What a day!!

I am not even sure where to start, regarding yesterday. I got up at 4:00 am (yes, me!!!) and got dressed and headed to the church. We had about 35 people from our church to go and it was really an awesome day, considering the circumstances. We arrived with a uhaul, trucks and vans loaded with food (canned and a hot meal for the day), supplies, clothes that were new and used but washed, folded and separated by size, toys, school supplies, Bibles, hymnals, and books. Their supplies were nearly depleted when we arrived but by the time we left they had a several room unpacked and neatly organized food pantry. In addition they had LOADS of clothes. While there we cleaned out the area used for their church services. Most of the walls and pews had been removed, along with the insulation. We helped pile this stuff up and carry it to the roadside for debris pick up. They had done alot of work and were worn out. Some of our group were able to bring in folding chairs and set up church. The folding chairs had been in this building which had been submerged in about 2-3 feet of water during the hurricane. Inside the hollow legs, there was black muck. YUCK!! They took apart all of the legs and bleached them along with the concrete floor, which was also moldy from being under the carpet. Can you imagine the smell???!!! Pulpit, piano, etc were cleaned. Sound system was rewired and set up. Chairs were placed and they can have church services again, starting today. These people were so grateful and cried and cried. The pastor was in tears nearly all day as he helped and was amazed at the help they were getting. We also helped them clean up their parking lot (nails and debris) and their yard. It made a huge difference in the appearance of their church and the members were very grateful. They are all just exhausted and many of them have lost everything to their name. It will be nice for them to come to church and be able to worship God in some sort of peaceful setting.

As we were unpacking, the families who needed help begin to arrive. The sad stories were never ending. They were so pleased to get some much needed supplies. We were also able to provide a hot meal (sloppy joes travelled well) with individually wrapped fruits and desserts. The children who came and were going through picking out toys and clothes were a blessing. They were so happy....even the ones who were choosing school supplies. One little girl sat at the table and worked a puzzle over and over. She had nothing and this little puzzle made her so happy. Many of the ladies were going through the clothing and they knew just who would be able to use what and were very excited. People came in off the street and were able to receive itmes that they too needed. In addition many people had cooked and prepared food to be served to those who came that day. We had ladies who served these people with food and compassion. It was great to see the immediate needs of some families being met.

The church also provided $2000.00 for the pastor to give to families in need. One man, who is in the military, lost everything. He has absolutely nothing left. He sent his kids to Illinois while he and his wife worked on dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In the mean time, the military decided to move him to Jacksonville, Florida. This is a good thing, except that they want him to report TOMORROW. In addition, his insurance is refusing to cover the loss of his home on technicalities (flood....a big issue in the aftermath of hurricanes down south....a whole other issue!!!). So, his children are in Illinois, his wife has to be left to deal with hurricane issues in Mississippi and he has to report to work in Jacksonville, Florida. What kind of sympathy is that? They are bringing soldiers home from Iraq to help their families (and they should) but they are sending this man off. Its just so sad. The pastor is giving this family of 7, $1000.00 of the money we took. They also loaded up on food and clothing. It is good to know we were able to put a little dent in this families financial crisis.

So many stories and no way to describe in words the things we saw. I post this information NOT to say how wonderful our church or myself is because of what we did but because there is so much negative publicity on TV. We saw soooo many people going over to provide help and nearly every church had something going on to provide assistance to anyone who came. Even churches who had loads of damage (like the one we were at) and had no power. Many vicitims are being touched by God through this disaster. They will see and feel his grace, mercy and see the hope that is only found in God himself. God is good. God will provide. Life is not easy but there are good people in this world and help is coming from all over the world. It is amazing. I wish the news would show this. So many people need help, so many people coming together to provide assistance, so many good things and the news only shows the negative. Seeing the goodness in people in crisis situations (those on the receiving and giving) restores ones faith in humanity.

There is hope.

There is love.

There is compassion.

THERE IS GOD!!!

This is a good thing!!