August 9, 2006
Dear Friends and partners:
I just received a glowing report from Art Baruffi, our Director for Relief Ministries in Waveland Mississippi. As you know Gulf Coast Disaster Relief, turned over to the C&MA and Christian Life Center, the continuation of ministry in Waveland and Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. We were convinced that the best thing for long term healing for that area so devastated by Katrina, was not an organization 3 hours away directing its recovery, but a local group. Thus the formation of CLC Gulf Coast Inc. I will continue to serve as a Board Member on the Transition Team and will help guide the team as we continue to minister to the many needs on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi.
This new organization will soon have its own building and will continue to help meet the needs of the local people for many years. Not only will Life Skills be taught to help train people for jobs, etc, but a continuation of building projects through the end of this year and then as needs arise.
Pastor Art and Pat Baruffi are heading up the transition team that will continue to rebuild homes as they rebuild lives. I am forwarding Art’s letter to you as well so you can get a picture of what has happened and what God is still doing.
Yes, we are still there, almost a year later, the CHURCH is still there, doing what God has asked the CHURCH to do, meet the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of hurting people. It really doesn’t get any better than this, being the very heart of God for needy people.
A praise note as I close this update, a Pastor of a very missions-minded church in Nebraska called me a few weeks ago and said, “Pastor Don, our senior pastor and I would like to come down and visit with you and the team in late August. We have sent teams and funds down to Waveland for several months and every time our people come back, they are deeply moved by God. Now that you are starting Christian Life Center that will remain to meet the needs of people so devastated by Katrina, we want to be a part of the “New Beginnings.” We want to see how we can partner with you to build a spiritual foundation that will last through the storms of life. We are ready to help in a substantial way!”
When I got off the phone with that pastor, I was again reminded of how God has always worked in the C&MA. He touches people’s hearts, births within them a vision, and then empowers and equips them for service.
Partners, you have a chance to be a part of the “New Beginnings” in Waveland, Mississippi. We still need volunteers, we still need finances, and more than ever, we still need prayers. Thanks for holding the ropes with us. Now together, we will hold the ropes with Christian Life Center.
I can feel the smile of our Lord. We are still doing what He has asked us to do.
In His Joy,
Don Young,
Genesis Church
Gulf Coast Disaster Relief