september 21, 2005
Getting Help to Where it's Needed in New Orleans
As Hurricane Rita -- another monster storm, currently at category four -- moves into the Gulf of Mexico, our thoughts and prayers are with the people in the path of the storm, wherever it makes landfall. But we must also continue to pray for those trying to rebuild along the coast of Louisiana, Mississipi and Alabama. Please join me in praying for the residents returning to New Orleans, and also for the relief workers and military personnel who remain in the city.
When I was there, I spoke with some of these volunteers -- many who have taken a leave of absence or vacation time to serve the people of New Orleans.
The group of workers that I talked to from the Pastors Resource Council was sleeping in the sanctuary of a church in Baton Rouge and then driving back and forth each day to serve in New Orleans. "We actually came prepared to sleep in tents and do whatever we had to do," said Rachinee, a volunteer from Maryland. "But we really were blessed by this church. We even have showers!" she said laughing.
She explained the system that they had implemented the day before for expediting people through the line to received food, water, cleaning supplies, and other necessities. "At another facility where our group is working here in the city it is set up like a supermarket. They have the buggies there and you just come in and they have all the aisles set up. They actually let the people go through and shop for what they need. The volunteers have the opportunity to talk to them and minister to them."
People in community discover where the distribution centers are either on the radio, or just by driving by and seeing a sign by the side of the road.
"Our pastor felt like it is fine to send people in right after a disaster, but what about after most people leave. Who is going to be there for them in the long term? So his vision is to come along side this group to hold up the hands of Moses. We're just trying to be the feet and legs."
"The first day we arrived at the center there was a line of cars all the way around the church and there were no other workers available. We only had eleven people from our group at this site and we didn't know if had been announced on the radio that people could get food and water at this location. So we ran all day until it closed and we were starting to get a little weary. After it closed we had our pow-wow that night and tried to get filled up again by the Holy Spirit."
"Then it clicked -- we need a system. We need this order so that we can pass the baton to the next team coming in. We can't leave this place until we have the policy of every person's task and how to get four hundred cars through from 10 in the morning until 4 p.m. We drew on the failures of the day before and we came up with a system so that each family could be served."
And the cars just kept coming in, one after another.
One local rescue worker drove into the line to receive food and water. "I've been working on the scene since the hurricane hit. I finally got a few days furlough and I came home to nothing. I've been able to eat and sleep in comfort up until yesterday. Now the reality of this thing has really hit."
"Not that I ever felt like I was above or beneath anybody, but there is no bias in need." He paused and looked forward for a moment, staring at nothing as he considered his thoughts. Turning his face back to the volunteers he repeated, "There is no bias in need."
How You Can Help
You can take part in Operation Blessing's ongoing disaster response efforts by making an online donation to help those affected by Hurricane Katrina.
For information on Project Church Welcome, click here or call 1-800-700-Club (2582).
Give to help the Victims of Hurricane Katrina through Operation Blessing
ChurchWatch Front
Page
More from Craig
von Buseck on CBN.com