“Nearly two and a half years have passed since the Gulf Coast and the entire country experienced a natural disaster of unprecedented nature. The immeasurable devastation wrought by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma in 2005 called for an equally unprecedented response. Lutherans from around the country continue to bring help and hope to the affected communities in overwhelming ways. Examples of this incredible response abound, including more than 36,000 volunteers who have given over 1.6 million hours in repairing and rebuilding more than 10,000 homes.” Rev. Kevin A. Massey, Acting Director, ELCA Disaster Response, January 17, 2008. The need is still great. Today, people are still living in trailers or with relatives. Houses are still boarded up as if Hurricane Katrina happened yesterday. It's been two years!

In Central States Synod, Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Prairie Village, Kan., is sponsoring a home through Habitat of Northern Virginia. Congregational fundraising is currently underway to raise $30,000 by Easter 2008, which will be combined with grant money received to fully fund the cost of rehabbing a house for a family currently living in a FEMA trailer in Biloxi. Members from Resurrection will be going to Biloxi June 21–28, 2008, to volunteer in the repair and rebuilding efforts currently underway in the Gulf Coast region. Their hope is that they will be able to work on the house they sponsor.

Currently there is room for additional 10 volunteers to join their group and help rebuild a home affected by the Gulf Coast Hurricanes. The estimated cost per person for the trip is $400. The group plans to work four days in Biloxi as well as vacation two days in New Orleans. For more information or to make a reservation to serve with the group, please contact Pastor Alix Pridgen at apridgen@everestkc.net.

To read stories shared by others who have been helping to rebuild Gulf Coast communities affected by Hurricane Katrina, please visit www.css-elca.org/missioninterpreter.html.