Update 9/2/05

Peaks and Valleys:

Today was an incredibly rewarding, productive day. After waiting in line for ~3 hours for gas again, one of the attendants noticed the MNA Disaster Relief sign on my truck and allowed me to skip ahead (this probably saved me at least an hour, maybe more). Fortunately, that didn’t start a riot. Anyhow, we met up at Christ Presbyterian Mobile again, made a quick trip to Target for supplies (where they gave us 6 bags of ice) and then finally got over to Biloxi around 1:30 PM.

Laura Dueitt and I continued (slowly) removing the carpet from the sanctuary at First Pres. Holly took Curt Moore to work on Curt & Kelly’s roof and then went on to her offices to check on her co-workers, etc… Midway through the afternoon, the Batsons (husband/wife/many daughters from Christ Pres) along with Toby (MNA Disaster Relief coordinator) and Lee (Ben’s son… the other MNA-DR guy), Albert Leavengood and Scott Kennedy showed up to help. By sundown we had removed all of the pews and the wet carpet from the sanctuary. This accomplishment was the highlight of my day. Also, the Batson girls and moms were able to walk the neighborhood with sack lunches for people. Mr. Batson then drove them down to one of the shelters downtown where they were able to give out baby bottles full of formula.

When this was all over, the Batsons departed in their Suburban and Lee/Toby departed in Lee’s truck. We went to pick up some additional gas cans and drop off blowers (to aid in the drying out rooms) for tomorrow. While at one of those homes, we heard about a wreck on Interstate 10. Anyhow, as we were travelling from Biloxi to Mobile we received a call that the Batsons, Toby and Lee had all been involved in a 5 vehicle accident (2 of which were 18 wheelers). Toby/Lee flipped twice and totaled the truck but were unharmed. The Batsons got clipped but were also okay. One man had to be airlifted to the hospital (I am told that this man also lost his home this week). Please pray that God would continue to protect us as we travel. Also, please offer praise that no one from our relief team was injured. Finally, please pray that the injured man would recover fully and quickly and that he finds a home. Right now we must remind ourselves often that God is indeed soveriegn and hope that one day we will be able to look back at this time and see the fruit (at least partly)of what He is now doing.

Websites:

One of my college buddies has connected with another friend on the internet to help MNA set up an additional way to register people who are willing and able to help victims of this hurricane. Go here or here to check it out.

Families:

We received word today that the Schultings home was also destroyed. Bill Schulting is an elder at FPC Biloxi. I understand that they are in Bloomington, IN staying with their daughter and son-in-law.

The Rochs also lost their home.

The Everetts have sent word that they are OK.

The Willistons house had water in it but is structurally intact.

We were very concerned that one of our members may have been lost as we had not heard from her since she mid-storm called another member frantic as water was rising in her home. However, we were able to confirm today that Kay Pringle was picked up by another of our elders yesterday and is indeed fine.

Here are pictures of more of our members homes courtesy of David Allen.

Holly & Batch: Plans/Emails

People keep asking us what our plans are. Our plan is to get up tomorrow and keep working to help get the church building useable and to help church members and the community at large recover. Then we’ll probably do it again the next day. Beyond that we don’t have any plans. We’re just not at that point yet.

We are very, very, very, very grateful for all of the emails, comments, offers of support, encouragement, etc.. that we have received from all of you. I am very sorry that I haven’t responded to each of you personally, but we simply do not have the time to do so now. Please continue to send messages, post comments and let us know what is going on beyond Biloxi.

Alligator in the halls?

From what I understand rumors of the alligator are true. However, the gator was in the Gulfport church fellowship hall, not in Biloxi. (We live in Gulfport but worship in Biloxi…). Anyhow, supposedly the National Guard ‘took care’ of him and he is still residing there on the floor. I haven’t witnessed it, but I have it on good authority to be true.

The smell/flies:

Every time we pass over a bridge, we notice a very strong, unpleasant odor. Fortunately, this odor has not followed us to the church. The flies however have. We are applying insect repellant liberally.

Worship:

Lord willing, we intend to worship at FPC Biloxi Sunday morning at 10:55. I think we will either gather in the Fellowship Hall or on the front lawn. Please pray that many from the community would join us and that our worship would be glorifying and pleasing to God.

Pictures:

We took pictures today with our digital camera (all previous photos have been camera phone). However, the cable which connects it to the computer was lost in the house. We hope to get a replacement tomorrow so that we can share those with you.

Can you get here from there?
If you can get to Mobile and if you want to come help you can. Christ Presbyterian is currently serving as the launching point for crews to come to Biloxi to clean up. We are going back and forth each night. If you are intrested, please coordinate with MNA Disaster Relief... they are doing a fantastic job. We may have as many as 40 people here tomorrow to help our efforts to restore the sanctuary and help the community at large. Don't let the naysayers discourage you... if you can get down here and are willing to help, we'll find a job for you. Kudos to Toby and Ben.