On September 13, 2005, thirty people responded to Executive Presbyter Mark Krieger's invitation to meet and discuss a local initiative that our presbytery could undertake to help with clean-up, building and repair in a region that experienced devastation due to the recent hurricanes in the Gulf coast area. Prior to this meeting contacts were made with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to seek information about how volunteers could be housed and fed during a trip to one of these areas. PDA indicated that they have created four tent "villages" of 100 tents each with each tent accomodating four people. They have made arrangements with  local churches for food preparation and eating facilities for volunteers. Also prior to this meeting, a contact was made with "Lend A Hand," originally under the auspices of Christian Churches United, but now affiliated with our presbytery. Lend A Hand has provided bus transportation in the past to areas devastated by hurricanes. At the meeting commitments were initially fund made to fund three trips in 2005. Since trips were so successful, Lend a Hand has taken on a life of its own.
 
 

Lend A Hand has played a major role in the recovery efforts in D'Iberville, MS, sending trips through 2006 and into 2007. About 400 people from all faiths and walks of life have taken time from their busy schedules to be a part of the efforts. While much has been accomplished, volunteers are still needed as much remains to be done. 

Folks, who are unable to go south, can help with prayers for these efforts, and money, as funding is an ongoing issue in continuing these trips. Lend A Hand needs local volunteers to keep the effort organized. In the past God has called upon our presbytery to provide resources and people to reach out to a hurting world. Once again we will answer and with God's help exceed our expectations. Volunteers for trips and to help locally may contact Lend A Hand at 1-877-211-0700 or 717-731-8888.
 
 

Click for a link to see the quilts Deb Davis made from the photographs that folks sent her who have gone on trips to D'Iberville, MS, over the last two years.