In 1998, Nick Peppo, a senior on the East St. John wrestling team, lost a controversial decision in the 125 lb. State Championship.

He lettered four years on the wrestling team, and, because of his work ethic and personality, was one of my favorites.

Prior to his graduation, I wrote an article in this paper about Nick and his competitive spirit, and when I met with him this week, he shared that his mother still has it.

The reason I arranged a meeting with him is because of a card I received announcing the birth of a new church in St. John. It may be hard to believe, but we have approximately 70 churches in this parish.

“Why another church?” I asked Nick.

He answered that he feels a calling by God to start “The Mission Church” in LaPlace, his hometown.

Nick and his wife Rachel have three children. While sharing with me, I felt the same enthusiasm he had while a wrestler at East St. John.

Nick is 36 years old and became a Christian at age 22.

The message of The Mission Church is to convince people that everyone has a purpose and no one is required to fulfill their destiny alone. We were created for communities and formatted for families.

The Mission Church will have their first service at 10:30 a.m. this Sunday (Feb. 28) at LaPlace Elementary School on 393 Greenwood Drive in LaPlace.

Everyone is invited to attend and enjoy the fellowship and preaching of God’s Word.   

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477, or email hkeller@comcast.net.