"Here am I! Send me! Send me!"
Following is a summary of the amazing adventures the "Iowa 5" as they volunteered in Louisiana. The Iowa 5 team consisted of Karen Christiansen of Denison, Amanda Latham of Clarinda, Cinthy Branan of Villisca, Lori Lyons of Schaller and Lori's brother Mike Young of Faribault, Minnesota
Lori writes:
On Thursday, September 8 a vanload of willing workers headed south from Iowa to Louisiana. Prior to our leaving, we had all felt "Here am I. Send me!" Little did the members of our team know or understand how we were going to touch the lives of others, and more so, how our lives would be affected by this experience.
On our trip down to Louisiana, the convoys of military, police, electric company trucks and modular homes headed to Louisiana in hopes of helping those in need, moved us. We were reminded that we all were of one like-minded; all with a mission!
On Saturday, September 10 this team from Iowa was named the "Iowa 5 team". We were told we had a special mission and that we were headed toward Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi where homes had been damaged by the eye of the storm. This particular site was severely damaged by the storm surge, which sent 20 - 25 feet high water. As we drove into the area, we had seen trucks, cars and boats strewn about and even stuck in trees as the water had risen so high. We entered the community and instantly felt like we were not even in the United States. Power lines, trees and homes tossed about like puzzle pieces strewn on a table. We noticed how homes had a big X on them from the military noting that the home had been cleared and no people remained. Often we would see a cell phone number, the words "we're ok" and the name of their insurance company along side of the X. Clothed in our work clothes, steel toed boots and high rubber boots, work gloves, goggles and air masks; we entered a home to help the home -owner salvage the frame. We began with moving out belongings and then we gutted the entire house. We removed all the sheetrock and insulation as it had begun to grow mold. We had all been exposed to hard, physical labor however, this task set in front of us was physically demanding. Along side of us worked the Southern District President Pastor Schultz and his wife Becky who despite the fact that their home had been damaged, were there working and supporting someone else in need. James, the homeowner, encouraged us by his energy, his hope for his future. It was quickly noted by all of us that life isn't about "ME" ...it's about serving our God and His people.
Sunday and Monday we had the opportunity to serve at a shelter in Plaquemine, Louisiana. This shelter that was set up in a Civic Center housed 400 plus men, women and children affected by the hurricane. On Sunday we sorted and organized the donations of clothes and set up an "after school program/library" area for the children to use. The atmosphere seemed calm and orderly with a constant noise through out the center. On Monday, we were asked to fill out paper work for the refugees so that they could begin to receive funds. This gave us an opportunity to visit one-on-one with the people. As a lady in the shelter was being assisted in filling out her paperwork, you could not help but notice her smile that reached ear to ear. We mentioned that her joy was contagious. She said, "God spared me, He must have a plan and a purpose for my life." She obviously knew where her joy came from! Her joy was not found in the "stuff" that floated away as the waters rose. Her joy and her strength came from her creator!
On Tuesday, the "Iowa 5" was equipped with chainsaws and ropes and headed to Slidell where we would be facing a heavy wind damaged area. Electricity was still not available, however, we saw signs stating that the water was ok. We began work at an elderly couple's home. The back yard was a disaster. The temperature and humidity were extremely high and it was an exhausting task. It was simply amazing that just when we didn't feel we could move one more inch, God provided us the strength and the mind necessary to complete this huge task. As in the words in Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." And for that we are so very thankful!
As we were nearing completion, an elderly gentleman came and asked if we could possibly help him by carrying out mattresses that were wet. We figured we'd be at his house for just a little while. Once we walked into his home, we could smell the mold and mildew and knew that this smell was not healthy for this man to be around. We had decided to remove all the wet carpet, clothes and furniture to keep the toxins to a minimum. We looked outside in his backyard and recognized the need to help clear the mess. We just couldn't leave without clearing his yard. Again, God provided us with the strength and the muscles to go on. As we were saying goodbye, the elderly man asked if we could say a prayer. Three young men that were going to be working on the neighboring house were invited to join us in the prayer. When they asked what we were going to do, we informed them that we were going to pray. One of the men asked "pray to who?" We pray that the Holy Spirit would work in their hearts and that they to would also learn to know where their refuge and strength is in time of need! As the elder prayed, our hearts were uplifted once again with the hope and the faith of these people.
Wednesday, September 14 took us to Destrehan to work on the home of Atonement Lutheran School's principal. Officials were just beginning to allow people to enter this area. We were stopped by police and asked for papers to prove our destination. We were able to help by temporarily repairing the roof by shingling effected areas, cut and hauled tree limbs and fixed a fence. Upon completion of our assignment in Destrehan, we drove back into Baton Rouge and noticed a beautiful rainbow stretched across the sky. Yes, God's promises remain faithful and true!
God took the Iowa 5 team 3,100 miles to renew our spirits, refresh our hearts and opened our minds to a greater understanding of what our purpose in our lives should be...and that is to serve one another as Christ Himself served.
The Iowa 5 team want to remind you that this experience was not done to have the glory be given to these 5, however, all glory, honor and praise be to God!
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