Hurricane Relief Mission Trip 2007

First Presbyterian Church of Lincoln, Nebraska, serves in Houma, Louisiana

Team members reflect on their hurricane relief mission trip in 2007

PDA volunteers work in Houma, La. Photos courtesy of First Presbyterian Church, Lincoln, Nebraska

Feeling Jesus in our hearts, I was moved by the love of Christ that surrounded us on the April 21 journey to Houma, La. The Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) theme of “Out of Chaos-Hope” spoke in so many ways — safe travel (even when dodging a rolling oil barrel on the interstate), daily devotions, thankfulness of homeowners who we served on past and current trips, serving with a community of believers through the PDA work camp, and accepting the gracious hospitality of the First Presbyterian Church of Bayou Blue.

— Janice Stege

Some memories of the mission trip for me include the van ride and inspirational thoughts of the hour. The thoughts were all good and really made you think. The best way to get to really know people is to have a long car ride. Another memory is how thankful and happy Miss Nixon was when the kitchen was done. It was a beautiful and sunny room, but her smile was the best memory.

— Leland Stege

PDA volunteers work in Houma, La. Photos courtesy of First Presbyterian Church, Lincoln, Nebraska

Being a part of the First Presbyterian/PDA mission trip to Houma and Dulac, La. was such a privilege and opportunity to once again be involved in some real "hands on" mission! I was impressed with the way the families in the two homes where we worked, were so patient and seemed so "nonplussed" by our great invasion of their family lives which included several children including three babies. Indeed it was a delight to get a bit acquainted with them, to see how lovingly the three generations were involved in the care of the infants. They seemed to live more into the concept of the "village" as families; and while there, we were members of their "village". Their gratitude was profound, though understated, as the women finally at long last had functioning and attractive kitchens in which to prepare the food for their families. The experience validated for me once again that we are indeed all members of the Faith Village in whose center is the Tree of Life in Christ! And we serve Christ as we serve one another!

— Arta Smith

In thinking about the mission trip to Houma, La, I have many impressions of my experience. As a newbie mission tripper, I must say that the opportunity to get to know fellow members of my church and presbytery in a mission setting/enclosed space (like the trip down on the van) was the first big impression. Accepting that all of us had a reason to be on that van traveling to the mission field was exciting for me and inspiring. Discerning why each of us had come took more time (and I may not even now really know the reason that moved the others to make the trip). But the information I did get let me know I was among kindred souls and that made my heart beat faster and gave me some of the needed energy I thought I wouldn’t have to do the work in spite of my lack of physical fitness!

— Nancy Field

PDA volunteers work in Houma, La. Photos courtesy of First Presbyterian Church, Lincoln, Nebraska

One experience I treasure was sitting on the completed porch of the Nixon house with Daniel and listening to him talk about his life on the water. Earlier that day Daniel had picked up a hammer and had worked with several members of the Mission Team to repair his porch. Working together and visiting together was special. It created a certain bond between persons from very different backgrounds.

Another experience was when I invited Miss Nixon into her kitchen to see the progress on her cabinets. She looked them over, then smiled and said, "They look just fine." I could tell from the look on her face that they were more than just fine. She was thrilled with the prospect of having a brand new kitchen. Such moments are truly an inspiration to come back and do more.

— Ron Bump

Dear Mrs. Janice and the Mission Group: My mother and I would like to take this time out and say once again thank you very much for showing up to our house and share your love one more time with us. We are blessed to have each of you in our hearts. Thanks again. May the Christ of Jesus bless each and every one of you real good. Take care! Mrs. Ellen also wants to thank each and every one of you as well. Take care and love y'all.

— Charles Moses (The team was assigned to Charles’ and Miss Ellen’s homes in 2006)