Lakeshore, Mississippi Easter 2008

Hurricane Katrina Victims Area
http://www.rebuildlakeshore.com/
Photo: A group of youth from Braden, Mississippi greeted us when we arrived. The boys loved hanging out with the young folks. The steeple is the only thing that survived Katrina from the church.
It has been nearly 3 years since Katrina hit Lakeshore, Mississippi. I was there 10 weeks after Katrina hit and am amazed (in both good and bad ways) about the difference since that time.
Yes, much work has been completed, yet there is still an enormous amount more that needs to be done.
Photo: Gloria discovers a hidden message of encouragement beneath the housewrap on one of the replpacement homes.
The county still has nearly 4000 families living in temporary housing. Not only is the housing temporary but their personal belongings are minimal. Remember, when Katrina hit entire houses were wiped away. These families lost everything… clothing, furniture, appliances, books, jewelry, family photos….everything.
I was thrilled to see the development that has transpired, yet have been hit with the cold realization that even though 3 years have passed there is still a huge need for help from outside the area. Unfortunately, those of us not affected by Katrina are quick to think all is well since so much time has passed. Please remember this area and these people in your prayers.
Photo: Gloria prays encouragement for a wonderful elderly father who is so very grateful for the new home that Lakeshore Baptist is building for him. note: Not once did he complain about the 3 year wait or the sickness from the unsafe FEMA trailer that has housed his family for that time. He is just so grateful!
Lakeshore Baptist Church remains as one of the mainstays of help for families. Twice in our 3 short days here, locals have brought donated items to the distribution center with the comment, “They have helped my family so much, I wanted to give back in some way.”
How you can help:
Big Ways:
· F250 Truck (with or without gooseneck) or work van - current vehicles are old and needing much repairs
· Trailer to haul tractor (must currently drive the tractor anywhere needed)
· All terrain forklift (recently 30 stoves showed up with only minimal volunteers available to get them off the truck)
Mission Trip Opportunities (be blessed by being a blessing to others)
Skilled laborers (electricians, plumbers, carpenters, etc) are desperately needed to rehab houses. Cooks, cleaners and workers in distribution center.

Housing is available and food will sometimes be supplied….make arrangements in advance with Jamie : 228-469-0110
Simply Ways
1. Write a check and send it to: Lakeshore Baptist Church PO Box 293 Lakeshore, MS 39558
You are welcome to designate for operating costs (to house and feed mission teams), food for distribution center (cuts living expenses for local families so they can save money to buy lumber for homes), materials for home rehabs, or church building.
2. Package up a box of good used items and ship down: especially needed right now are baby items or anything to help furnish a house.
Ship to: 6028 Lakeshore Rd. Bay St. Louis, MS 39520

Prayer needs:
· Pray for skilled workers….there is much work and many more workers are needed
· Pray for Pastor Don Elbourne and his team…that God will empower them with strong leadership skills to lead the workers and the people.
· Pray that God’s light will shine in this community and be a beacon to the many lost souls.
· Pray for healed hearts…the pain is deep from the extensive loss.
· Pray for sensitive hearts of those not in this area, so that help will continue to be available from communities like yours.
Photo: Gloria is delighted to see that Pastor Don is still wearing the work boots donanted through her home church, First Baptist in Gaffney, SC in 2005 when she first came to minister here. These boots have seen more than 130 workweeks!