Pre-Trip Requirements

The purpose of this outreach is to share Christ and win the lost, but also that each participant may grow spiritually. As a result, the following requirements are intended to facilitate your spiritual growth during the outreach:

Prayer
Six Hours of Team Prayer: Team members must meet as a group to pray together for at least six hours (this can be broken up).

Fasting
Each team member must fast and pray for one day prior to travel to Louisiana. If you feel you cannot do this, we ask that you fast at least one meal.

Secular Media Fast
Each team member must refrain from all secular media (music, TV, movies, etc.) starting two weeks prior to the start of the outreach.

Public Witnessing
Each team member must complete at least one and a half hours of public witnessing. You may choose when and where to complete this requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the vision of the outreach?
The vision of Answering the Cries is to “Win Souls and Raise Up Life-time Soul Winners.” This vision is cast through multiple teaching seminars, intense services, personal opportunities, and core groups. Mornings and afternoons are dedicated to various forms of training, while nights are dedicated to evangelism and service efforts on the streets. We also continue to dedicate one day to relief work in various locations throughout New Orleans. 

What should I pack?
All lodging will be at a host church. You will need a pillow, sleeping bag, a sleeping mat or air mattress, and toiletries (including: towels, shower shoes, soap etc). Also, remember to bring a notebook, pen and Bible for teachings and services. You will be doing a significant amount of walking, so bring comfortable shoes and apparel. Please note: your apparel should not call attention to your body as this will keep you safer on the streets. All guys need to bring a baseball cap for the streets. In addition, a day of relief work will be included during your visit. As a result, please bring a set of appropriate work clothes for this day.  Remember that it will be March, so please bring appropriate clothing for being outside at night. It will might be cold, hot, or rainy.

What will the atmosphere be like?
Both on the streets and in services, the atmosphere will be very intense. With the lost in mind, we will pray, teach, worship, and witness; everything we do will tie into reaching the lost for Christ. Training will occur during the day and witnessing will occur during the evening.

What is the notary signature on the medical release form, and how do I fill it out?
In order to have the form notarized, you must go to a local bank or, possibly, your church secretary and have the public notary sign the medical release form as you fill it out. This is simply needed in order to confirm your release for medical assistance, should it be needed.  Do not sign the form before you get to the notary.

What does the price include?
The price includes lodging, food, services, teachings, supplies for creative efforts on the street, and a t-shirt.

Why is there a late fee?
We take out medical insurance on each person attending the outreach, and this has to be done in plenty of time prior to the outreach. When your team makes last minute changes or additions it affects our ability to properly insure them.  

What does a typical day look like?
Mornings and afternoons are dedicated to various forms of training, such as: teaching seminars, intense services, personal opportunities, and core groups. Nights are dedicated to evangelism. In between there are breakfast, lunch, and dinner too!

Why is my group split up once we get there?
We encourage people to get out of their comfort zones to ensure they have the best experience possible. We also want the various groups to meet each other and not just stick to themselves.

Will I be safe?
Yes! In the past 13 years, ATC has had no incidents regarding a compromise of safety. Your safety is a top priority to us and each of our leaders! We structure the outreach into individual Core Teams, each containing core leaders, street leaders, and small group leaders. Every leader is fully trained regarding the area for which they are responsible. At no time is any participant ever allowed to be alone on the street; everyone is with a partner. Also, we keep track of where each individual person is assigned on the streets at any given moment. In this way, we do all we can to ensure that our clean safety record continues throughout this trip and all those that follow.

Payments

You can make a payment for Mardi Gras Outreach one of two ways: By check (payable to Answering The Cries) or Online.

Mail checks to:  Answering the Cries
                            PO Box 24299
                            New Orleans, LA 70184

Basic Information about 2011 ATC Mardi Gras Outreach

Participant Application for 2011 ATC Mardi Gras Outreach

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us:

phone: 972-533-2602
email: Mardigras@answeringthecries.org