We’ve officially been in New Orleans for 216 days. And at least once a week someone asks, “How are y’all surviving financially?” It’s a fair question. This is an expensive city. We’ve got three kids, a Frenchie, and no paycheck from our church plant (not now, not ever if I can help it). So how are we making it work?
In September 2024, Naomi and I made the decision to move back to New Orleans—on purpose and with great faith. I was working at Oklahoma State University at the time, barely scraping by, but I knew if we were going to do this, I’d need a job that aligned with the assignment. From October to January, I submitted 73 job applications. And let me tell you, it was brutal. I lost hope more than once. (You can read about that season here). My job criteria was simple: I wanted something in-person, in New Orleans, and enough salary to sustain our family. Remote work? Absolutely not. I had done that before. It drained the life out of me. No team, no rhythm, no thanks.
Then I got a random DM from Carson Suite.
I was driving to my parents’ house during the holidays when the message came through. Carson asked if I’d be open to chatting with the founder of his digital agency. I ignored it for three days. I had no desire to go back into marketing, let alone remote work. But Carson followed up with another message. Then a voice memo. Eventually I gave in.
On January 9, I hopped on a call with Carson and Mikel Howard, the founder of Black Fox Media. It was clear from the jump that these guys were sharp. Strategic. Mission-focused. They shared about the work they were doing to serve churches and nonprofits with creative media, storytelling, and digital strategy. It intrigued me, but I wasn’t convinced. At best, I thought maybe I could pick up a few freelance hours. I made it crystal clear I wasn’t interested in full-time. I had other interviews and bigger plans. I had a strategy.
But God had a different one.
After a few meetings and a sample project, I was expecting a call to discuss a part-time offer. Instead, on February 6, Mikel sat me down and handed me the most generous offer I’ve ever received. Full salary. Bigger paycheck than I’d ever seen. Signing bonus to help with moving expenses. And a belief—not just in my skills, but in our family’s call to New Orleans. He saw the assignment. And he backed it up with bold generosity.
I submitted my two-week notice at OSU the very next day. And on February 26, I officially started as an Account Manager at Black Fox Media.
Here’s why this matters:
Black Fox Media has become one of the greatest gifts in my life. Not only is the work deeply meaningful—we help churches, schools, and mission-driven teams communicate with clarity and excellence—but the culture is electric. The team is full of brilliant designers, developers, strategists, and storytellers. We push for excellence, value feedback, and chase real impact. Our culture rests on three core pillars: candor, collaboration, and curiosity. And they’re not just words on a wall. We live them. Every day.
But the secret sauce is Mikel. That man leads with grit and grace. He gives feedback with precision and care. He serves with open hands and an open heart. He listens, adjusts, and leads by example. Because of him, I’ve been given the freedom to be fully myself while becoming more of who God is forming me to be. And as of this writing, I’ve gotten off my 16th flight of the year serving churches around the country. What began as a skeptical DM has turned into a divine partnership I’m beyond grateful for. I found my occupational home.
So yes, we’re surviving. We’re thriving. And I’m more convinced than ever that God is writing a story bigger than me.
And the mission continues.
Here’s what’s next for our ministry in New Orleans:
We’re building a prayer team of 50 intercessors who will cover our family and this mission. If you want to join the team, [click here].
We’re raising $100,000 to fund the ministry and build a strong foundation. We’re already 30% of the way there.
We’re finalizing our board of overseers and preparing to receive our official 501(c)3 status.
If you’d like to support us—through prayer, generosity, or partnership—reach out anytime at info@zackarycrawford.com.
Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring. And thank you for believing in what’s possible when obedience meets opportunity. I’m not just building a church. I’m becoming a messenger. A traveling communicator. A vessel of good news to the overlooked and overwhelmed. And it’s all just getting started.
