Nature brought destruction and
devastation to the Gulf Coast, USA in August, 2005 by way of Hurricane Katrina.
While most of the television and internet news reports centered on the ruin and
wreckage in New Orleans, Louisiana, there was another area that suffered
tremendously as well. This area of the gulf coast was Biloxi, MS.
Although it was the initial intent of Just Grace Ministries to travel to New Orleans, LA, it was truly a blessing that the Lord had a different place and defined purpose for us in Biloxi. For seven days from Feb. 26- Mar. 4, 2006, along with our host church: Bay Vista Baptist Church (K. Clifton Jr., Pastor), we were still witnessing the aftermath of Katrina as if the whirlwind happened the day before, as opposed to six months prior. Along with the obvious material damage in the city there was mental, emotional, and spiritual injury to the people as well.
We heard many stories while we were in Biloxi... One gentle older man told of floating in his attic, “I said to the Lord, well if it’s my time to die, just take me! I can’t swallow no mo’ water!” From the mouth of Mr. Rown, “I know all these things about the Lord, but there is so much hurt around me. I can’t do enough to help..., and my heart has just become hardened.” Chris, the 32 year old homeless young man stated, “It is so hard out here on the streets, and even more so in the midst of all this mess! I just look around sometime, and ask - Where you at Jesus?”
I am grateful that a part of the clear purpose of the Holy Spirit for sending Just Grace Ministries, and to serve those three people and others individually. Meeting their nonphysical needs with our spiritual gifts, especially with the aim of love was a phenomenal experience. To see the awesomeness of Jesus Christ’s love in action, and the wonder of its effects, was extraordinary. By the end of the day, each of these men had a serious praise report regarding the goodness of the Lord! I must add that included in those reports was how the Lord sent people to help.
Please understand this work takes all of us. This part of the Body (Maryland) has to aid in caring for the other part of the body which is injured (Gulf, USA). As we plan a teen mission’s trip back to Biloxi, MS, we pray for other teens to join us, and for your church to consider partnering with a church in one of those hurricane-damaged towns. The need is still there!
How Else Can You Help?
Prayer!
Prayer is the facilitator for change.
Other Successes:
• Food Distribution-“Chicken Run”
• House Rebuilding
• Power of Prayer in the name of Jesus!
• Witness of Modern Day Miracles
Reverend Danita R. Phillips, Pastor, Mother, Registered Nurse, Missionary, Poet, and Author, is a native Baltimorean. Just Grace Ministries worships in Pikesville MD and is part of the Praise Covenant Interdenonimational Fellowship. You can learn more about their mission and ministries on the web at: www.justgraceministries.org.