Methodists do mission work in Louisiana
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On Saturday, April 17, a group of 12 left Lower United Methodist Church to do mission work in Louisiana. Three of the group were from the Warsaw area, two from the Mathews area, and seven from Middlesex.
The group arrived in Slidell, Louisiana, April 18, settled in its lodging for the week, and then headed out to New Orleans. The group worshiped at Christ Church Cathedral Episcopal Church, then embarked on a short walking tour of New Orleans and dinner in the French Quarter.
On Monday, April 19, the group received its assignments from staff representing the Louisiana Conference of The United Methodist Church Disaster Response. The 12 were separated into two groups.
One group went to “Irma’s home,” which was damaged by Katrina and three subsequent storms. After several attempts at rebuilding, Irma decided to raise the house above flood level. The group’s job was to finish some rough spots of sheet rock; prime the ceiling and walls; spray “popcorn” texture on the ceilings; and paint the walls.
The other group went to the home of Anthony and his 6-year-old daughter Beverly. Anthony and Beverly had been living on their front porch for 4 1/2 years. Work on their home was started in late February. The group’s job was to finish taping, mudding and sanding the sheet rock.
“Some days we came ‘home’ so dirty and messy we looked like Pigpen from the Charlie Brown comics!” said one group member. “Every morning we had a light breakfast, and packed our lunch for the day, which we ate at our job sites. Both groups worked long, hard days.”
Another team member noted, “Mentally, physically and spiritually I think we all came back different people. It’s hard to explain to someone what the experience was like unless you’ve been there. The people of Louisiana are most gracious people. Everywhere we went we received a warm welcome and were thanked numerous times.”
There is still much work to be done there and along the Gulf Coast. Some team members are planning for the next trip to help rebuild.
The Middlesex County community helped support this mission effort. “For that we say ‘thank you,’ “ said one group member.
The team will present more information and photos at an upcoming event, the date of which will be announced.
