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Katrina Recovery
When we see pictures and hear stories of people hurting and desperate, our hearts are moved with compassion and care. This has been the response of the Free Methodist Family to the devastation brought about by Hurricane Katrina. But if our hearts are moved, think of God’s heart – “It will also come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear” (Psalms 34:17-18). The Free Methodist Church, a spiritually alive church, quickly became the ears, hands and bodies that God has used and is using to respond to the need in the Gulf Coast. Working along side and in partnership with believers from other communions, Free Methodists from across the country have prayed, given, witnessed, and labored to help our friends in need. The Free Methodist Church Care Team
“When He saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a Shepherd” – Matthew 9:36.
The Free Methodist Church Katrina Relief operations are performed in partnership with PRC, SEAT, Long Beach Kitchen, and the Christian Life Church. These are partners in our efforts to serve the hurting people of the Gulf Coast. PRC Compassion (Pastor’s Resource Council) is under the direction of the Church of the King in Gulfport, MS. PRC Compassion is a charitable organization of churches and pastors formed to address community needs and distribute relief. The Mission: To coordinate national, state, and local faith and community based organizations to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those impacted by Hurricane Katrina. SWAT — A relief and construction ministry organization led by Jim Stewart. He operates out of Cross Road Nazarene Church in Ocean Springs, MS. Christian Life Church and Partners is operating in Waveland, MS under the direction of Pastor Rick Long and Field Director, Jimmy Blackwell. The Long Beach Kitchen is an operation under the direction of Greg Porter from Evansville, IN.
Most of our volunteers are being housed at the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport, MS under the Incident Name – Katrina-Gulfport Base Camp. Some of the ministries that have been carried out by Free Methodists:
While we have had teams from many conferences, five individuals have given long term service: Richard Tallman from the Willow Vale Community Church in San Jose, CA, Mike Babst from the Wenatchee, WA FMC, Roger Lewis from the South Atlantic Conference, Tommy Baker from Wilmore, KY and Frank McFadden from Mobile, AL. We have had over 125 Free Methodist workers from over 20 different churches. What can you do? First, you can pray for the workers and the people. Pray that in all we do there will be a witness to the love of Jesus and His saving power. There have been many who have come to faith in Christ during this recovery period. Pray specifically for a church planter. Pray for safety in the travel and work. Pray for wisdom as we select projects. We are now involved in restoring a Head Start Facility and through this we desire to impact many families of need. Prayer is vital. It is the first line of offense and defense.
Second, you can continue to give to the Bishop’s Famine and Relief Fund. You can not only give to the Katrina Hurricane Relief, but there is need for the Wilma Hurricane Relief. God will pour out His blessing on the Free Methodist Church because of the way her people have given. At the present time, we cannot receive any new teams during the remainder of this calendar year. We have teams committed through December. We are in an evaluation period as to the direction for our ministry after the first of the year. We will be in communication with those who have expressed interest to come in 2006.
Soon, we will have a CD that will help communicate the “Katrina Story.” In the mean time, know that God is good and His people are working. “And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father” (Colossians 3:17).
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