Mississippi United Methodist Katrina Response Update
January 19, 2007
A note from Robert
As we begin the new year, we all think about what our new year’s resolution might be. In the past, I have always settled for the standard: I am going to fix this, organize that, or quit procrastinating and so on. But last year and this year are again different. After working with the devastation of lives, homes and churches from one awesome hurricane, I realized how small-minded I have been and how the picture of life is so much bigger than resolutions.
God has given me the opportunity to help others who have lost everything. In being able to do this I understand the enormity of this tragedy. The enormity can only be appreciated by seeing first-hand the damage that was done and the destruction left behind. Somehow, through the tragedy that struck these people, many found a renewed sense of hope, faith in others and faith in God. People in the coast communities are so thankful for all of the help they’ve been given. The trust that these people have placed in us is amazing. The families that we have met and grown close to have taught us that reaching out to others is so much more precious of a gift than anything else that we could ever receive.
So, as the new year gets underway and you are making your resolutions, I challenge you to take the time to look at the bigger picture. Maybe this year you can promise yourself to set time aside for others and give of yourself to others in need through your time and service. It is the way that Christ lived his life and he hopes for us to live ours. The need will always be there, whether in Mississippi or across the world or in your own backyard. What you will get back through God’s grace will be amazing!
Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can. - John Wesley
Tu hermano en Cristo,
Robert
Robert Sharp of Ocean Springs is coordinator of the Mississippi United Methodist Katrina Response.
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A word about church recovery on the Mississippi Coast
As a new year begins many efforts continue with church recovery on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Several of the churches most highly damaged by Hurricane Katrina have received much-needed funds from the Bishops’ Appeal for Church Recovery, and as of this week there is only one initial insurance claim that is still pending. Even though many of the churches on the coast are back up and functioning, there are still several churches that still have a long way to go toward restoration and/or rebuilding. Pearlington, Pascagoula First, Mississippi City, J. T. Leggett Memorial, St. Rock and the Seashore Mission UMCs still covet your prayers and support as they move forward, seeking where God is leading them.
One of the exciting areas of church recovery for me in these days has been a journey with a young lady who turned 16 this week, striving to do her part in rebuilding the Seashore Mission UMC and helping remind people of the continuing need on the Mississippi Coast.
The journey actually began on August 29, 2005, as the young lady cuddled in a corner to pray for family members who stayed on the coast. The last words that her aunt had said during Hurricane Katrina were, “Oh, my, a SUV just floated by my house!” During the next hours and days as she waited to hear from family, God gave her a song called “The Storm” that offered her and her family strength for the months and year ahead. During the year and several months that followed, God continued to inspire her with songs.
One day after singing in a service of worship and having people ask for a copy of the song, it became evident that it not only inspired family but gave hope and strength to others. She approached her parents about recording the songs with the vision to help rebuild the Seashore Mission UMC. She convinced them by saying, “I know that I may not be able to raise enough money to even buy a window, but I have seen what God can do when we give what we have.” When asked why she chose the Seashore Mission UMC, she responded, “I can remember being at the church as a child and seeing people sleeping on the pews and in the altar area on cold nights and thought that something was just right about that. I also know that there are many people who need the ministry now and will in the future.” It didn’t take much more to convince her family to help make the recording of a CD possible.
On Sunday, Jan. 14, 2007, the CD “All Things New - Songs of Hope after Katrina” was released at a service of worship celebrating the ministry of the Seashore Mission UMC at Heritage UMC, D’Iberville, where the Mission church meets to worship. It has been an incredible inspiration to me to be led by a child in these days. Her vision, compassion and sense of hope help pull me forward in this journey of Church Recovery. It also overwhelms me that God would use my own child, Elizabeth, to help lead the way.
To borrow a line from one of my daughter’s songs:
I’m not giving up,
I’m not letting go.
I’m going to stay here and be a sign of hope!
Let it not be of me,
But all of you, O my Lord,
You make all things new!
- From “All Things New,” by Elizabeth Cumbest
O Lord, let it be so!!
- Chris Cumbest
Rev. Chris Cumbest is the conference Church Recovery coordinator. He can be reached at cumbestc@bellsouth.net.
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Help us archive the incredible story of Miss. United Methodist Katrina Recovery
Thousands of United Methodists have come to help heal hearts and homes in Mississippi. It is a beautiful story of hope; a testament to being the church Christ called us to be. We want to remember the many acts of encouragement and hope and share them with generations to come. Many of you have or will take photos and DVDs of your time volunteering in our communities. We are asking you to share those and your testimonials with us. Be sure to identify the who, what, when and where for each photo and testimonial. E-mail to lisacmichiels@bellsouth.net or mail to Seashore District UMC, Attn. Lisa, 1509 24th Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501. Photos should be e-mailed as jpeg files.
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Help heal hearts and homes
To help, contact the Mississippi United Methodist Disaster Response Center at 866-435-7091 or e-mail disastercenter@meridianumc.org. Or contact your church affiliation or organization helping to rebuild the Gulf Coast.
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