A Window of Hope

A Window of Hope

Last week another of our Centenary United Methodist Church’s mission work team traveled to Biloxi, MS to assist with Katrina relief. Being the eldest of the 10-member group, I was not sure I had the stamina to keep up with the younger members, so I carried along a lawn chair, convenient for a needed backrest.

Upon arriving in the area, most anyone only having seen the destruction by photo, would be taken aback by the devastation seen through the panoramic, peripheral lens of our human eyes. For TV cameras or still photos cannot capture the immeasurable devastation wrought by Mother Nature.

Some of us worked in a locale where all the middle class homes were destroyed by wind and flood. I estimate the area to be several miles from the coast but somewhat near a water inlet. Seven people died in the neighborhood as water topped the roofs. It just did not appear to be vicinity that could flood. Who would believe flood insurance would have been necessary? Out of the many homes in this development, as far as I could see, only one or two had been rebuilt for current occupancy.

Unless there is much more help than has been demonstrated in the past eight months, it will be many years before these residences are ready to move into again. However, there is a “window of hope” for many. Even for those whom their homes still sit devastated, they can see that people do care, as volunteers work on a neighbor’s home. It’s the belief and hope in fellowman, if all else fails, that one day their home will be restored.

It is a rewarding experience to be a part of work-team fellowship and knowing the sincere appreciation of those we help. The homeowner served us a homemade cake to show her gratitude. By the way, the one time I really felt I needed a backrest, I stepped outside only to see the husband homeowner sitting in my lawn chair. I didn’t have the heart to tell him I needed to sit, so I just sat on my sawhorse.

If you haven’t considered going with a work team, I hope you will think about it. One doesn’t need to have extraordinary skills to be of help; most of the time just a helper, an extra hand, is greatly needed. I encourage everyone of good health, able body, to go. Especially if you are a Christian it’s yet another way to bring your faith to action. Join Centenary or a local group in your area; if not your church, a church nearby will be available to accept you in their group. I believe you’ll be glad you did. Yes, I will go again.