Katrina Guests Update 9-11-05

Volunteer Hospitality Workers Keep It Organized

Sunday began at the 432 East Jefferson Street 3rd floor with breakfast followed by an opportunity to worship and sing. Pastor Joe Phelps brought a message of hope while his associate Chris Sanders played his guitar and led the group to sing praise hymns. After lunch several guests left with their children for a free trip to the zoo. Later in the afternoon Country Bo's Meals on Grills prepared a Cajun cook out for the residents that included grilled shrimp, deep fried turkey, red beans and rice, hot dogs, hamburgers, and slaw. During the meal a wonderful duet performed by singing and playing a variety of musical numbers. We got a copy of the SECC Outlook paper that featured one of the families staying with us. During the meal I had the opportunity to show this to them for the first time and give them a copy. They were excited that they had been able to tell their story to so many through print. All enjoyed the time out doors in the courtyard.

Tri-County Christian Fellowship led by Pastor Jeff Combs held our first “Sunday Night at the Movies”. The group brought a real movie popcorn machine, candy and soft drinks. They showed one movie for the kids and two for the adults (one of which was in Spanish). The church youth group assisted serving on the second floor.

If that were not enough, I gave a plea for a volunteer blitz between one and six PM to completely ready the second floor for new dislocated persons. I had thought we would have been ready by Saturday evening but just did not make it. I called all the TV stations and asked them to get the word out Saturday evening on their news reports. I also called several of my friends that are in large Sunday school classes and asked them to get the word out. Low and behold we had a huge crowd of workers most of the day. People came with their 409 and Fantastic, towels and cleaning cloths, ready to work. And work they did until the rooms were ready for additional Katrina victims.

God Bless You All!
Tim