Hospitality

"You are welcome here" is more than a slogan at the POA; it is a reality.  The Hospitality ministry makes that reality possible by assisting guests with accommodation and transportation needs and by making guests feel welcome both at the POA and in the Central Louisiana area.

Basing the ministry on scriptures such as Romans 12:10, which encourages saints and churches to "be devoted to one another" (NIV), the Hospitality ministry works to welcome and assist guests through:

• Welcome Letters to Guests:  With words of greeting and true happiness for the visit, each guest is warmly welcomed to the POA via a personal letter from church leaders.

• Hospitality Baskets:  A basket of fruit and treats unique to the Louisiana area make a "home away from home" more livable.

• Guest Accommodations:  Workers search diligently for the best rates at local motels, hotels, and area campgrounds.  The making of reservations and the facilitating of special housing needs are given top priority.  Lists of other places of interest, such as local restaurants and car rental agencies, are also provided to the guests for their convenience.

• Hospitality Transportation:  The church maintains vehicles, both private passages and vans, that can be used for the transportation needs of special guests.  During conventions and special meetings, shuttle service is provided from guest accommodations to the church.  The staff can also assist in planning and updating travel arrangements (air, rail, and bus) to and from the central Louisiana area.

Hospitality ministry's goal is to make a guest's stay as pleasant as possible and his/her return inevitable.  These workers embody the command to "share with God's people who are in need" and "practice hospitality" (Romans 12:13, NIV).  Everyone truly is welcome at the POA!