September 8, 2006
“It’s the Church that’s really made the difference,” says Frank Smith, who continues to direct hurricane relief efforts on the Gulf Coast. One year after Hurricane Katrina ripped through Louisiana and Mississippi, leaving millions of people homeless, The Alliance has kept its promise to helpless residents-“We’re in it for the long haul.” The C&MA’s immediate response to the urgent need has evolved into a long-term undertaking to help people rebuild their homes and lives. As a result, five church plants are under way.
A community center for Baton Rouge
“Alliance pastor Randy Knighten was working as a church planter in Baton Rouge when nearly 6,000 evacuees from New Orleans became residents of a FEMA trailer village. With the help of CAMA (the relief arm of The Alliance), a building was purchased that will serve as a community center, offering training in computer skills and assistance in obtaining GEDs and completing resumés. “We’ve seen a lot of people impacted by this outreach already,” says Smith.
“Using the theme “Loving the people into the Kingdom, then bringing them into the church,” Knighten and his volunteers are meeting practical and spiritual needs. “A Bible study is ongoing,” says Smith, “and we plan to start worship services at the center soon.”
New Life in New Orleans
“Pastor Willie Neudahl has been in New Orleans for twenty years. When Katrina hit, he took the lead in relief efforts in the Gretna area. “Nearly 1,000 people have volunteered with Neudahl, and he handled it all,” Smith says.
“Recently, a building was purchased that will be used as a warehouse and a church, and an Alliance pastor is preparing to move there. Willie and his volunteer teams have cleaned thirty homes that are nearly ready for families to return. “But the job isn’t anywhere near being done,” says Smith. “At least five years of weekly volunteers are needed.”
Building community
“Two men, one from Alliance Theological Seminary and the other from Taccoa Falls College, volunteered to spend their summer with Neudahl, who gave them the task of reaching out to people in a nearby apartment complex. The interns worked with children, hosting Vacation Bible School and other events, resulting in twenty-five young people coming to Christ. As their summer drew to a close, the apartment manager approached the men and Neudahl with a request that the Alliance implement a full-time day-care program at his complex. One of the buildings on the grounds already is licensed for fifty children, since there was a child-care program before the hurricane. “This is a real opportunity for impact in the neighborhood,” Smith says. “We’re praying that God will lead us to the right director [for the program].”
Unexpected opportunity
“Alliance relief efforts in Gulfport did not begin until recently when two men separately approached Smith, saying they believed God was calling them to plant a church. Alliance pastor Darren Sanford moved his wife and six children to Gulfport. Meanwhile, John Schwartz, a former church planter for the Assemblies of God, heard about Alliance relief efforts in the area and expressed his desire to join the team. Along with others, Schwartz and Sanford are helping neighbors rebuild as they establish two church plants.
“Because relief efforts were concentrated among residents, “No one is helping small businesses,” Smith says. “So rather than rebuilding homes, the Gulfport team will help local businesses rebuild, reopen, and provide jobs.”
Hope amid devastation
“Relief efforts in the Waveland/Bay St. Louis area began four days after Hurricane Katrina stripped the cities of nearly everything. “It’s the kind of destruction this nation has almost never seen,” says Smith. The Alliance, led by Pastor Don Young from Genesis Church in Foley, Alabama, partnered with The Christian Life Church, also from Foley, in the immediate response effort.
“Since then, more than sixty people have accepted the Lord or rededicated their lives to Him, and a church plant, led by Pastor Art Baruffi, from Vineland Alliance Church in New Jersey, is well under way. Nearly 4,000 volunteers have impacted the lives of Waveland/Bay St. Louis residents. As they saw Christ work through them, volunteers brought hope to the devastated sister communites.
Following God’s lead on the Gulf Coast
“Thousands of Alliance people from across the nation have responded to the Call on the Gulf Coast by giving, going, praying, and sending. “God used a terrible circumstance to open a door for ministry,” says Smith. “Today, the people are willing to listen, because it is the Church that has made the difference.”