In the first year
after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, the Presbytery
of Mississippi was in a crisis phase. The eleven churches of
the presbytery that were struck by the winds and waters suffered
varied degrees of damage, ranging from slight to significant.
The homes of many pastors and church members were severely damaged
or destroyed, and some are still living in FEMA trailers. For
weeks following Katrina there was no electricity, no clean water,
and no telephone service. Medical services were stretched, and
many roads were impassable. Many people were so overwhelmed
by the physical damage and emotional trauma that they moved
away.
Almost three years later, the presbytery has moved to the
recovery phase. Most families now have roofs over their heads,
even if they are the aluminum roofs of FEMA trailers. Yet the
depression rate of residents is at epidemic proportions, and
suicide attempts are at an all-time high. What makes the biggest
difference in their mental health is moving into permanent housing,
and the presbytery desperately needs to continue receiving financial
and volunteer assistance to meet that significant challenge.
Members of the presbytery are thankful for all that so many
of you have done. They have come a long way since Katrina. They
ask for your fervent prayers and presence and that God will
help all of us to meet the challenges that confront the churches
and communities in the Presbytery of Mississippi.
The presbytery has 46 churches with 5,989 members. |
