East Baton Rouge Parish
School System
August 24, 2004

Pastor Rizzo,

This correspondence serves as a simple gesture of gratitude to you and your congregation for your staunch support and activist approach to the needs of the East Baton Rouge Parish community and in particular, our public school system.

The East Baton Rouge Parish School System called upon faith-based leaders of this community to support a huge Community Engagement/Parental Involvement Initiative. The Healing Place Church was there every step of the way, providing unwavering, sincere support.

The school system scheduled a meeting with faith-based leaders during the month of June, as this initiative was in its infancy stage. An invitation was extended to over 60 representatives of area places of worship. Only one showed up for this meeting and that happened to be Mr. Timmy Straight of the Healing Place Church.

On July 26, 2004 the school system hosted a press conference as another means of informing our constituency of this bold, new parental involvement initiative. Once again, the Healing Place Church was actively involved. Mr. Larry Gutweiler and other members of the Cooking For Christ Ministries, were there and provided service with a smile. The food was delicious, abundant and served with enthusiasm.

I can truly testify that the Healing Place Church is a "Healing Place for a Hurting World". You all are a tremendous asset to the East Baton Rouge Parish community. Thanks for all that you do.

Sincere and Humbled,
Marlon K. Cousin
Instructional Supervisor