Lake Region—When Anthony Kelly, Camp Wagner director, suggested to the Camp Wagner governing board that they provide temporary housing for Hurricane Katrina evacuees at the camp, it was a unanimous vote. They were prepared to do what was necessary to assist the victims, including modifications at the camp to make it ready to receive guests.

After securing the Lake Region Conference executive committee's sanction, our camp staff, along with leaders from around the Lake Region Conference, strategized the enormous undertaking. Included in the group were medical professionals, educators, communication experts, master guides, and our community services director.

Many issues were discussed. Just as quickly as questions came to mind, God began to supply answers. Clothing and personal items were contributed by community members. Pastors brought van loads of items from Detroit, Indianapolis, and all around the Lake Region Conference. The chief executive officer of a local medical center promised medicines, medical staff, and the use of his hospital.

Volunteers came from Detroit, Grand Rapids, and the Chicago area. The team joined the Camp Wagner staff to prepare the laundry, renovate the emergency care unit, and organize the warehouse. Others joined the effort. A major appliance dealer executive assured support. The Andrews University social services and behavioral sciences teams got on board to assist with social and psychological needs. In just one week, we were prepared to provide short-term emergency care, food, shelter, and trauma relief.

As it turned out, no evacuees were routed to Camp Wagner, but we are ready to provide whatever help we can. In the interim, we redistributed a number of donated items to other individuals who did assist evacuees.

There are two very obvious blessings in this effort. The first is affirmation that great things can be accomplished when "the people have a mind to work." The second obvious blessing is that God has now prepared us at Camp Wagner and the Lake Region Conference to be ready for service in any disaster.

"Verily, I say unto you, in as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matt. 25:40).

Gail Ellis, Camp Wagner office manager