will never know...Couple things I took from Paster Burnside's story; If God says no, no one else can say yes. He is in control at all times, no matter how much others want you dead. Also, life is short, and you just don't whenyour time is up. Crazy stories like the ones Paster B. shared reminds me of the TV show, a 1000 Ways to Die. One second you're here, and the next you're gone..Such a crazy and cary taught, but that's just how life works. NOLA definately opened my eyes to all the realities of life.