Rebuilding Hope in Biloxi, Mississippi
Hurricane Katrina
 On Monday, August 29, 2005, Katrina made its final landfall near the Louisiana/Mississippi state line as a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 120 mph, causing severe destruction along the Gulf coast from central Florida to Texas.
Although, as we all painfully remember, the most severe loss of life occurred in New Orleans, Louisiana, which flooded when the levee system failed. The worst property damage occurred in coastal Mississippi beachfront towns, which were crushed by a powerful 27-foot storm surge.The surge's path of destruction penetrated 6 miles inland in many areas and up to 12 miles inland along bays and rivers.
At least 1,836 people lost their lives in the actual hurricane and the subsequent floods. 82 counties in Mississippi were declared disaster areas for federal assistance, 47 for full assistance.
April 2010
Although its been nearly 5 five years since Katrina unleashed her fury, the area is still recovering. Little is heard in the news today about the success of the recovery effort in New Orleans but sadly even less is heard in the news today about the lesser known towns and cities along the Mississippi coast that were destroyed by the storm.
 FUMC of Stamford were only one of many groups working to help restore the area. It is a continual struggle, so much was destroyed. 15 people from the church put their hearts and souls into helping Biloxi get at least one small step closer to recovery. They all returned richer for their hands-on experience.
Sharing, caring, working and laughing together... Concentration, Cooperation and Compassion all melded together in the warmth of the Gulf Coast sun and sea breezes made the trip memorable and rewarding for all.
| Photos |
View Biloxi Slide Show >
(our project, Sunday services, devotionals and BBQ)
View SUMA Slide Show >
(this is where we stayed) |
View News Orleans Slide Show >
(French Quarter and Steamboat Cuise) |
As a Fire is Meant for Burning
Ruth Duck lyrics |
As a fire is meant for burning
with a bright and warming flame,
So the church is meant for mission
giving glory to God’s name.
Not to preach our creeds or customs,
but to build a bridge of care,
We join hands across the nations,
finding neighbors everywhere. |
We are learners, we are teachers,
we are pilgrims on the way.
We are seekers; we are givers;
we are vessels made of clay.
By our gentle, loving actions,
we would show that Christ is light.
In a humble, listening spirit,
we would live to God’s delight. |
As a green bud in the springtime
is a sign of life renewed,
So may we be signs of oneness
’mid earth’s peoples, many hued.
As a rainbow lights the heavens
when a storm is past and gone,
May our lives reflect the radiance
of God’s new and glorious dawn. |
|
