New Orleans, 2006 and 2007 We first served as chaplains with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Rapid Response Team in New Orleans, March 13-27, 2006. Counseling victims of Hurricane Katrina, we were able to minister spiritual strength and comfort to some 200-250 people. It was one of the most satisfying ministries either of us has ever conducted.
In April 2007, we again traveled to New Orleans, St. Bernard's Parish to minister to those still reeling from the devestation. We visited homes and helped to distribute food and clothing at the Operation Blessing tent in that parish. This includes the area known as the Lower 9th Ward. The people were receptive and grateful to receive us and our prayers. Please, continue to pray for those whose lives will never be the same again. God intends this nation to turn our hearts toward Him as the comforter, healer and provider--in good times and bad. Pray for His grace and mercy for all of our nation--especially those who have suffered so much.
Katrina, the worst natural disaster ever to hit the United States, caused damage worth $75 billion along the Gulf Coast. More than 80 percent of New Orleans was flooded. About 220,000 of the city’s half-million population were displaced. The death toll there alone stands at 1,604 and over 3,000 persons are classified as missing. Even minimal reconstruction will take five to ten years.
We traveled to many of the parishes in New Orleans and ministered to dozens of wonderful people we met during our time there. Every area suffered wind or flood damage or both. We went out every morning to counsel, bless and encourage, and came home every night with greater than we had given. Not one of the people we counseled and greeted was embittered over Katrina’s destruction. All were extremely open and we led several to Christ.
We thank God for this opportunity and we encourage all who can give a week of their time to volunteer with organizations such as Billy Graham Evangelistic Association or Samaratin's Purse to do so by visiting their websites. Your life will be changed. This is a rare opportunity of openness to the Gospel and to bless the needy in our own country.
