Ministering in the Gulf

By Andrew Brooks

How wonderful is our Lord! I just returned from a Katrina Relief Mission. December 7th was 100 days after this massive hurricane that devastated the Gulf Coast. Focus was centered in DeLisle and Pass Christian, Mississippi. Progress is being made with very helpful volunteers from all parts of the United States, church aid, government workers, and locals - neighbors helping neighbors.

Progress is seen in small things and frustration abounds. FEMA and aid agencies are there; some down sizing and some with trailers and blue tarp tacked over a roof. Mountains of debris remain along every road and many totally destroyed homes have been bulldozed to the roadside awaiting debris removal.

Picture 10 to 25 feet of Gulf and river/bayou waters sweeping across your yard and through your home, whether a trailer, home on pilings or frame bungalow. See razor wire alongside the railroad tracks with National Guard posts still in place. Feel the joy at God's Katrina Kitchen (a faith-based ministry) where three meals a day are served, worship services nightly and Campus Crusade students staging Christmas carols, Bibles and Christian devotionals and comfort messages for those who need so much to be lifted up in love and support.

My activities consisted of working with the Grace Fellowship group as they gutted a "creek front" home. I assessed work orders, obtained direction to homes and their need by phone. In addition, I obtained the actual need of volunteer manpower, materials and equipment which is necessary for the next relief team's scheduling and planning. Finally, I surveyed mold and mildew remediation.

Most vivid memory: at our last site visit, found a mother and handicapped son in a FEMA trailer with the need for funds and response. Their last contact with FEMA was over 3 weeks ago. I prayed for the Lord to provide and at the end of my prayer, up the handicapped ramp came two firemen (from out of state) to make the FEMA site assessment report.

God is and was so good to hear and provide for every need and provide me with safety, contacts and ministry.

Immediate plans are to drive from Baltimore, leaving December 27th and probably returning January 14th or later. Some may wish to fly BWI to Jackson or Biloxi for a week or so.

See the Missions bulletin board for recent photos. Contact Pieter and Phyllis DeSmit (410-823-6145, ext. 223) or Andrew and Carolyn Brooks for details or if you have questions.

Learn more about ongoing hurricane Katrina recovery efforts
at Katrina Recovery Updates.