Main Street UMC Volunteers Minister to Gulf Coast Residents

Main Street UMC has been and continues to be a strong presence in the Bay St. Louis and Waveland areas where it seeks to reach out to those in need “in service and love.” Last year, before Hurricane Katrina, it was selected as the UMC Seashore District “Mission Church of the Year” for serving the community, area, state and world. Since August 29, 2005, Main St. UMC has been concentrating this help in getting its church building “back in shape” to house the various ministries, while trying to meet the needs of those who are trying to rebuild their homes and lives. To do this, the congregation has relied on “outside help” from their fellow United Methodists and other Christians who have come to share the love of Christ by working in Bay-Waveland and the surrounding communities.

Soon after the storm, volunteers arrived and offered help by providing food, water, clothing, cleaning and other supplies in a distribution tent in the front yard of the church. They listened to the needs of the people in the community and gave them hope. The volunteers came, and have continued to come from the Kansas East Conference of the United Methodist Church to coordinate the teams from throughout the country who work out of the church and assist in the recovery effort. These teams currently represent more than 20 states with more signed up to arrive later this spring, in summer and fall. Because of the housing shortage, the building usually provides a place to stay for 50 volunteers, although as many as 150 have been sheltered.

Another strong presence at Main St. UMC has been the NOMADS (Nomads on a Mission Active in Divine Service). These individuals, couples and families who participate in the NOMADS ministry want to share their time and skills in meaningful Christian service. They have brought their own RV’s and stayed to help those in need in this community. UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) and FEMA (Federal Emergency Agency) are also working in conjunction with Main St. UMC to provide continuing services.

In addition, donations of money, books, furniture and other supplies have also been given to help the church and community. One southern Indiana United Methodist Church continued its plan to hold a fund raiser and send the resulting funds to the church, even though their own building had been demolished by a tornado a few days earlier.

Main Street UMC has contributed at least 56,000 man-hours of volunteer labor at 618 sites and continues “to make a difference” with work and spiritual support in the community. The recorded hours of service also help the area when applying for matching-grant funding from other sources. If you need assistance or would like to help, please call the work coordinator at 228-216-2543. Information is also available on the Main St. UMC’s website: www.umcbsl.org.

The church and community wish to thank all the volunteers who have come to help.