September 3, 2008
For most Gulf Coast residents, Labor Day weekend was spent evacuating their homes in anticipation of a major hurricane. Preparation was unprecedented for the natural disaster, but Gustav, although causing widespread damage, did not deliver his expected knock-out punch. Alliance leaders in affected areas are praising God for His protection.
“We cannot have a good assessment until our workers are back in their areas,” says Southern District superintendent Fred King. “According to our New Orleans and Waveland teams, they expect to be home on Thursday or Friday.”
Alliance pastor Darren Sanford from Journey4Life Ministry in Gulfport said, “Flooding seems to be limited to properties along the gulf to mostly small businesses and a few large homes. Our ministry building, Freedom Hall, sustained minor damage to the roof.”
With the possibility of more hurricanes on the way to either the southeast coast or the Gulf Coast, CAMA, the relief and development arm of The Alliance, has set up a general hurricane fund to help affected C&MA districts if necessary. “CAMA has pledged $30,000 to assist in relief efforts upon receipt of a damage assessment,” says a CAMA spokesperson. If you would like to contribute to this relief effort, visit www.camaservices.org.
The Alliance Communications team will keep you updated as hurricane information comes in.