September 7, 2012
By Fred King, interim district superintendent for the C&MA Southern District
Hurricane Isaac wreaked havoc on The Vine (Alliance church) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. There is massive damage to the roof and the drywall, which leaves the potential for growth of dangerous mold.
Pastor Nate Lawson and his family, who live in an upstairs apartment at the church, worked feverishly during the storm , placing containers under more than 24 major leaks, but could not stop Isaac’s destruction.
The insurance policy had a number of exclusions, including wind, hail, water damage, and floods, making a claim impossible for hurricane damage, which is common along the Gulf Coast. Unfortunately, there are no funds available to repair the roof and replace the drywall.
Contractors submitted bids for the repairs, the first of which is $17,500 for the roof. It is estimated that the total bill will exceed $50,000. There is a possibility that CAMA, the relief and development arm of The Alliance, could offer some assistance.
The Genesis (Alliance) Church in Foley, Alabama, is forming a team of men to help with the repairs. Other men are encouraged to join. If you wish to participate, contact Steve Pruett at [email protected].
Update on Other Gulf Coast Alliance Churches:
- Genesis church members led the relief efforts and planted a church in Waveland, Mississippi, after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Today, the Christian Life Center continues to meet the needs of people in the area through creative outreaches, including a thrift store. The church was not damaged by Hurricane Isaac.
- New Hope Church of the C&MA in the New Orleans suburb of Gretna is growing steadily and reaching out to the community. Pastors Don Smith and Willie Neudahl are faithful men of prayer, serving in a difficult area. Like Christian Life Center, New Hope sustained no damage from Isaac’s storm.
- In Gulfport, Pastor Darren Sandford and his family have worked tirelessly to develop Journey4Life, a post-Katrina church plant. The congregation is growing and has established connections with many people through a coffeehouse outreach. The building had minor water leaks from the storm.
What You Can Do
Pray for God’s provision for Pastor Nate Lawson and The Vine. For more information how you can help, contact the Southern District office at [email protected].