July 1, 2008
Nearly three years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, Alliance ministries that began with relief efforts are flourishing. In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Pastor Randy Knighten oversees several outreaches through the ministry center that was established immediately after the hurricane. An after-school program assists a dozen children, grades 3 through 8, with school work. “The successful program just completed its first year,” says Knighten. A food pantry ministry, a job skills class, and three years of Vacation Bible School have impacted a community of displaced people after the storm forced their relocation to Baton Rouge.
In Wavleland, Mississippi, Mark Young has assumed leadership of Christian Life Center (CLC) and its ongoing relief efforts to help the community rebuild homes and lives. Volunteers continue to pour in, most recently 75 young people representing four youth groups that “painted, cleaned, dug, prayed and represented Christ well as His ambassadors,” says Young.
Although the church plant is still in the early stages of development, the youth ministry is taking off. “Many who were completely uninterested in God a few months ago now have opened their hearts to Him,” Young says. “One young woman who has been a part of our community for the past 10 months recently made a commitment to follow Christ and has been instrumental in bringing many kids to hear the gospel.”
As the church grows and temporary workers transition in and out, Young is praying that some of them will sense God’s call to permanent ministry in Waveland. “Workers are needed to minister to the people who come to CLC seeking help and hope,” he says.