BURNET, Texas — This Aug. 29 marks a somber milestone: 20 years since Hurricane Katrina made landfall, devastating New Orleans and forever changing countless lives.

Before the storm hit, thousands of residents braced for impact - boarding up homes and preparing to hunker down. But one New Orleans congregation made a different choice. Their decision to leave launched an unexpected journey that carried them to Central Texas - and ultimately to a new home.

For the members of Smoking for Jesus Ministry , faith has always been like a river: swollen with tears from past sorrows, yet rushing forward, overflowing with hope.

A Pastor’s Call to Leave

On August 28, 2005 , Pastor Willie Monnet Sr. led about 200 church members out of New Orleans, one day before the levees broke and floodwater

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