We have been graced with help from all over the country...volunteers who have tirelessly worked to help us get back on our feet. Here are their stories:
Steve Burnett
Steve worked for several months as the Site Director for UMC Disaster Response.
"I've learned more about my own faith from this experience. Coordinating volunteer efforts has been hectic and trying at times, but I feel like I've been taught a lesson in faith and trust. I can't do it all on my own. Scheduling and coordination has been difficult--especially matching work teams to specific jobs."
Linda Burnett and Dena Schmitz
Linda Burnett, husband to Steve Burnett, has been working with Dena Schmitz at the church. They have been "jills-of-all-trades" as they have painted church walls, gutted local homes, and cooked for volunteers.
Joan and Joe Pound
Sullivan, Illinois
Joan and Joe Pound have been in Bay St. Louis on several occasions since Hurricane Katrina. They have worked in Pearlington, Mississippi, approximately 20 minutes west of Bay St. Louis, painting houses in a temporary housing facility. Joan got involved through Habitat for Humanity; her preacher in Illinois inspired her to get involved. She is now Executive Director in Moultrie County, Illinois.
Don and Pat Fowler
Columbus, NE
Don and Pat Fowler have traveled from Nebraska to help with home assessments and other house repair: taping and mudding. Pat has helped at the church doing data entry.
Linda and Weldon Hyde
Linda and Weldon Hyde came here for a Thanksgiving dinner and stayed two weeks! (That must have been some meal!)
They have helped local homeowners hang sheetrock, and Linda has worked to get the day care center back online. She has also worked in various homes and in the church.
Curt and Lyle Hughes (no photo)
Decatur, AL
Curt has been a real innovator here. He has talked to local building officials to help streamline the rebuilding process. Curt has been also helping locals with their 2006 income taxes.
We thank all these volunteers for their work and assistance getting us back on our feet.