Day Six!

Day six! It is the end of the day on Saturday. It has been a l-o-n-g day....

I started out at 5 am by meeting with the Gulfport Police Department. It is so interesting that I planned on coming and be in Gulfport and upon my arrival I was sent to Biloxi being told that Gulfport was no longer a site and later God opened a door for us to serve mostly in Golfport. Today I rode 6 hours with an officer Chris at Gulfport. This provided an opportunity to connect with several police officers and also talk with the dispatch personnel.

Interesting, as I spoke with the dispatch personnel I learned that two of them had been on duty during the hurricane. It was really dramatic to hear what they had to deal with. One dispatcher said that the only way she was able to get through the shift was to cry. She had to tell terrified and injured people that no emergency personnel were being sent out for rescue relief until after the storm. One man was seriously injured and had to wait 12 hours for help. That was the worst part about their job. They were not able to do anything except take calls, listen and cry.

I was able to make contact at the county jail also. We were transporting an arrested man and I was able to introduce myself to the ministry of chaplaincy to some personnel there.

In the late afternoon I was able to have free-time. Later in the evening I met up with the chaplains and project coordinator for dinner.

This is the conclusion to day six.

Day Five

Today is Friday. We started out pretty much like every other day, devotions and singing at breakfast. One of the things I have been blessed with is the testimonial and reports from the teams. Today is no exception. We heard from team members who have been working on the houses. They have had many wonderful reports. We also heard some singing from Willy Nelson tunes to Johnny Cash tunes. I have enjoyed the flashbacks to my mother and father's 8-track days. I forgot those old country gospel songs.

Our team of chaplains decided to go out as a whole team today. There were three of us and one in-training. I was the only man!

We visited the home of a Gulfport police officer, Leonard, whose home was being torn down. A group of Methodist from Georgia were the demo team. They accidentally struck a gas line just as we arrived. The whole place smelled of gas and we were beginning to get a little silly by the end of the hour with them. This would explain our next bit of trouble.

We were able to pray for that officer and also we were given the opportunity to share Christ with a Captain who "just happened" to arrive. We shared with him and prayed for him as tears filled his eyes. What a neat time! We learned that today was his wife's birthday. She is a nurse. We decided to go get a gift and take it to her at the hospital. (ladies will come up with any excuse to go shopping.). But this is where our trouble began. (More a bit later.)

On our way, however, we were given our next divine appointment. As we took a restroom break at the nearby Burger King (another thing women seem to do in groups), an elderly little woman approached us for food money. I dealt with her along with the chaplain in-training. This little woman appeared homeless and by her size she looked malnourished and very needy. She was specific about where she wanted to eat. She asked for a taco from a Taco Bell 2 blocks away. We walked her over and let her order whatever she wanted. The cashier stated that she was impressed with our generosity. To which I acknowledge that Jesus is the reason for any kindness in this world. As we stood at the counter I felt compelled to pray for her so I did, right there where we stood. The cashier join us in prayer as did the dozen in line with us. I did not notice right away the crowd until after my prayer - long as usual - and quickly apologized for my holding up the line. The people did not mind at all. We finished our ministry to this woman and shared the message of the gospel off to the side but loud enough that everyone had to hear us for sure.

Well, we finished with this great witness opportunity and headed over to the hospital with our gift in hand in search of the police officer's wife. Upon our arrival we begin to inquire about where this birthday girl and nurse could be found. We gave the name to several people who said that they didn't know her. We were persistent from desk to desk and several floors. We eventually went to human resources, who said they didn't know her. We asked that she be paged over the hospital speakers. They did it. And they did it again and again. But she did not reply. We went searching again floor to floor. I felt like I was part of an episode of "Designing Women." Finally our mystery was solved - by our Chaplain in-training. She began to ask around and found a nurse with the same first name who also happened to have a birthday today and whose husband is a Gulfport police officer. Our problem was that we had crossed last names of the two police officers we spoke with at the beginning of the day. We never laughed so hard! I think that the gas had affected our brains!!

The long and the short of it was that our mission was complete. We gave our gift and expressed our love and got out of the hospital before security escorted us to the nearest exit!

We completed our day by heading to the Gulfport PD and having a second meeting with the Deputy Chief and other staff. What an incredible blessing and openness we felt.

Late in the afternoon we finally got lunch. We were really hungry.

I finished my evening with one more round of site-seeing and picture-taking in Gulfport.

After dinner several of us did the kitchen clean up and dish duty.

I lay here refreshed with enthusiasm and thank God for the wonderful opportunities.

I will be getting us on Saturday by 5 AM to participate in a ride-a-long for the day with the Gulfport PD. Good night for now!

Supplimental Thoughts

The Word of the Lord reminds us of a very important point as we serve those in crisis relief work. Especially as we serve in the Gulf Coast area.

1 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings, focusing on one goal. 3 Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. 4 Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage. 7 Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, 8 He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death--even to death on a cross. (Phil. 2:1-8)

Jesus did not come to be served but to serve. This passage tells us to be ready to give of ourselves and do the work as unto the Lord, serving the interests of others.

As we have seen and many have testified to us that the church, the body of Christ were the first to be on the ground here in the Gulf Coast region. The other day and again today as I spoke with the Deputy Chief of Gulfport and Biloxi I am reminded of the wonderful witness of the church as each commented that if it were not for the church, many would have suffered hunger and incredible loss. The relief from the church came within hours not days! Praise the Lord!

Even now there are hundreds of Christian organizations and thousands working together providing relief and mostly, the Love of Christ. We are seeing the humble efforts of God's people working to give material goods, labor and hope to many. They are doing this with an attitude of a servant. This is a powerful demonstration.

Just think, one year ago many of the families devastated by the fury of Katrina are now hearing that still, soft voice of a gentle Savior. Just one year ago, many homes had not read a Bible passage or heard a word of prayer and now there are thousands of Christian people leading others to Christ and praying for their families in these very homes every day.

Having the mind of Christ and being a servant for Christ is powerful!

Thank God that His army is marching to the orders of a grace-giving and loving commander; who emptied Himself...and gave Himself unto death on the cross.

Thank the Lord for the many wonderful witness of believers from all over the world!

Day Four

Thursday started out a bit chilly but it eventually got up to 69 degrees. My evening with Odell and Carol was very relaxing. We shared a wonderful evening and we ate Salmon cooked over a grill. Odell is a great cook!

Our day took us to Gulfport for some follow up to a family whose home was re-roofed by Samaritan's Purse. (And just when I thought we were done there!) What a great opportunity to share the gospel with them and pray for Glendora. She is the daughter and caregivers to her parents and she provides help to her brother who has MS. His home was re-roofed next door just yesterday. Pray for Ranson and Viola as well as their son, Ranson Jr.

From there we visited Gulfport and went to the police department. What incredible timing! Today was the Deputy Chief's (Alfred) first official day in his new position. I took that occasion to pray for him and bless his first day and new position. I told him that God ordained this day and meant for us to lift him up and cover his position with authority under God. He has been on the department for 21 years. We also inquired about a follow up to my contact from Chicago. I was told to connect with the Fellowship of Christian Police Officers (FOCPO) chapter while here. Just as God planned it, we arrived just in time to have lunch with the FOCPO group's monthly meeting. They invited us to join them and heard about an exciting way to connect with the rebuilding efforts of first responders. I will have to share with you about a way to give toward the rebuilding efforts for first responders. They are working 12 hour shift and well over 50 hours a week. Tomorrow we will participate in the destruction of Officer Leonard's home and the rebuilding ceremony. If a team could be organized to come to Gulfport in the summer, more help is needed in this effort to rebuild the homes of first responders. There has been a group from Canada who have given leadership to the local effort and the work of FOCPO chapter. Pray for the Chief of Police who has been in his position for a week and the Deputy Chief who I prayed for. Also the other 115 Officers and additional staff. We also handed out contact cards to the officers present that provides 24 hour, 7 days a week on-call chaplain hotline for those first responders needing to talk. On Saturday I plan to participate in a ride-a-long with this department.

We also were able to tour the destruction there in Gulfport.

We also learned about a serious issue with a man who is having his leg amputated today. He was featured in the Decision Magazine having prayer with Franklin Graham in the fall. His home is being worked on and there is hope that he will be able to arrive home as the work is completed. His daughter is also in our prayers. She is 5 years old and needs to have her second open heart surgery next month. Pray for this family.

A productive day indeed! We love divine appointments and wonderful opportunities. I could do this everyday! Perhaps not here though because I have yet to see a Panera Bread... :-). I love the hands-on pastoral, personal role I have been honored to serve in here.

That is all for now. I will report to you again on our further efforts in Gulfport and whatever the Lord has in store for us.

Day Three

Wednesday has been a very event-filled day. I am posting this blog report early because I am going to spend the evening with Odell and Carol. Finally, a home-cooked meal!

We started out this morning with "work orders." These are follow up visits to people that Samaritan's Purse (SP) helped build or repair homes hardest hit in Biloxi. What a treat! The people have been very gracious.

We visited a great grandmother, Fannie and her 4 year old great-grandson, Anias. She told her story to us. She and Anias and two others stayed. The storm surge came all-at-once. It filled the one-story house up to 8 feet. They climbed into the ceiling rafters to escape. Anias said that his grandmother was "sucked into the water" and almost drown. She fell through the ceiling panels into the rapidly rising waters. In as quick as the water entered the house it also left. And this happened each time the surge came in. They remained in the ceiling crawl space for hours as the storm raged. What a terribly frightening event. Anias was still living out that horrible event. Pray for little Anias.

We also had the awesome privilege of meeting with a single mother who has started her own business in the poor neighborhood of town which was also hard hit by the storm. I asked if a group of us could stop into the new store and bless it for God. She agreed. We met with her and as we prayed with her she wept. She was very grateful. We bought some things too. Her first sales to people outside of the state! Cool! She is very courageous. While many are leaving, she has decided to stay and start this business. I have taken many pictures so I can show you the items she is selling in case you want to place an order too! Pray for Teshina and her 5 year old daughter and 12 year old son. Her mother and father's home is being remodeled by SP team. (She and her kids live with her parents.)

We also met with the Dep. Chief of the Biloxi Police Department to pray for him and his staff. Dep. Chief McGilvary is an incredible leader. While his home was destroyed in the storm along with 46 other officers' homes, he guided, fed and networked nationally to help thousands. Keep them in your prayers.

One more story. We met with a woman who needed help moving boxes to storage. We helped and wouldn't you know, her adult daughter was helping and I discovered that she lives in Naperville, IL. What a fun connection! She is employed at Lucent. We talked and prayed together. She even knows where Wheaton Wesleyan Church is. I invited her to attend there, of course.

That is all for now. Be blessed!

Day Two

Day two - WOW! What an incredible eye opening experience it has been. I can't wait to share my photos with you of the tremendous devastation I have witnessed today and of the hope that people have.

First, prayer requests.
Last night we met Darlene. It was a divine appointment. We were at the airport to pick up another chaplain and she was sitting on a bench. Her story was one of incredible disappointment and loss. When we pulled up to the curb she recognized our vehicle I'd tag. She said that she was blessed by the efforts of Samaritan's Purse (SP). We prayed for her and shared the hope of Christ with her. She was very receptive. She will be traveling to North Carolina to pick up her adult daughter who is dealing with illness.

Pray for Che Che and Ione who we met today. They are needing the Lord. Ione will have her power cut off tonight because she isn't able to pay her bill. These ladies were very blessed to have our support and prayer. SP was involved in placing a new roof on Ione's home last month and they also were involved in the demolition of Che Che's home and cleanup. These women are widows and need the Lord. Che Che's son is in need of medical help and social security assistance.

A couple of us toured the Kiln and Bay area - hardest hit areas. Many of the homes - entire neighborhoods - were completely leveled. There is debris everywhere. I have many pictures to share with you of this area. There is one office building - a small home-like structure that was lying on it's side wedged between an electrical pole and a fallen tree. An amazing image.

Many stories can be shared. One story is told by a chaplain about a house that was completely under water. Everything was destroyed. SP was involved in the demolition work. The saddest part of that experience was having to demolish a grand piano. The home owner is a widow who cried as the team removed the piano. All her personal items were destroyed.

I am going to remain in Biloxi for the week. SP has finished all their work in Gulfport. There is plenty of need here.

Pray for the team leader, Marilyn who has served the Gulf Coast area since the fall. She is overwhelmed! Pray also for the 200 workers here from across the country working on the Methodist Camp here and several homes in the community. Pray also for the other chaplain, who is from Seattle. This is her second trip here. Her chaplain work in Seattle serves local police and fire personnel.

This evening is very relaxing. It is refreshing to hear what work others are doing.

I look forward to checking in with you again tomorrow.

Day One

I write you nearing the end of day one. I flew into Gulfport, MS this afternoon. Not so much of an adventure but a rather turn of events occurred. As I got off the plane here a couple approached me saying, "Hey, Pastor Rick!" I couldn't believe it but (as many may know from WWC) my former neighbor was on the same flight. Two years ago Odell and his wife moved south but I had lost contact with them. Wouldn't it just be like the Lord to renew Christian brotherhood clear across the country! It was a nice personal touch to meet familiar faces clear down here!

I am settled now in my dorm-room at a United Methodist Camp in Biloxi, MS. It was hit hard by Katrina because it sits right on the Gulf Coast. I can see the coast just a few hundred yards from my dorm. There are still many things to be done here. The nearby buildings are leveled or severely damaged.

I took a tour via car ride to see the devastation. Things along the shore are really in bad shape. A few miles in things appear to be taking shape. There are many opportunities to serve all around.

I will be trained and receive my orientation in the morning. I am not sure how God will choose to use me but I stand ready. Pray for me.

Until Tuesday, Rick

Live from Biloxi...

Final Preparation

It is the night before I head to Gulfport. As I prepare myself mentally I can't help but think about what a tremendous opportunity I will have to share Christ's love with hurting people.

With such devestation and hardship facing many in the Gulf states the opportunity share God's love is tremendous. My hope is to be a positive reflection of God's love and share His Word with people who are hurting.

I appreciate your prayers as I head out. I ask God to help me to be a blessing to people and that I receive His wisdom as I deal with circumstances and hear the hurts and life challenges of people.

Until my next blog.