Hurricane Katrina Report

We have all seen image upon image of the devastation brought by Hurricane Katrina. What we can’t see is the void in people’s lives. We can rejoice in the massive outpouring of help that is flowing into the Gulf Coast Region. The government agencies and the relief organizations are doing a fantastic job in most cases. However, in the midst of enormous activity, the church of Jesus Christ is standing strong. The devastation brought by this tragedy presents the church the opportunity to present a Christian worldview. Yes, we must give a cup of cold water in His Name, but it is as we care, love and witness to His life giving power that we fill the void, bring healing to the hurt and give hope that is eternal.

Our first line of action is prayer. Reports of prayer from churches and individuals are tremendous. Continue to pray: pray for the displaced, hurting and weary people. Ask God to give us compassion (Matthew 9:36). Pray that Christian workers are empowered to give witness to the redeeming power of Jesus.

As Free Methodists,

  • We are thankful for the work teams that have already served in the region.
  • We have helped with water, food, and work supplies.
  • We have helped in shelters caring for evacuees relocating some.
  • We have helped with strategy and consultation and coordination.
  • We have given pastoral care to hurting and discouraged people.

You can help

  • Pray
  • Give to the Bishop’s Famine and Relief Fund
  • Be a part of a work team.

We are now at the place that we can coordinate work teams. We are working in partnership with two other operations but there is only one person who will synchronize the work teams. There is a very good organization in place but the situation is very fluid as needs change. Three things are essential: One, date for your team to come, two, number in your team and three, skills within the team. Information will be given as to sleeping accommodations, what to bring and direction to a location when a schedule for a team is made. Volunteers are needed but there may be times when teams are greatly needed and times when we are over staffed. Be patient!

[ At this very moment – because of Hurricane Rita the operations are on standby as the possibility of high winds and heavy rain is probable.]

We must remember that we are not a relief organization but a church. We have clear instructions to go make disciples. Part of this process is meeting people’s needs in His Name and for His glory. Examples:

  • We have an event planned in a couple of weeks in Bayou La Batre, AL called “Hugs for Kids” at which time we will give over 200 jackets to children but we will also give them encouragement, a hug and have a special program to present the gospel.
  • One of our workers sat and talked with a little girl in Waveland, MS who lost her father. As she talked with her and prayed with her, the little girl looked up and said, “It hurts sometimes to lose your dad.”
  • A somewhat humorous story (humorous in the way he told it) was a man 65 years old telling his story. He said, “I was in my house with eleven other people when the eye of the storm passed; I thought it was over. I poured myself a cup of coffee and said, ‘Well, we missed it’ when all _____ broke loose. (A wall of water 22 feet high wiped his house away) I had to swim half a block to a two-story house where I found safety.”
  • To sit and listen to people’s stories, pray with them and help them carry their load is an opportunity.

A priority is for us to have godly competent pastors ministering in the midst of this excruciating area. Our goal is to empower the local churches in the region or even be ready to plant a Free Methodist Church to care for the Harvest as God leads.

You can contact Lewis Bunn at: labseven@aol.com.