Partners on Mission Katrina Journals

Greetings Friends!

Martie and I trust that this update finds you physically well and strong in your faith.

I am glad to report that the "Love Bug" season is coming to a close. No those are not Volkswagen Beatles, they are little black flying insects that swarm in the thousands for 4 to 6 weeks twice a year down here. They are also known as "Plecia nearctica" in case any "budding" etymologists are reading this. Another term used is "What is that all over the front of your car?" We aren't sure what purpose they serve except for sacrificing themselves by the thousands on the highways. On a positive note, I did hear that the car wash business is booming.

Progress on the Gulf

The last New Orleans Saints football game was in New Orleans. One of the features during the game was coverage on the progress of the Katrina Recovery. When a FEMA representative was asked why it was taking so long, he said that the country has never had to recover from this much devastation. So after two years he is pleased that there was so much progress. That may sound like "spin" on a bad situation, but the fact of the matter is that we don't know what Recovery Year 2 should look like following the worst natural disaster in our history. I do know this ... whatever it looks like, that doesn't mean that we should be satisfied with the progress. ( and I am not suggesting that FEMA spokesman is satisfied) Lack of progress means there are still people who are crammed into trailers ... people suffering from depression and anxiety. (During the last wave of low pressure systems in the Gulf, there was great anxiety among the residents. I saw the same look in the eyes of the residents in Ocean Springs in September 2005, just 4 weeks after Katrina, when Hurricane Rita was bearing down on the Gulf Coast.)

Of late, I am hearing concerns about fewer volunteers coming to the Gulf Coast. These concerns are being expressed by the Disaster Relief Organizations (DROs) who host the volunteers. Several volunteer camps are not forecasting any significant number of volunteers until November. Some groups are pulling out altogether. As an example, we are helping the Hancock County Long Term Recovery Committee with a home because they don't expect volunteers until November. The City of Waveland asked us to help with a home that was passed back to them because the DRO is closing up shop in this area. (I have posted pictures of the homes we are working on on our web site CLICK HERE ) I am not faulting the DROs for leaving, each has its season.

Since there has never been a disaster of this magnitude, there are not any historical examples to look back to. So we really don't know what to expect. The pace of the rebuilding appears to have slowed appreciably over the past two months. I attribute this mainly to a slow down in volunteers. But God (how I do love it when I see those two words together!), He knows the beginning to the end and He is right in the middle of this recovery work. He is the Source and Provider. We must and will continue to look to Him. The Word says .......

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them [the storms?] for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged [by the lack of volunteers and resources?], for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished. 1 Chronicles 28:20 NIV

The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom [or what] shall I fear [whatever the problem on the Gulf]? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 NIV

Yet their Redeemer is strong; the LORD Almighty is his name. He will vigorously defend their cause so that he may bring rest to their land, ........... Jeremiah 50:34 NIV

That friends is a message of Hope! We have assurance that our God is ready, willing, and able. We have seen Him work in mighty ways in the past and I have every expectation that He will continue to do the same today and in the future. As far as volunteers are concerned, I believe that the Lord will continue to stir the hearts of volunteers. (If you want to see our schedule CLICK HERE)

I had the opportunity to speak briefly at the Waveland 2nd Annual Commemoration of Hurricane Katrina. these are a couple of excerpts ....

************************

In Gospel of John chapter 15 verse 12 and 13 Jesus said ² My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. ¹³Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Thousands of volunteers have set their lives aside for a season to respond to the need of the people here on the Gulf Coast. But with them they have brought not only help but hope and strength.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

For the people of Waveland … Hancock County I believe the volunteers are the third strand

Someone once said The task ahead of you is never as great as the power behind you. Ephesians 6:10 says be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power .. and I say Amen

********************************** To read the entire message .. CLICK HERE

Going Beyond Cooperation to Collaboration

I have been talking with several local disaster relief organizations (DROs) and am encouraging a new way to approach the rebuilding ... through collaboration. What I mean by that is, the decline in the number of volunteers moves volunteer workers and not money as the most critical resource shortfall. When we were in Ocean Springs right after the storm, I initiated collaboration between the distribution sites. It worked very well. Now as then, we all share a common goal. Then it was food, shelter, and medical aid ... now it is to get the people back in their homes. Please pray that the Lord will bring a spirit of unity among the DROs to accomplish this. Each DRO has its own source of direction and priorities. Collaboration is voluntary ... there are no binding agreements so the DROs don't have to worry about turf or processes ... just getting volunteers on the job to achieve the common goal. Before I used a BLOG, a simple web page, now I want to use a database on the web. I will let you know how this progresses.

While I was typing this, I talked with the Construction Coordinator for Hancock County, he told me that a DRO that has been very active has pulled back on sharing materials and is limiting their volunteers to their projects ... point made ....

Mission House

Our Goal is to be in the house by the end of November

This is an excerpt from the Mission House Update I sent out on the 17th.

I believe that the house is very near ready for the rough in inspection. Put another way, the roof is repaired, the external doors and windows are installed, the wiring has been installed and connected to outlets/switches, the plumbing has been installed and stubbed off, the framing on the inside and outside walls is completed, the hurricane straps- hundreds of them - have been installed and the back porch has been re-connected to the house. The exterior has been partially sided as well. The inspector will give us approval to close the walls up and continue with the construction.

We have volunteers from Alabama, Kentucky, and Florida with us this week so I will ask them to give it the once over before calling for an inspection. I will post some updated pictures on our web site later today after I get the volunteers to the work site.

We just received funds for the insulation. I thought it might be easier if I told you what is next in the process and what the costs will be for the next phase. (The * next to the amount means that they are immediate needs)

Complete siding $ 900.00 * Paid for and installed (less trim) We mixed three 5 gallon buckets of donated paint and have put the first coat on

Insulation $ 1000.00 * Paid for

Sheetrock $ 1200.00 *

HVAC $ 2300.00 *

Flooring $ 800.00 We are installing linoleum throughout the house.

Cabinets $ 3000.00

Interior Doors $ 600.00

*****

Gas 5-6 burner stove top $600 new at Sears

Electric 27" double oven $1200 new at sears

2 refrigerators - Large Capacity

Prayer Requests

Sam & Marie asked that we pray for Billy and Georgiana Greenhouse. Billy is a retired Navy Chief who has been hospitalized for an aneurism. Sam asked me to pray for him which is significant in itself. I told him that I would include his request in my update.

Another client is struggling with depression. She is very independent and has done a lion's share of the work on her home by herself.

Pray for Tim and Rico -- for health and salvation

George and Barbara -- for strength and health to continue.

For all of the people on the coast .....

For all that read this update to see the importance of listening for God's voice and if He says go to volunteer then that they will be obedient and place their trust in Him to make it possible.

For our ministry here ... discipling [40 days of purpose -- The Truth Project] ... Saturday evening services ..... completion of the mission house .... and that the Lord will continue to provide for the financial needs of this ministry, both personal support and direct ministry costs.

By His Grace and for His Glory

Charley Elgin

Pathfinder Mission

228.493.1081

Isaiah 58 Rebuilding Houses - Restoring Homes

	Greetings Friends! Martie and I trust that this update finds you physically well and strong in your faith. I am glad to report that the "Love Bug" season is coming to a close. No those are not Volkswagen Beatles, they are little black flying insects that swarm in the thousands for 4 to 6 weeks twice a year down here. They are also known as "Plecia nearctica" in case any "budding" etymologists are reading this. Another term used is "What is that all over the front of your car?" We aren't sure what purpose they serve except for sacrificing themselves by the thousands on the highways. On a positive note, I did hear that the car wash business is booming. Progress on the Gulf The last New Orleans Saints football game was in New Orleans. One of the features during the game was coverage on the progress of the Katrina Recovery. When a FEMA representative was asked why it was taking so long, he said that the country has never had to recover from this much devastation. So after two years he is pleased that there was so much progress. That may sound like "spin" on a bad situation, but the fact of the matter is that we don't know what Recovery Year 2 should look like following the worst natural disaster in our history. I do know this ... whatever it looks like, that doesn't mean that we should be satisfied with the progress. ( and I am not suggesting that FEMA spokesman is satisfied) Lack of progress means there are still people who are crammed into trailers ... people suffering from depression and anxiety. (During the last wave of low pressure systems in the Gulf, there was great anxiety among the residents. I saw the same look in the eyes of the residents in Ocean Springs in September 2005, just 4 weeks after Katrina, when Hurricane Rita was bearing down on the Gulf Coast.) Of late, I am hearing concerns about fewer volunteers coming to the Gulf Coast. These concerns are being expressed by the Disaster Relief Organizations (DROs) who host the volunteers. Several volunteer camps are not forecasting any significant number of volunteers until November. Some groups are pulling out altogether. As an example, we are helping the Hancock County Long Term Recovery Committee with a home because they don't expect volunteers until November. The City of Waveland asked us to help with a home that was passed back to them because the DRO is closing up shop in this area. (I have posted pictures of the homes we are working on on our web site CLICK HERE ) I am not faulting the DROs for leaving, each has its season. Since there has never been a disaster of this magnitude, there are not any historical examples to look back to. So we really don't know what to expect. The pace of the rebuilding appears to have slowed appreciably over the past two months. I attribute this mainly to a slow down in volunteers. But God (how I do love it when I see those two words together!), He knows the beginning to the end and He is right in the middle of this recovery work. He is the Source and Provider. We must and will continue to look to Him. The Word says ....... *Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them* [the storms?] for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged [by the lack of volunteers and resources?], for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished. 1 Chronicles 28:20 NIV The LORD is my light and my salvation— **whom [or what] shall I fear [whatever the problem on the Gulf]*? The LORD is the stronghold of my life*— of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 NIV Yet their Redeemer is strong;* the LORD Almighty is his name. He will vigorously defend their cause so that he may bring rest to their land, ...........* Jeremiah 50:34 NIV That friends is a message of Hope! We have assurance that our God is ready, willing, and able. We have seen Him work in mighty ways in the past and I have every expectation that He will continue to do the same today and in the future. As far as volunteers are concerned, I believe that the Lord will continue to stir the hearts of volunteers. (If you want to see our schedule CLICK HERE) I had the opportunity to speak briefly at the Waveland 2nd Annual Commemoration of Hurricane Katrina. these are a couple of excerpts .... ********************** In Gospel of John chapter 15 verse 12 and 13 Jesus said ² My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. ¹³Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. Thousands of volunteers have set their lives aside for a season to respond to the need of the people here on the Gulf Coast. But with them they have brought not only help but hope and strength. Ecclesiastes 4:12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. For the people of Waveland … Hancock County I believe the volunteers are the third strand Someone once said The task ahead of you is never as great as the power behind you. Ephesians 6:10 says be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power .. and I say Amen ****************************** To read the entire message .. CLICK HERE Going Beyond Cooperation to Collaboration I have been talking with several local disaster relief organizations (DROs) and am encouraging a new way to approach the rebuilding ... through collaboration. What I mean by that is, the decline in the number of volunteers moves volunteer workers and not money as the most critical resource shortfall. When we were in Ocean Springs right after the storm, I initiated collaboration between the distribution sites. It worked very well. Now as then, we all share a common goal. Then it was food, shelter, and medical aid ... now it is to get the people back in their homes. Please pray that the Lord will bring a spirit of unity among the DROs to accomplish this. Each DRO has its own source of direction and priorities. Collaboration is voluntary ... there are no binding agreements so the DROs don't have to worry about turf or processes ... just getting volunteers on the job to achieve the common goal. Before I used a BLOG, a simple web page, now I want to use a database on the web. I will let you know how this progresses. While I was typing this, I talked with the Construction Coordinator for Hancock County, he told me that a DRO that has been very active has pulled back on sharing materials and is limiting their volunteers to their projects ... point made .... Mission House** Our Goal is to be in the house by the end of November This is an excerpt from the Mission House Update I sent out on the 17th. I believe that the house is very near ready for the rough in inspection. Put another way, the roof is repaired, the external doors and windows are installed, the wiring has been installed and connected to outlets/switches, the plumbing has been installed and stubbed off, the framing on the inside and outside walls is completed, the hurricane straps- hundreds of them - have been installed and the back porch has been re-connected to the house. The exterior has been partially sided as well. The inspector will give us approval to close the walls up and continue with the construction. We have volunteers from Alabama, Kentucky, and Florida with us this week so I will ask them to give it the once over before calling for an inspection. I will post some updated pictures on our web site later today after I get the volunteers to the work site. We just received funds for the insulation. I thought it might be easier if I told you what is next in the process and what the costs will be for the next phase. (The * next to the amount means that they are immediate needs) Complete siding $ 900.00 * Paid for and installed (less trim) We mixed three 5 gallon buckets of donated paint and have put the first coat on Insulation $ 1000.00 * Paid for Sheetrock $ 1200.00 * HVAC $ 2300.00 * Flooring $ 800.00 We are installing linoleum throughout the house. Cabinets $ 3000.00 Interior Doors $ 600.00 *** Gas 5-6 burner stove top $600 new at Sears Electric 27" double oven $1200 new at sears 2 refrigerators - Large Capacity Prayer Requests Sam & Marie asked that we pray for Billy and Georgiana Greenhouse. Billy is a retired Navy Chief who has been hospitalized for an aneurism. Sam asked me to pray for him which is significant in itself. I told him that I would include his request in my update. Another client is struggling with depression. She is very independent and has done a lion's share of the work on her home by herself. Pray for Tim and Rico -- for health and salvation George and Barbara -- for strength and health to continue. For all of the people on the coast ..... For all that read this update to see the importance of listening for God's voice and if He says go to volunteer then that they will be obedient and place their trust in Him to make it possible. For our ministry here ... discipling [40 days of purpose -- The Truth Project] ... Saturday evening services ..... completion of the mission house .... and that the Lord will continue to provide for the financial needs of this ministry, both personal support and direct ministry costs. By His Grace and for His Glory Charley Elgin Pathfinder Mission 228.493.1081 Isaiah 58 Rebuilding Houses - Restoring Homes**

	Pathfinder Mission, P.O. Box 3313, Bay St. Louis, MS 39521

	228-469-0507

	contact webmaster