Lake Region—About eleven individuals from the Niles Philadelphia Church traveled to Miss. to help relieve suffering caused by Hurricane Katrina. It became clear to each of us that while the media has provided a great deal of coverage, the impact is so much worse up close and personal than is generally seen on television.

The group unpacked food trucks, organized distribution rooms, prepared boxes and bags of items, and distributed packages in the community surrounding the Maranatha Adventist Church in Gulfport, Miss. We used the chainsaws we took with us to cut up trees for many grateful senior citizens in the community. Being a city girl, I never thought I’d be part of a chain saw ministry.

When asked what their greatest needs are, the Maranatha Church pastor, T. Ron Weigar, replied, “money.” At this point they are comfortable with the amount of food and other donations received, but there continues to be a significant need for money. Thirteen members of the Gulfport congregation lost everything. No monetary contribution is too small or too big. Donations may be sent to: Maranatha Adventist Community Services Center, 730 Georgia Street, Gulf Port, MS 39501.

Patricia Stewart, Niles Philadelphia Church correspondent