Another week has passed. Great progress has been made in establishing the camp and expanding the ministry into the community. This week we had volunteers from Rockingham, NC; First Baptist Montgomery ( twice) Gateway Baptist Montgomery, and Lighthouse Church, Thorsby AL.

We are making progress on mudding out homes and the church building. People who are not part of the congregation are beginning to ask for assistance. Yesterday, Alan Cross and several team members from Gateway canvassed the homes within 2 miles of the church. They met many residents, primarily those in FEMA trailers. They prayed with them, invited them to the Thanksgiving dinner, and told them about the camp and its mission. With one family, when Alan told them why they had stopped by, the family was amazed. It seems the family had just been discussing the impossibility of the task ahead of them and wondered how they could ever get help. They gave credit to the Lord. (We serve a “just in time” God.) Several hours later the daughter and her husband stopped by the church on their way to their home in Louisiana to thank me and give me $40.00 for a contribution to the church and asked what time church service was. Their mother wants to come to church today.

The men from First Baptist raised the new worship tent Thursday afternoon, just before the rains came, yesterday (see attached photo). It looks great. Ed and Karen are very pleased. Ed’s mother donated the use of her piano so we moved it into the tent yesterday. We need to consider putting a plywood floor in the tent, at least part of the tent, so we can keep people out of the water. The parking lot has some drainage issues. Ok, a lot of drainage issues.

This next week we will continue to work on homes. I will be confirming the rebuild process from Bay St. Louis, Waveland and Hancock County with respect to permitting requirements. They are fluid.

We are sending the pop-up camper back to Montgomery today. It has been such a blessing.

Please continue to pray for our work here and that God will continue to raise up laborers for the harvest. I believe that we are approaching a point where people must be asked to make a “sacrifice” of their time and come during the week. What I mean by that is, to date I think folks have given out of their abundance – which is a good thing – but for this mission to continue and grow we need them to give of their time sacrificially. Romans 12:1,2. I am speaking primarily of those younger than 55. Please consider my words and if they ring true to your spirit then join us in petitioning the Lord to stir their hearts to come. I believe it will take those who respond to a new level in their walk.

Charley

Katrina Disaster Relief Mission Team

Bay Saint Louis and Waveland, Mississippi

(228) 493-1081 Charley

(228) 493-1272 Martie