How can I help in Louisiana?

WORKING TOGETHER
Lacombe, Harahan, New Orleans, Louisiana
Several weeks ago, I headed south to check out the Katrina disaster and to see how we in Iowa can continue our help. I visited the three churches that Iowa Districts East and West sponsored. I received hugs, smiles, tears and huge thank yous for you Iowans who love Jesus. You showed that by adopting families and by going to Louisiana to work. They are soooo very grateful!!!

THANK YOU to the many churches and families in Iowa who showed their love for Jesus by adopting a family in the Lacombe, LA area. I had the opportunity to visit with a number of the families and with sincere thank yous, they shared that it was overwhelming for them to receive the prayers, gifts and cards from strangers in Iowa. They said, “It gave us hope!”

This is the most open mission field that I have had the opportunity to work with. It makes a MAJOR impact on the family who received the help, but also on those around them who hear of the generosity of Christians.
A 25 year old man thanked me for the help he received and continued by telling me that he told the people at his work about the gifts he received. He told me that he had a very wealthy Jewish employer. His employer was so impressed by the generosity of Christians in Iowa that he asked who to contact so he could make a contribution. He said he wanted to make a contribution but did not know who to trust. The connection was made and he donated $11,000 to the Hurricane Relief being done through the Village Lutheran Church in Lacombe. Part of that donation is being used to continue the outreach of the Iowans who are going to work in the Lacombe area.

CALL ME--There have been many and will continue to be many teams going to lend a helping hand to God’s people in Louisiana. Call for information and orientation packets. Let me know when you are interested in going to help and I can possibly connect you with another group or establish your own group.


PLEASE PRAY for the many people who are without a home, who are ‘making do’ in very cramped FEMA trailers or living in cramped conditions with other family members. In many cases, there are three generations in one house.

PLEASE GO to Louisiana if you are physically able to lend a listening ear and a helping hand. I heard repeatedly, “If it weren’t for the Christians, we would be in much worse shape!” People of all talents are needed, but especially needed are those with knowledge of hanging sheetrock, plumbing, roofing, electrical, and any construction skills. Food and lodging is being provided for the volunteers.

MONEY NEEDED for food and building supplies. Make checks payable to either Iowa District East-Disaster Relief or Iowa District West-Disaster Relief

Questions? Please contact
Ellie Menz
ellie.menz@idwlcms.org