BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. — You can see the beach from First Presbyterian Church on Ulman Avenue. It's just about the only place in Waveland, Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian and Pearlington that Sam Thompson's shock troops haven't invaded.
Thompson, 25, a wiry, crew-cut ultra-marathoner, sells running gear on the Web from his home in Dallas. But that's on hold indefinitely. He's now living at First Presbyterian in Bay St. Louis as head of a massive assistance project undertaken by its sister First Presbyterian Church in Vicksburg, nearly 250 miles to the north.
Thompson happened to be visiting Vicksburg, where he used to live, when Hurricane Katrina hit the coast, and he got the call to head south.
At any one time, Thompson oversees as many as a hundred volunteers from churches from literally across the country — Friday, it was 60, from Washington state to New Jersey. Saturday, it will be 100 as a fresh rotation of workers rolls in.
They're mostly Presbyterians, but Thompson's crews span the spectrum of denominations. They all live in First Presbyterian, sleeping on cots, bunk beds and air mattresses. The church had nearly all of its members leave town, and since the building itself was in relatively good shape, its pastor, Ted Hanawalt, decided to put it to good use.
"It's fitting to make this a work camp to serve the community," Thompson says.
The teams spread out each day and go to work on severely damaged homes that might have a chance of being salvaged if they can get to them before the demolition crews. They essentially do triage — picking the most dangerous homes, then coming in with saws, crowbars and bleach to tear out moldy walls, rip up uselessly waterlogged flooring and generally gut the places. Where they can, they then do basic rebuilding, like hanging Sheetrock and making basic structural repairs. They make the homes viable for the major work that awaits contractors.
Thompson, his arms coated with sawdust from a tree he was cutting, meets us in the kitchen at First Presbyterian, where a wall hanging bears what must be the operation's battle plan. It's the Serenity Prayer: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
"My basic premise is everybody down here needs help," Thompson says.
But some cases are more urgent than others, and tough decisions must be made. Sometimes, he has to accept that a home is too far gone. Often, Thompson says, he has to pull back on the reins.
"The tendency when people come down and see all this is to grab a Bobcat" — one of those big skid-steer loaders or forklifts — "and begin ripping stuff down," he says. But you have to start smaller. It's "one nail at a time."
One down, dozens to go
Friday was an exciting day for the project. While they were working on a lot of homes where residents have stayed put despite the conditions, one crew was putting the finishing touches on a house at 506 Genin St., where, for one of the first times, they were going to make it possible for a family to move back into what had been an uninhabitable remnant of a home.
As they near the finish, Joe Davignon, a burly, bearded engineer from the Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church in Liberty Corner, N.J., surveys the place and declares, "This is a home."
The house reeks of fresh paint, and while "some people don't like the smell of paint, when you compare it to mold, it smells fairly nice," says Pete Enderlin, who came from the same church.
Over the course of the past month, Liberty Corner has sent 44 people to First Presbyterian. Davignon, like many of them, had never been to the Deep South, and he was itching to finish up and make it out to Sicily's Italian Buffet for the first time, breaking a steady diet of donated food prepared at the church kitchen.
Davignon rejects the idea that he's doing anything special. "No. No," he repeats. "It's neighbors helping neighbors."
Back to basics
We then head over to Sycamore Street. It's in a mostly black and poverty-stricken neighborhood, and Thompson's crew members are just about the only white faces you see here.
At 659 Sycamore, near the dead-end end of the street, they were ripping out and disinfecting the mold-infested interior of a small pink house where Rina Gyins’ elderly parents live. Gyins, 49, heard about the church project from a friend of her brother, and they've been a godsend. They fixed up her house previously.
Most of these folks on this crew come from University Presbyterian in Seattle, which has committed to keep people down here as long as they're needed. One of them, Michael Spilde, who's in the financial factoring industry, isn't a member, but he came with them anyway. The water reached 2-1/2 feet high in the home, he says.
Little of the interior could be saved. Except for one bedroom they hadn't gotten to yet, the house is an empty shell. They've ripped out nearly everything, and now they are spraying it down with bleach to kill the rampant mold. In this house, the work is "one staple at a time," says Deanna Fraker, who, at 63, is the most senior volunteer in town this week. But, she notes, she's a spring chicken compared with some who'd come earlier. One of them was 82.
'There were children living in these houses'
There's still a lot to be done here as we head back to Genin Street to meet Tony and Mabel Monti. They're retired — Tony was a printer, and Mabel was a teaching assistant at an elementary school. She pitched in as a substitute teacher at the tent school before classes reopened in the school buildings this week.
They've been here at 500 Genin since 1964, and theirs is a common refrain. "We built this house," Mabel Monti says. "It went through Camille (in 1969) without a drop of water." This time, however, the water got in and rose 18 inches. If it had gotten much higher, she says, their last resort would have been to climb up on the washing machine and the dryer in the utility room.
The Montis at first tried to fix things up on their own, but that was far too big a job. Thompson notes that even Wal-Mart, the world's biggest retailer, was stopped in its tracks here, and "if they can't do it, how can Tony and Mabel do it by themselves?"
So now they have the church workers buzzing around. Never before have so many people with Northern accents been under its roof at one time, and "they've been wonderful help to us," Mabel Monti says. "They've been a lifesaver."
There are Southerners on this crew, too. One of them is Brendan Benshoof. He's 15 years old, one of only two minors with the project this week, and he's taking a week off from his freshman studies at South Gwinnett High School in Snellville, Ga., where he attends Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Why is he here, especially since he will have to get up at 4:30 in the morning for many days to make up the lost class time back home?
"There were children living in these houses!" he says. "I watched the news (in class), and we'd see New Orleans and we'd go, 'How terrible.' But you never really realize it till you see it for yourself."
A marathon effort
Thompson has put his life on hold until at least December. That's his basic agreement, but he says he'll stay here as long as he's able to do some good. So he doesn't really know how long he will have to juggle as many as 20 projects simultaneously, while keeping the peace among dozens of strangers who are trying to live harmoniously together in the tight confines of the First Presbyterian building.
This is a bigger deal than you might think. He might have, all at the same time, Southerners and Yankees, East Coasters and West Coasters, teens and senior citizens crammed together. And they can get cranky. "Most of them aren't used to physical labor, so 8 to 5 is a long day," Thompson says. "There are some problems, but I think that's human nature with lots of adults in a small space."
Once he concludes he's done everything he can here and has to give way to the heavy machinery of the contractors, he plans to contribute in another way. Before he came to Bay St. Louis, Thompson was running in training almost all day. Sometime next year, he hopes to organize a fund-raiser for Katrina relief in which he'll be sponsored for each mile of the ultimate ultramarathon: 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days.
"My training has not been up to snuff," he says, but still he's confident he can pull it off. He once ran the entire 2,160 miles of the Appalachian Trail, averaging 37 miles a day. A marathon is only 26 miles. He says it's nothing special for him to run a long, long way for the people of the Gulf Coast. After all, he says, "They're going to need help for a long, long time."
Spirits, but no good cheer
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I for one can say that the Church groups who have blessed the Bay/Waveland area have truly done just that............blessed the area. Methodist, Presbytrian, Baptist, Non-denominational etc. these folks have rolled their shirt sleeves up, dug in and dug out multitudes of debris, dirt and waste! They have fed, clothed, given moral support and kind words. They have slept on the ground, on cots, in homes or what is left of them, and just been there for whatever needed. One group put my uncle's roof on, another cleared property at my brother's home, another group pulled sheetrock out of my brother's home, another group have helped friends of mine. The wonderful thing about these folks is just that - that they ARE WONDERFUL!!!!!! Random acts of kindness doesn't apply here............these are not random. They are very focussed and deliberate and for that I can only say "thank you" to those who have jumped in to be there for their fellow man. You guys are the greatest!!!!
Carleen Murphy Moran, (formerly Bay St. Louis, now Snellville, GA) (Sent Nov 12, 2005 6:01:38 PM)
I know it takes money to buy all the supplies. How can I donate? Keep up the great work. This is just another shinning example of brotherhood. God bless all of you.
Phyllis, Sacramento (Sent Nov 12, 2005 7:48:37 PM)
What a grand project undertaken by Presbyterians and others! If I wasn't beginning a new job and building a new business I'd be volunteering my time down there with them. It's great to see assistance work across religious barriers that have inflicted violence and war in centuries past.
Stephanie Umbro, Standish, ME (Sent Nov 12, 2005 9:05:59 PM)
Great story! Funny...you don't hear about any athiest organizations down there helping. Go figger!
Paul LeB, Ontario, Oregon (Sent Nov 12, 2005 9:11:24 PM)
Thompson is a great guy doing greater things. My older brother roomed and attended college with him at Rhodes in Memphis and I had the pleasure of spending time with Sam on several trips to visit. Being from a town devistated by hurricane Ivan, I can fully appreciate everyone's help down there. I am glad you guys put this story out, Thompson and every single volunteer should be recognized.
Matt Couch, Pensacola, FL (Sent Nov 12, 2005 11:53:34 PM)
Sam & Co. -
Rock on! We're all so proud of you and all you've been able to do for the folks on the cost. Having lived in southern Alabama most of my life, I know how much it means to see people from all over come to help clean up after a big storm. Our prayers are with you and all of those you're there to help.
Tony, Dallas, TX (Sent Nov 13, 2005 12:11:16 AM)
It is great to see people pull together in times of disaster. Meeting needs of people you don't know or know. I know there's a great spirit of unity and sacrifice among those providing assistance in the Katrina struck areas. I pray more would catch the joys of helping others and not wait until disaster strikes again. It would be to the benefit of our children and thier children to teach this principle
that has been lost by those with personal adgendas and selfish ambitions. It is good to know that there is hope in giving and doing what Christ clearly taught to all who would heed his words. In spite of all the madness we see and hear about every day that goes on in the world there's nothing like knowing hope will never die as long as someone is willing to give it selflessly.
"How will they know unless someone tells them." Jesus Christ
T. Vasquez (Sent Nov 13, 2005 1:23:09 AM)
It is so very good to see kind and loving acts of faithful men, women, and children working together toward the common goal of helping others in need...no matter the gender, race or religion of those we truly wish to help.
Let us continue to be a Part of the Solutions to these area in need...and always share our love, respect, and positive efforts with the rest of the nation and around the world...
SRene2005
www.ParentsWhoCare.us
Stephen Rene (Sent Nov 13, 2005 2:05:11 AM)
Now is how you get results in a crisis!! -- by showing up at the sites and putting your hands on the work to be done. It's wonderful that we all donate monies to the Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc., but we know they divert a lot for other projects and their overhead. Here's people stepping up directly and right there "to get the jobs done". God Bless them and we are praying for them constantly and sending our donations to keep them going. We are not able to join them there, but we'll help as much as we can from here at our First Presbyterian in Kerrville, TX.
Cora & Bob Miller, Kerrville, TX (Sent Nov 13, 2005 8:12:08 AM)
I had the opportunity to travel to Covington, LA as a volunteer to assist with the clean-up effort in Slidell and New Orleans, LA. I worked out of Trinity Church in Covington, LA and I have such admiration for the phenominal effort going out of that church. I was part of a crew that came from Beaver, PA. Crews from all over the country...all different faiths..{ I am Catholic}.. were coordinated to go out to different areas for different tasks. What I will remember is the determination of the people to focus on rebuilding their lives. I was so touched by the fact that we were there to help them clean up and they were so generous to us, offering to share what little thay had while we worked. I felt a great sense of accomplishment after completing each day's task. I consider it an honor and a priveledge to have been some help at least in a small way.
Lori Treusch, Beaver, PA (Sent Nov 13, 2005 8:56:32 AM)
That's awesome. This isn't about going to church, doing church, this is Being the church. Loving God, loving people. That's what it's all about.
sharon w. prescott, arizona (Sent Nov 13, 2005 10:24:17 AM)
I have said it before but thanks again to all of the church groups, volunteer groups, etc. including Salvation Army (only national group) for the aid that FEMA and Red Cross failed to provide despite their billions of dollars.
Howard, Waveland (Sent Nov 13, 2005 10:25:02 AM)
Thank You MSNBC - for sharing another great example of people helping people with a common goal to show love for one another, and un-selfish desire to help those less fortuneate than ourselves...
SRene
www.ParentsWhoCare.us
Stephen Rene, Wash DC (Sent Nov 13, 2005 10:56:49 AM)
The people who have helped in the wake of Katrina are not the story here although wonderful work has been done. The real story is Christianity. I was there as part of a rebuilding team about a month ago, and what I saw everywhere I looked was the unending love of Christ for His people. And the locals saw it, too.
Rial Williams, Baltimore, MD (Sent Nov 13, 2005 1:01:49 PM)
As Ms Prescott said, it is being a real church. They are able to pull all of God's people, with all of God's talents, and surrond and almost cure the wounded earth, community, and people. It is very good news, talking about how God can assist everyone!
Marilou Fallis, Scottsdale, AZ (Sent Nov 13, 2005 4:35:58 PM)
Thank you for sharing this story,MSNBC. God bless all the volunteers that keep plugging away. I know it must be overwhelming at times, but you show true heart. By God's unlimited strength, you prove to be there for the long haul. You are all in my prayers.
EFrank, Mesa AZ (Sent Nov 13, 2005 5:13:15 PM)
I am blessed and God has called me to help, I am listening. I am coming to help with a group of high schoolers from my church in December. We live in Templeton, CA (pop of approx 6000 as well) and we look forward to being of service to Waveland. I know I am only one person, with one suitcase but I have a willing heart, an ok back and God to give me strength. If I can help in a small way by bringing a small item with me please let me know before Dec 15. Our group will arrive to help for the week of Dec 16-23. tess hotta
Teresa Hotta (tess) (Sent Nov 13, 2005 6:00:46 PM)
My Friends, Truly this is what Faith in Action means. Your efforts have attracted national attention, truly one man can make a diference. Now as we prepare to celebrate the birth of one such Man, may you enjoy a Blessed and Merry Christmas and carry on in His Name.
You are a marvelous inspiration!
Glenn Nelson, New Haven, CT (Sent Nov 14, 2005 7:22:32 AM)
Sam (and all who are doing similar work),
...may the Lord richly bless you and your efforts. Your kindness will be richly repaid in ways that you cannot fully know.
Bill McGreehan, Liberty Twp., OH (Sent Nov 14, 2005 8:38:11 AM)
It's truly refreshing to see the mainstream media bringing an encouraging story to the American Public after so many devastating reports about the Hurricanes. I also appreciate the how the Church, Christians in general, have come togethere to help. It serves to show that people still have a heart in a world filled with violence, hate, and fear.
Erik (Sent Nov 14, 2005 9:16:22 AM)
I just returned (Saturday Nov 12) from a week of similiar work, in Gulfport MS. While I am sure that monetary donations are needed, manpower is needed more. Since most do not have flood insurance, only damage above the floodline will be covered. Most flooding was above 4 ft - how many of your belongings are stored above 4 ft? I could barely pick up a hammer before arriving in Gulfport, and now can rip out drywall and flooring with the best. Get together with your church, and figure out how to send a crew down to help.
JMK Midlothian, VA (Sent Nov 14, 2005 11:27:57 AM)
In my heart I knew these kinds of efforts were going on. Thanks for finally telling us about one such effort. However, I wish the media (MSNBC and TV news media as well) would tell us more good news like this. I have a feeling that churches all over the gulf coast are doing similar things, and we just are hearing about it. Keep on telling us good news.
Victoria Isaacs, Colorado Springs, CO (Sent Nov 14, 2005 1:09:09 PM)
I was part of Sam's group in Bay Saint Louis last week with my two teenage daughters. It is hard to find words to describe the physical conditions - there is not a single home that was not damaged by Katrina. There is no way this community can recover by themselves, there is just too much to be done. The three of us put in 6 days of hard work. It is only a drop in the bucket, but every drop counts. What is most amazing is the spirit of the residents who have decided to stay and rebuild. They are optimistic, determined, and many consider themselves lucky for many different reasons. Those of us caught up in the busy-ness of life can learn a lot from these people. Thank you MSNBC for sharing this story.
Ronni Z, Clinton, NJ (Sent Nov 14, 2005 2:30:10 PM)
PEOPLE CARE FROM ALL OVER, I AM ORIGANNLY FROM ALEXANDRIA,LA, I RECENTLY LIVE IN MISOULA,MT , MY CHURCH GROUP FROM CRISTIAN LIFE CENTER SENT A TEAM TO NEW ORELEANS & OCEAN SPRINGS,MISS ,THEY HELPED WITH CLEAN UP EFFORTS IN NEW ORLEANS & ALSO BROUGHT 1,000 BAGS OF TOYS,CANDY & OTHER KID THINGS THAT WERE NEEDED.WHAT A TRUE JOY TO SEE THE EXPRESSIONS ON THOSE KIDS FACE WHEN THEY RECEIEVED THOSE BAGS OF GOODIES,WE ALSO MINISTERD TO THOSE IN NEED.THE CHURCH IS TRUELY BLESSED TO HAVE THE OPPERTUNITY TO BE THERE.
STEVEN ASPER MISSOULA,MT (Sent Nov 14, 2005 3:25:53 PM)
My husband and I were with a small group from Calvary Baptist Church in Mt. Airy North Carolina was in Gulfport the middle of Oct. We were so blessed to be able just to help in such a small way. We were only there 5 days. All the people we met were so thankful and optimistic that things were going to be fine.
Our thanks goes out to all the Christians from all denomations coming together for such a wonderful cause. I truly beleive these people are going to need our help for a very long time. we have groups going just about every 3 weeks. We plan to go back in January. May God Bless you all and MSNBC for the great job you have done keeping the word out there.
Pat Halsey, Pilot Mountain, North Carolian (Sent Nov 14, 2005 4:29:42 PM)
Living proof that Americans can't be described as one denomination or another; one color or another; one tribe or another; we are One Nation Under God. I work for an organization that will be sending work crews to help the rebuilding efforts over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. God bless you all for your generosities.
Nancy Friscia, Fort Collins, Colorado (Sent Nov 14, 2005 5:52:55 PM)
Thanks for the great article. It is nice to see your words in print after talking with you on Friday. We are the ones blessed by being here and volunteering. The people are so appreciative and have been through so much. We had volunteers from 7 states at the Frist Presbyterian Church of Bay St. Louis last Saturday. Happy Travels.
Deanna Fraker, Seattle, WA (Sent Nov 14, 2005 5:57:49 PM)
I am looking for a way that my family can plug in and help. Please let me know if there is work that a family (including children ages 8, 14, and 17) can do to help. We have time off after Christmas and are able to help.
Yours in Christ!
Karen Rosencrance, Waunakee, Wisconsin (Sent Nov 14, 2005 9:18:58 PM)
Sam, Thank you for all the work you are doing in the Gulf. I was in the intial group from UPC in Seattle to assist in doing ground work for the Shoulder to Shoulder Project in Bay St. Louis. It was a blessing to serve my brothers and sisters in this community that was so devastated by Katrina. I was so touched by the people who we met there. They almost to a one expressed that they felt blessed. We did a lot of cleaning and fixing, but the greatest gift was HOPE.......I will return, Robert Gaston, Seattle, Wa.
Robert Gaston (Sent Nov 14, 2005 9:22:41 PM)
I spent 12 days in D'Iberville, Ms. working with the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance at Camp New Hope. We cut fallen trees, gutted houses, sorted and distributed donated goods and cooked meals for ourselves and the displaced locals. I worked hard and loved every minute of it. There were Presbyterians from all over the USA, and many people from other denominations all working towards the common goal of helping our fellow man. I want to go back! Thanks MSNBC for getting the word out about the great work being done along the Gulf Coast. I feel blessed to have been there.
Joan Koehler, Scottsbluff, Nebraska (Sent Nov 14, 2005 10:34:17 PM)
After reading the comments from individuals from all over this country I was reminded of a statement made by Mother Teresa - "We can do no great things, only small things with great love" (paraphrased). As Christians of all denominations, that may be all we can do, but it is also the best we can do.
Lewis Shuler, Spartanburg, S.C. (Sent Nov 15, 2005 7:36:44 AM)
I recently led a team of 12 from our church in Mechanicsburg, Pa to work with Compassion Ministries out of Trinity Church in Covington, La. We worked in Albita Springs (cutting trees and removing debris)and New Orleans (muck'n and Gut'n houses. But, I felt what we were really doing was bringing hope - it was so rewarding to see the change in those we were helping as the day progressed and they started to see there was that little bit of light at the end of this long tunnel. To learn more or to help go to www.wsefcfeet.blogspot.com (you will find links to Trinity Church in Covington, La; EFCA Compassion Ministry; and West Shore E-Free Church in Mechanicsburg Pa.
It's also so rewarding to see "church" walls breaking down and the "Church" (the Body) working together. At a Evangelical Free church we were building portable shower facilities for Presbyterians while a load of supplies was delivered from an Assembly of God church.
Terry Fisher , Mechanicsburg, Pa (Sent Nov 15, 2005 12:17:18 PM)
These groups have been a godsend to us living in the Bay St. Louis/Waveland area. It is with sincere humility that I write these words to express my thanks to all those that have come down to help us. There is simply no way to properly express my gratitude. After the initial numbness and shock of losing my house and belonging, the most extraordinary emotion I have experienced is the outpouring of love and caring from those like you who do not even know us, yet go quietly through this world spreading love and caring in the most generous possible way to those who need it most . I am reminded of Hebrews 13:2 that reads: "Be careful how you entertain strangers lest you entertain angels unawares." I have truly experienced the meaning of that scripture through your actions. You are longer strangers to us, but angels who have truly come to light the way back to helping us to reclaim our lives.
With genuine thanks, I send my love, caring, and best wishes to each of you.
Vicki D. Hughes, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi (Sent Nov 15, 2005 1:31:22 PM)
Sam -
I used to work for your dad at CHL/CERC, and
remember when you were much younger. I'm now
in BSL, about a mile from where you are. I'll have
to look you up sometime.
J., Bay Saint Louis MS (Sent Nov 15, 2005 4:45:32 PM)
All these people who have come in to help us do more than provide for our physical needs. Knowing that so many people care about us is such a balm to my spirit. It's what keeps me from yielding to despair or overwhelment. We are not alone. We truly are one nation, under God. There will never be enough ways to thank everyone for caring enough to leave your own busy lives to come down into this mess and help us. We are so blessed. I know all of you will be blessed. Thank you, thank you, again and again.
Vickie V., Waveland, MS (Sent Nov 16, 2005 11:14:37 AM)
My parents live in the Bay, and are working at their home, and through First Baptist. The efforts that volunteers are making will be what help people live through this. My mom said from the very beginning that the government was not going to be what saved them, it would be neighbors, friends, and even strangers. We need to keep this in the public conciousness, though. This will take years to recover from. Keep the help coming!
Rebecca Tedford Partington (Sent Nov 16, 2005 12:50:07 PM)
The Gyins Family would like to thank Linda,Becky,Tina,Deanna,Mike,Brendan,& Brian(from Seattle,WA) for their love and support during this time of great loss. May God Bless You and keep us in your prayers. You showed great team work. You have such big hearts to leave your loved ones behind to be a blessing to us.
Gyins Family, Bay Saint Louis, MS (Sent Nov 16, 2005 1:42:38 PM)
I live in Little Rock, Arkansas and I'm planning on taking a week of vacation and come to the Gulf area, perhaps Bay St. Louis and volunteer my help, in what every way I can be of assistance, sometime over the holidays. I will be getting in touch with Sam Thompson but wondered if anyone had any other ideas? I have lots of skills and talents and a strong back.
Paul Boynton
Paul Boynton, Little Rock, AR (Sent Nov 16, 2005 4:14:10 PM)
My daughter visited BSL in mid October with a group of 50 from her college, Elon University in NC. They gave up their Fall break. She was so touched and called it a life altering experience. She is going back in December when her Christmas break begins and has asked me (her Mom) to join her. We are centering our efforts at Our Lady of the Gulf Church, with Father Michael Tracey, the Pastor. They, of course, need money and manpower. Father Tracey has a website with updates on the progress in the area. God Bless all of you in the Gulf area and I am so looking forward to being there and helping where I can.
Peggy Dugan, Naples, Fla. (Sent Nov 18, 2005 12:09:22 PM)
While they could not make the trip to Waveland, the Piecemakers from First Presbyterian Church in Corvallis OR have sent quilts for the elementary school children who lost homes in Pearlington, and Waveland. While there is so much need, these beautiful quilts are a way of offering comfort and
love to children and their families who have lost so much. Our thanks to all who are helping in this long-term recovery effort.
Andrew, Mobile, Al (Sent Nov 18, 2005 6:22:16 PM)
Sam was my fraternity brother in college and has always inspired me. He has always been incredibly driven and it is awe inspiring to see the direction of his drive. I wish him the best and hope his example continues to impact people the way it has impacted me.
TJ, Fayetteville AR (Sent Nov 19, 2005 4:05:17 PM)
"Watch this: God's eye is on those who respect Him, the ones who are looking for His love. He's ready to come to their rescue in bad times; in lean times He keeps the body and soul together. We're depending on God; He's everything we need. What's more, our hearts with joy since we've taken for our own His holy name. Love us God with all you've got-that's what we're depending on." Psalm 33:18-22
Shannon, MS (Sent Nov 21, 2005 1:13:17 PM)
15 months ago I sat huddled in a closet with my 3 young grandchildren as hurricane Charley destroyed everything around me. Thousands got help from FEMA only to receive letters from FEMA a few months ago telling them they had to pay back the "loans". Not one church has asked anyone to pay them back for the kindness and hope they brought grieving families.
Darlene, Port Charlotte Florida (Sent Nov 22, 2005 4:41:18 PM)
Dear Sam,
Thanks for all you are doing.
Please call me when you get a chance. Mel and I want to help and I need to speak with you about the best way we can do that. We lost two houses in Bay St. Louis and have great interest in doing what we can to help rebuild the community.
Bud Richey, Alumni Director at Rhodes. 901/843-3845
Bud Richey (Sent Nov 28, 2005 12:06:56 PM)
Dear Sam,
Don't know if the initial message reached you or not. I ask that you call when you have a chance (901/843-3845). Mel and I lost two homes in Bay St. Louis and want to help. I want to speak with you about the best ways we can do that.
Thanks for all the good work you are doing.
Bud Richey, Alumni Director, Rhodes College
Bud Richey (Sent Nov 28, 2005 12:12:20 PM)
The church groups have been a tremendous blessing in the recovery, rebuilding efforts of the Mississippi coast. I strongly suggest anyone wishing to donate and/or contribute please get in touch with some of these Christian groups. They are awesome....!
Linda Seal, Bay St Louis, Mississippi (Sent Nov 30, 2005 10:29:52 AM)
wife and I am coming thru about Jan 2 3 and would like to spend a few days helping out. I am 75 and she 70 but would be happy to do what we can.
Will be bringing chocolate chip cookies that will be home made.
art antil camillus ny (Sent Dec 2, 2005 6:03:27 PM)
The wonderful work the churches are doing in Bay St. Louis and Waveland is what will rebuild those communites. I know that Sam is doing a wonderful job of coordinating this gigantic work at the First Presbyterian Church. I was sorry the original article did not comment more on the Pastor of that chruch, Dr. E.A. (Ted) Hanawalt and his wife Betty. They are wonderful caring and helpful people as well, who also lost everything in the storm but have stayed in the area to help in every way they can.
Good work all of you and God Bless.
K. Coleman fromerely of Waveland and temporarily in Lee's Summit, Mo. (Sent Dec 4, 2005 3:46:27 PM)
Hello to all. Just got done looking at the latest installment on Bay Saint Louis and Waveland. Your coverage is incredible. Our church, Restoration Life in Sacramento, CA, has adopted the First Baptist Church in Bay Saint Louis. We sent a team in November to work with the victims, most who had not seen their homes until we accompanied them there. We went though the emotional agony of retrieving salvagable items from their demolished homes as well as mudding out and stripping their homes down to the studs. We were outfitted in tivek suits and respirators while working. It was very fulfilling and heart wrenching. We are getting ready for our next trip on December 31. We are sending another team of 30. We have dedicated our mission teams to this church for the long haul and will be sending another team in April and then June to start rebuilding homes.
Bill Gray Sacramento California (Sent Dec 8, 2005 1:10:12 PM)
My family and I would like to help a family in need for Christmas, in the waveland area, my husband was there in September from Hall County Fire Services in Gainesville Ga, we are currently trying to find a way to get toys there and find a family. Can someone please contact me and let me know how to go about finding a family with Children in need for Christmas presents ? Please and thank you.
Cheryl R. Heflin (Sent Dec 11, 2005 8:09:18 PM)
It has been a month since returning to Seattle from Bay St. Louis. I simply flew south to "help". I smelled unbelievable refrigerators, shoveled tons of moldy drywall onto the streets, listened to dozens of touching personal stories. I was dog tired after 6 days, yet remarkably full of life and energy. I experienced hope in adversity, compassion and love toward one another. I still remember and pray for Jan, Bridgett, Mary, Sam, Ted and Betty, and Benny. Through "helping" others, I was deeply moved and my life is not the same. Breaking out of our individual lives opens up the heart for others in ways I didn't know possible.
Susy Norris, Seattle, WA (Sent Dec 14, 2005 12:52:35 PM)
I recently traveled with my two brothers to Bay St. Louis to help out Sam and his groups efforts. Having known Sam all through college as a friend and a fellow Kappa Sigma from Phi Chapter, I felt compelled to make an effort to join him for whatever time I could to contribute to the wonderful effort he has led. To see the devestation that Katrina left in its wake is definately affected me much greater than any story I could have read or seen on the news. It was truly a blessing to have Sam there and to be able to go with my brothers to do something to help others. I am currently planning to spend more time there through the month of February and have made an effort to put together my own group of friends and coworkers to go down and pitch in. I can't wait to be back down there contributing to the wonderful people of the area and the hardworking volunteers at the First Presbyterian Church. Sam...I'll see you soon.
Andres
Andres, Birmingham, AL (Sent Jan 13, 2006 3:31:53 PM)
From December 4-17 I was a member of a Samaritan's Purse Canada Team working out of Michael Memorial Church in Gulfport MS. The Canadian teams have been there from the start and I know that all the members I have spoken to were truly blessed to be a part of the helping hand of God. It was a humbling experience that left me with a greater hunger for seeking the path God has chosen for me. To all those still needing help I doubt that the Christian family will rest until we have done all that we can. God Bless.
Claus Burchert, Calgary, Alberta Canada. (Sent Feb 7, 2006 11:46:18 PM)
Hi ya'll(my Mississippi greeting). I am so thrilled to say, I went to Bay St. Louis and served the Lord and my neighbors (Luke 10:29-37)at the same time. I learned that I can do anything through the Lord. I slept in an unheated warehouse with 30 degree nights, shared 2 porta potties with 60 women and then joyously unloaded semi trucks, mucked out homes, tore down ceilings and walls and inhaled mold for a week with a group of 15 teenagers and I am truly blessed to have been able to do this. One of the signs that I was priviliged to see while serving the people of Mississippi was this "KATRINA WAS BIG, BUT GOD IS BIGGER!" That says it all. I can direct anyone who wishes to see the photos I took in December when in Waveland MS. I had one of the most incredible experiences of my life while celebrating Christmas on the COast with over 30,000 residents of the coastal area. God blessed us with loaves and fishes by multiplying the 100 volunteers in their strength and endurance for the two days it took to set this event up and then he multiplied the gifts they we were able to give out for 5 hours on December 18th right before Christmas to over 25000 people, when it was estimated that only 6000 would come. I am going back in June and can hardly wait to serve God and my neighbors again. Quotes from those we served: "God bless you, this is the best Christmas I have ever had", "Please don't forget us", "this is the first time my children have smiled since the hurricane"
Teresa Hotta, Templeton, CA (Sent Mar 14, 2006 11:57:20 AM)
Someone said that you do not hear of any atheist groups down there.
First off, atheists generaly do not have organizations that can go to help.
Secondly, there is little infrastructure to call on those not associated with a church.
Thirdly, there are organizations that are not church associated or disaster asociated that have recruited who has spiritual associations that would not be approved of.
Fourthly, some people have joined church groups so they can help.
Finally, there are Jewish and Islamist groups down there as well as Atheists. The so called "Athiests" are spending their own money to go there to help, not even supported by a church.
I have just returned from the Gulf, and can tell you that Christians do not have a monoloy on Love and Charity.
Joyce, Waterloo Canada (Sent May 23, 2006 9:46:12 AM)
I think its important to stop pointing fingers as to who is doing what. This artical is the tip of the iceberg in what people all over the country did and are still doing. We need to put feelings aside and pull together. I am going to waveland in June with a group from my church. It is a small church maybe 120 people. The group had to pull as much as we can from our pockets, then fundraisers and family donations. I can tell you that as a christian, my heart is full of the love Christ and I am praying that it will over flow into the hearts of those in need.
michelle,Hillsboro oregon (Sent May 29, 2006 2:31:37 PM)
I was recently on a Work and Witness trip with my church, drywalling in Mississippi. What an amazing wake-up call to our priorities. More workers are needed, and will be for a long time to come. Prayerfully consider if one of those workers is you! I feel blessed beyond measure to be "Jesus with skin on."
nancy jean steiger, broadview heights, ohio (Sent Aug 22, 2006 3:50:53 PM)
My wife and I recently returned from a week in New Orleans. The Jewish organization with which we worked, Nechama, allied itself with Operation Blessing. The experience was fulfilling. We plan to return in January.
Gary and Linda Brock, Wynnewood, PA (Sent Aug 30, 2006 9:50:33 AM)
Just signed up to return the first week in November.
Will provide everyone with an update.
The burly engineer from NJ
Joe Davignon, Liberty Corner NJ (Sent Sep 20, 2006 1:40:47 PM)
I was part of a leadership group who traveled with the youth from three churches in Vero Beach, Florida, during spring break. We stayed at this church for a week with our 16 youth, plus volunteers from several states. Sam Thompson was working long hours every day coordinating these groups into functioning, well-tuned working units. The looks on the faces of people who were helped during our stay will last in the minds of our youth and me forever.
I thank the Lord for the experience, and the people of the Bay Saint Louis and Waveland.
Richard Burns, Fort Pierce, Florida (Sent Nov 26, 2006 9:16:44 PM)
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