2008 Mississippi Mission Trip

“A Step in Faith”

May, 2008

This past week, I was in Gulfport, Mississippi, with a great group of volunteers from our church involved in a “hands on” ministry opportunity of mission work.  For many of the volunteers, signing on for an 8-day trip to Mississippi was a real step in faith.   Many had never been on a mission trip before and brought many questions.  Would the work be too difficult?  Would the conditions be too unpleasant? Would the schedule be too strenuous?  Would our efforts make much of a difference?   Everyone found that the answers to such questions always found a positive response.  The prayers of our congregation helped to inspire us daily and were a constant support to our work.  We completed the drywall, taping, and sanding work in the new home for Jack and Mary Smith and built a front deck and stairway as well.  The Smith’s have been living in a FEMA trailer for more than two years with nine family members.  Tom Hardman and Phil Jones, from Spencer, West Virginia, were a Godsend to our work team.  Their professional knowledge and skill helped us install the 200 sheets of drywall that finished the job.

Our denomination took a step in faith by being the first to respond to the needs of people in Mississippi with relief efforts to those devastated by Hurricane Katrina.  They have made the commitment to be the last relief agency out when the work of rebuilding is over.  One of the ways they are sustaining that effort is by building three relief centers along the Gulf coast.  The centers will serve as warehouses for building materials (to be used in the restoring of people’s homes) and housing for future volunteers.  It would be my hope and commitment that our church would continue to sponsor and provide volunteer help each year until the restoration is completed. 

See you in worship,
Rev. Jamie Geiger

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