Mission Committee Corner
On October 24-29th, six members from St. Mark embarked on a mission trip to Hammond, Louisiana to assist flood victims. PDA partners with a local organization The Fuller Center for Housing; Camp Living Waters provided comfortable housing and greatly appreciated meals. We finished renovations on an elderly couple’s home who had been flooded in March and then again in August. They had built the house in 1962, which had never had been flooded previously. Our team painted, framed doors and windows, caulked, cleaned water-stained furniture, and other finishing touches. The team was elated upon hearing that the couple moved back into their home on the weekend after we finished the final renovations.
The August flood impacted more than 80,000 homes. The home owners of our project felt that the land use changes impacted the storm water flow that has resulted in the recent flooding’s widespread impacts. Since Katrina, many have migrated north and built several new housing developments which have resulted in landscapes less able to absorb rainwater. The raised highways that run through the area act as “leves,” not allowing storm water to run its natural course.
The team built a compassionate relationship with the people affected by the flood. St. Mark’s team worked diligently and volunteered not only their time, but also their vehicles, U-haul, gas, and meals not covered by Camp Living Waters. Thank you all for your dedication and gracious spirit. We hope to return in the spring. Contact Clarice Hutchens (Clarice.j.hutchens@pfizer.com) if you are interested in serving on our next mission project or support the flood victims by donating to the GFN Fuller Center, 955 S. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, LA 70403 or at http://fullercenter.org/gingerfordnorthshore .
For more photos of the Louisiana Mission Trip, Click here.
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