When it all began, the storm surge left 80% of New Orleans under water, flooding most homes above the roofs, with maximum sustained winds of 175 mph damaging an area up to 150 miles inland. Devastating the environment and economy along the way, there were approximately 1800 people who died and 400,000 people who were displaced and redistributed across the southern United States.
On June 5, 2005, thirteen individuals from NorthCreek went to New Orleans, Louisiana for a week joining EVFree’s Hurricane Relief and Rebuilding Team. We witnessed, even 9 months later, abandoned homes, neighborhoods, and shopping centers mile after mile. One would barely drive 3 miles without seeing a deserted, rusted car along the side of the road, windows smashed, tires and license plate missing.
It becomes so familiar while driving until one over-looks the I-10 freeway onto the marsh and 
grassland below, and shockingly discovers hundreds of cars like the ones above all neatly lined up, easily mistaken as a parking lot if they were not in the same maimed condition. Whether it was the rusted piles of deserted cars, the houses left untouched and filled with black mold, or the “widow maker” trees (called that for a reason if you happen to be beneath one when it falls from its precarious position), the physical devastation is still widespread today.
grassland below, and shockingly discovers hundreds of cars like the ones above all neatly lined up, easily mistaken as a parking lot if they were not in the same maimed condition. Whether it was the rusted piles of deserted cars, the houses left untouched and filled with black mold, or the “widow maker” trees (called that for a reason if you happen to be beneath one when it falls from its precarious position), the physical devastation is still widespread today. The emotional devastation is just as severe. We met people at the stores, at restaurants, in the neighborhood, and even on the plane whose tears are still fresh and emotions still resonate with pain. Everyone had a story to tell and they freely shared to a listening ear. Meet Fran, a believer and single mother and grandmother of a family of 9. Her roof was smashed in by falling trees. She and her family have been living in a two-bedroom apartment since the storm while her home is being repaired.
We met Fran on our last day there and we finished gutting the ceiling that needed replaced. However, more of the team’s time was spent listening to her share than accomplishing the tasks. Yet, she was so grateful for all that Compassion Ministries and our team has done for her, because she knows how difficult it would have been without the physical support and spiritual encouragement of all the volunteers. Fran’s faith and hope-filled statements of praise to God, was a reminder of James 2:5, “Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?”.
Not every story is filled with the same hope. Since the storm, the suicide rate in New Orleans as increased dramatically. When people lose all they have and they do not have Jesus, what is there to live for? People have realized their vulnerability and lack of control and are thirsty for a drink that satisfies. At the end of the week, the team sat in reflection and all of us agreed that completing the task at hand, although needed, shadowed in importance to the conversations we had. We were able to demonstrate God’s love in our physical labor and in turn that opened the door to our conversations and God’s love being proclaimed and exulted.
On EVFree’s Compassion Ministries’ waiting list there are 300 (updated?) homes like Fran’s that are waiting to be gutted. NorthCreek is sending another team October… They are looking for individual workers who have a heart for service and compassion. Professional skills appreciated but not required.
· arborist
· carpenter
· cook
· counselor
· electrician
· flooring worker
· mechanic
· plumber
· roofer
· sheet rock hanger and/or taper
· tree climber
Will you go?
Not every story is filled with the same hope. Since the storm, the suicide rate in New Orleans as increased dramatically. When people lose all they have and they do not have Jesus, what is there to live for? People have realized their vulnerability and lack of control and are thirsty for a drink that satisfies. At the end of the week, the team sat in reflection and all of us agreed that completing the task at hand, although needed, shadowed in importance to the conversations we had. We were able to demonstrate God’s love in our physical labor and in turn that opened the door to our conversations and God’s love being proclaimed and exulted.
On EVFree’s Compassion Ministries’ waiting list there are 300 (updated?) homes like Fran’s that are waiting to be gutted. NorthCreek is sending another team October… They are looking for individual workers who have a heart for service and compassion. Professional skills appreciated but not required.
· arborist
· carpenter
· cook
· counselor
· electrician
· flooring worker
· mechanic
· plumber
· roofer
· sheet rock hanger and/or taper
· tree climber
Will you go?
Homemade Video!!
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NorthCreek Church New Orleans Crew and Video Credits:
Slideshow
