In many ways Dawn Neudahl, along with her husband Pastor Willy, were the inspiration for the Go Light Your World ministry. After watching the TV with a sense of helplessness during and after Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005, we organized the first of several mission trips to the ravaged city. Dawn, always in the background, worked full-time at her day job and hours and hours each evening supporting a small church plant. Dawn understands the heart of community and lives to build that. She regularly strives to bring the practical love of Jesus into the lives torn apart not just by THAT storm but other storms of life. She is such a humble, gentle, and caring example of “What would Jesus do.”
During a private trip to New Orleans, Dawn had loaned us her car to run errands. In the CD player was a song by Chris Rice, called “Go Light Your World.” I think we listened to it a dozen times, stunned by how it captured the heart of our missions to not only New Orleans but also flood ravaged Cedar Rapids. (Over 250 people joined us in building not only houses but also relationships.) From this came the one month mission trip to Bolivia and the call to full-time missions there (interrupted by my bout with Leukemia for a season of preparation).
Thank you Dawn for being a vessel of gentleness and humble Christian love. You are an inspiration to us.
Happy Birthday!
Thayers
Dawn and Willy Neudahl
Happy Birthday Dawn! You are a beautiful example of a life lived for Jesus! Thanking God for you & Willy, Don & Joyce and your ministry in New Orleans, AND Newton, Iowa! The Lord gave Bryan & Marcia a mission vision in N.O. & we’re so thankful to have been a part of His work. Lord bless!