Rebuild Lakeshore

I love receiving reports from volunteers. If you have written anything about your trip to Lakeshore, please feel free to pass it along. I’d be glad to post it here for the benefit of others. That includes, pictures, videos, or other things.

Michael Poirier, Director of Faithful Steward Ministries submitted the following article to his local newspaper:

Aug 29, 2005 is a day, that will be indelibly etched tin the minds of many in the Gulf coast. Some four and a third years later the effects can still be seen and more importantly felt in the community.

Recently I had the privilege of spending a week in the epicenter of the storm, Bay Saint Louis/Lakeshore, Hancock County, Mississippi. I traveled as part of a group of ten men from Pioneer Valley Baptist Chapel, Chicopee, MA and Faithful Steward Ministries of West Springfield MA. We were part of a larger humanitarian mission coordinated by Grace Baptist Church, Carlisle, PA. New Orleans may have and still seems to get the focus of people’s attention but this is the spot where the eye of Katrina made land fall.

For a moment imagine your at the beach enjoying the sun and fun. Now imagine that same beach under 30 plus feet of water. Hard enough to visualize, but the real effects come when the waters finally recede. Things that were once miles inland find their way to the beach and items normally found on the beach are found inland. That is the devastation that the folks in Lakeshore found after Katrina hit. Then came the usual problems associated with any major disaster, the need for food, water and shelter. We all have heard the stories of FEMA and its woes, what you probably have not heard about is one church, Lakeshore Baptist Church (LBC) and its ongoing efforts to rebuild in Hancock County.

Upon arriving in Lakeshore my first impression was that things did not look so bad. There was the new elementary school and things seemed Ok. Well of course after 52 months one could expect that the debris would have been removed. It was when I reached base camp at Lakeshore Baptist Church, say the mish mash of buildings there, and upon closer inspection of the community, that you could see the vacant lots where not only homes but lives were destroyed; the pylons that once supported businesses that will never return and a church steeple on the side of the road hoping one day to once again stand tall and proud on a house of worship.

Before we continue I think it prudent to review some facts about Hancock county Mississippi. They had a Pre-Katrina population of 46,000 and now 40,000 a decrease of about 16%. Eighty individuals lost their lives in the storm along with thousands of homes and nearly 1000 businesses. According to the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce; prior to the storm, the area developed a regional reputation as a great place to live, work, play and retire because of its relaxed atmosphere, great food, diverse cultural activities and strong sense of place.

One would think that the folks in the area would be weary and maybe even bitter of the struggle to rebuild. However what we found was that famous Southern Hospitality. Everyone we spoke to, every house we visited had nothing but appreciation for our being there and a kind word to share. One household we visited, had a family of five living in a structure no bigger than a utility shed available at home depot. When the visitation team arrived they were not only warmly greeted but the people told then they wished that they knew they were coming because they’d of put up lunch for everyone. How many of us would give all we had for a stranger. We found many who still are without running water or power and yet consider it a blessing for what they have.

While many set about to rebuild their own homes and businesses, LBC has spent the past 4 years and 4 months rebuilding not only homes but also lives. All at the sacrifice of their own church facilities. It was very evident to this individual that their efforts have not been in vain. Our group and some 100 other ARBCA (Association of Reformed Baptist Churches of America) volunteers from across the country paid their own way to converge upon the Lakeshore area to help in the ongoing rebuilding projects. We spent a week in temporary housing (canvas Quonset huts) and enjoyed a week of hard work and great fellowship.

Pastor Don and the folks at LBC have been on the forefront of these efforts for more that 4 years and are determined to finish as strongly as they started. There is still much work to be done and many needs to be filled. There is no “qualification” other than is the need legitimate? I for one am convinced that there are still many with needs, whether it is material, financial or spiritual LBC and the volunteers have resolved to make every effort to see them met.

What can you do to help? First and foremost pray! Pray for the folks of the gulf coast, pray for the members of Lakeshore Baptist church, pray for the volunteers. Get personally involved in the rebuilding efforts there. You can do this by contacting LBC at www.rebuildlakeshore.com and signing up to go and volunteer for a week. Even if you can not go there in person you can still be apart of the work there. They have immediate need for food, clothing, (especially large men’s sizes) and other basic necessities. You can donate monies for this also on the web or by sending a tax deductible check to

Lakeshore Baptist Church
Po Box 293
Lakeshore MS 39558.

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Aaron Hoak of Grace Fellowship Church, Bremen, IN, gives this encouraging report on his recent trip to Lakeshore:

Lakeshore, Mississippi got the short end of the stick last week. I thought I might be useful down there. Along with 100+ other volunteers, I went down to assist in ongoing recovery efforts resulting from Hurricane Katrina. That’s right; 4 ½ years after Katrina (August 29, 2005) there is still recovery work to be done – lots of it. And not just in New Orleans. They got the big media coverage, but the eye of the storm actually made landfall at the unknown town of Lakeshore in Hancock County, MS. One mile inland, the water from the storm surge was 30-40 feet high and there were sustained winds of 150 mph. That kind of force brings destruction on an unimaginable scale, so recovery efforts are still going on today and will continue for years to come. 88 people died that day…in Hancock County alone; homes and lives forever ripped apart.

Into that devastation came Lakeshore Baptist Church. They were there before the storm and though their building was completely destroyed, they were there after the storm as well (a church is more than a building, after all). And all indicators point to their presence in Lakeshore for years to come. LBC, led by Pastor Don Elbourne, spearheaded a relief/rebuilding effort that put the needs of the community first, and for the last 4 ½ years volunteers have been coming in droves to help the church reach the community with practical physical help and the gospel of Christ. So finally I went too. Surely I could be a help to those who were still in so much need. Funny how things work out. I trust that by God’s grace I was able to do some good in Lakeshore, but I received far more blessing than I gave. Like I said, Lakeshore got the short end of the stick.

Upon arrival I was paired with 3 others to do visitation and ministry. Under Pastor McDearmon’s able leadership, I along with Paul, Ruth, and Caitriona (and 3 other teams) set out to visit those who had been helped in some way by LBC. We went to their homes to listen to their stories, to fellowship with them, to share the good news with them. We met and talked with people with names like Carl, Russell, Miss Gayle, Oscar, Denise, Archie, Lily, Wilbur, Mrs. Green, and Jack. We heard stories; stories like you wouldn’t believe: spouses lost in the storm; all belongings swept away; ongoing unemployment and poverty; injustice; hopelessness; no faith. We saw unspeakable squalor and poverty. But we also saw remarkable strength and faith in the midst of such unspeakable suffering; the strength and faith that can only come from the God who plants his footsteps in the sea and rides on the storm. We saw God work in remarkable ways to create opportunities for sharing His word with those who needed it most. Men and women heard about Christ from our lips; I saw 6 Spanish speaking people enthralled at hearing the gospel in their own language; a hitchhiker got the ride he was looking for and the good news too. After a week of visiting and inviting, over 60 people came from the community to a dinner and evangelistic service Friday night! We’ve sown seed, watered, and only God knows what growth He will bring about.

I went to Lakeshore because I knew people not only needed their houses rebuilt; they needed the good news of God saving sinners through the work of His Son, Jesus. After all, Jesus Himself ministered both to the physical and spiritual needs of people. When the crowds learned where He had gone, “They followed him and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing” (Luke 9:11) LBC it seems to me is doing a fine job of meeting people’s needs and speaking to them of the Kingdom of God – true mercy ministry.

What happened in Lakeshore was that I was reminded of how much I need the gospel. I learned how far short I come in loving sinners. I learned how pathetic my complaints are. I learned how little I show real love to people in need. I learned how much growing I have to do. I learned how weak I am. I learned again how totally dependent upon God I am. I learned that I can deal with a little physical discomfort. I learned that His strength is made perfect in my weakness. I learned that I have a lot more to learn about mercy ministry (thoughts on how to translate what LBC is doing to our churches would be most welcome). I learned more about the joy of telling others of the hope that lies within me. I learned more about fellowship and communion of believers of like mind. I learned more of how the body of Christ operates. I learned that God moves in mysterious ways. And I’m still learning.

I went to Lakeshore to be a blessing to others, and hopefully I was. But what I know happened is that I was blessed. I’m thankful to each one who played a part in the experience of a lifetime – from my family (love you, E!) and church at home who prayed for me to those who were there with me. I pray now that I remember what I’ve learned, and I pray that God will continue to build not just houses in Lakeshore, but His Kingdom.

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As you can see, the Mercy House looks great! This past week our friends from Central Baptist Church of Corbin KY built back steps to the rear entry landing. Friends from South Jersey mudded and sanded the sheet rock in the lower level. If we can find someone this week to texture the walls, local teenagers will paint the interior walls next weekend.

Next on the list; we need to stucco the main house, lay pavers for the 32 X 16 front entry, and brick the 10 X 10 pump house. I do not have anyone on the volunteer list for the foreseeable future who have listed these skill sets. If you have experience in stucco or brick, please consider making a special trip to Lakeshore to help with this project. Contact us and let us know you can come. We will put you up in the newly built bunkhouse and I’ll personally prepare an authentic Creole / Cajun meal for your crew.

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Although our new “Base Flood Elevation” required us to raise the Mercy House almost 10′ off grade, my design envisioned a two-story structure instead of a building set up on beach front piers. Last week we hid the 12X12 pilings with an enclosure which achieved the desired look. Recommended FEMA Hydrostatic flood vents on the lower level, NFIP code compliant building techniques, and a little visual consistency, brought the building together. I’m looking forward to siding the building with Stucco and hanging the shutters to complete the buildings exterior.

God forbid we see another catastrophic weather event in my life-time, but if we do, this building should resist a 9′ surge without compromising structural integrity. We plan to use the lower level for storage needs in conjunction with our Mercy Ministry; food, clothing, and household item distribution. The exposed beams of the interior reveal the buildings strength with architectural honesty. Lord willing, we will move into the facility very soon.

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Our good friends from Grace Baptist Church of Carlisle, PA have recruited 25 other like-minded churches to join them in Lakeshore this week in the ongoing relief, recovery, and rebuilding efforts. Early morning devotions and evening worship services have rounded out full days of work on the church property and in the community.

Its only Tuesday, but it seems two weeks of work have already been accomplished. Here on the church site, a large screened in area now sits under the new bunk house. They have framed up the lower level of the Mercy House and popped in the windows already. Lord willing, sheet rock will adorn the walls before the end of the week.

Workers have also been painting, plumbing, tiling, siding, etc in about nine different homes in the community.

Enthusiastic evangelistic teams have been blitzing the area, following up on dozens of families living in homes constructed by our volunteers in the last 4 years and encouraging those still living in temporary housing. God has opened the doors to some wonderful gospel encounters this week.

We look forward to a community dinner on Friday topped off with an evangelistic sermon preached by my friend Mitch Axxom of First Baptist Church of Clinton LA. Please pray that God would see fit to bring people to himself through this service.

btw, The folks with us this week have set up a blog to chronicle their trip. Check it out: Hurricane Katrina Relief Project 2010

We endured record low temperatures this past weekend, but the Lord blessed us with a beautiful day today. I look forward to what he has in store for us tomorrow as we press forward to the glory of God.

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We have folks here this week from North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Ohio, and Washington. They have been working on a range of projects from plumbing and electrical to vinyl siding, to clean-up and all sorts of things. I am excited to see them painting the spindles to the new Mercy House as this project moves forward.

Its been cold and raining this week, which hampered productivity to some extent and limited the tasks we could tackle, but its all in God’s good timing. The teams have been very encouraging in their flex ability and willingness to serve in any capacity needed to see the ministry flourish to the glory of God.

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Brenda Williams lives in one of the homes built from the ground-up by our volunteers who continue to grace Lakeshore and the gulf coast with their dedication, hard work, and support. The picture above shows me presenting her “Certificate of Occupancy” after her home was completed. Yesterday she shared this note of appreciation and I wanted to pass it along to all of you.

Thank you Lord, and to the Body of Christ, thank you!

Thank you for this beautiful home, it is the most wonderful solid built house I have ever seen. Let me never take it for granted. I am not even a little bit worthy of all of this, and yet here I am, over joyed with your love, and the love of your people who don’t even know me.

Sitting here I feel your presence Lord, your love, and all the love that went into every part of this house. Looking around I think of all those who took part in this wonderful work. Those who did all the planning, the paper work, phone calls, the grounds clearing, all those who worked in this hot, steaming, bug infested beautiful place we love and call home. They suffered all and sometimes more than we did, the lack of comforts, being away from their loved ones and homes. Hands bruised and cut, holding hammers, nails, saws and paint brushes. Backs and legs hurting and yet they worked on, plumbing, wiring, electrical fixtures and so much more. Not for a pay check, not for my little Thank- You! But for you Lord. In obedience to you Lord. Lord, I pray that this work brings Glory to you. Let your blessings be upon this beautiful place an upon your children, who brought it into being from the thoughts of it, to the completion of it all and more. Bless each and every one, who took part in all of this. And Lord let not one of them or their children ever go hungry or homeless. Lord, we were hungry and they fed us, we were without clothes and they clothed us, comfortless and they gave us comfort.

Lord, I think you for Lakeshore Baptist Church, Pastor Don, and all the beautiful workers who so faithfully served and continue to serve those in need. For those who understand this devastation and the need for sometimes a hug and a prayer.

My heart is so filled with thankfulness and love for you all.

Love, Brenda Williams

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