I recently went to Denham Springs, LA to help Reach Global Crisis Response rebuild homes and lives after the devastating floods that destroyed nearly 80% of the modest homes there. Most homes are still empty, as people have no resources to rebuild and are receiving very little help. I joined a great team from Minnesota and God gave us unity and joy as we worked mainly on the painting stages of several homes. I also helped with basic electrical work, which I really enjoyed. God used us to speak encouragement into each other’s lives and those whom we served. I was touched to meet the Louisiana homeowners who were so grateful for the help and saw God’s provision in their lives.
But one story stands out to me the most. When I walked into the empty home with skeleton walls of two-by-fours I couldn’t help but notice the chill. I had been asked to join Mallory in dropping off toilet paper and warm blankets for Miss Patsy who had survived the flooding in Denham Springs three months earlier. She had nowhere to go so she had returned to her destroyed home. Miss Patsy was sitting on a wooden rocker in a corner decorated only with a light bulb hanging from the ceiling and a small rug on the cement floor to keep the chill off her feet. Miss Patsy had lost everything. I soon found out she had even lost the most valuable person in her life— her daughter, whom she lived for, wanted nothing to do with her since the flood. I listened and asked questions, as Miss Patsy was desperate for someone to hear her aching heart. She had tried to commit suicide, couldn’t afford to heat her home (she had $6 left to her name) and had completely lost all hope. My heart broke as I listened for several minutes, making sure she had relational support and her basic needs met. God continued to provide discernment and gave me truths and encouragement to share. She sat wide-eyed soaking in every word as I explained the battle I saw for her life, that there was an enemy that wanted her dead. But that her life was so valuable to her creator, who has a good future prepared for her especially in the wake of this devastation. She had a clean slate to start over and although she had lost everything, there was hope. God was with her and was providing for her daily. We conversed for several hours and prayed together. She felt much better after. As Mallory and I walked away we both knew it had been all of God. We brought her back an easy to read Bible, encouraging novels, a journal and some warm tea to let her know that she was loved and to help her focus her mind on truth. If for no other reason, I believe my purpose on this trip was accomplished in this Spirit-led encounter. It was such an encouragement to me. Thank you for your prayers for this trip!!
Help will be needed in Louisiana for some time so if you’d like to learn more or participate, please contact Reach Global at (985) 888-1060 to schedule a trip or share resources.
But one story stands out to me the most. When I walked into the empty home with skeleton walls of two-by-fours I couldn’t help but notice the chill. I had been asked to join Mallory in dropping off toilet paper and warm blankets for Miss Patsy who had survived the flooding in Denham Springs three months earlier. She had nowhere to go so she had returned to her destroyed home. Miss Patsy was sitting on a wooden rocker in a corner decorated only with a light bulb hanging from the ceiling and a small rug on the cement floor to keep the chill off her feet. Miss Patsy had lost everything. I soon found out she had even lost the most valuable person in her life— her daughter, whom she lived for, wanted nothing to do with her since the flood. I listened and asked questions, as Miss Patsy was desperate for someone to hear her aching heart. She had tried to commit suicide, couldn’t afford to heat her home (she had $6 left to her name) and had completely lost all hope. My heart broke as I listened for several minutes, making sure she had relational support and her basic needs met. God continued to provide discernment and gave me truths and encouragement to share. She sat wide-eyed soaking in every word as I explained the battle I saw for her life, that there was an enemy that wanted her dead. But that her life was so valuable to her creator, who has a good future prepared for her especially in the wake of this devastation. She had a clean slate to start over and although she had lost everything, there was hope. God was with her and was providing for her daily. We conversed for several hours and prayed together. She felt much better after. As Mallory and I walked away we both knew it had been all of God. We brought her back an easy to read Bible, encouraging novels, a journal and some warm tea to let her know that she was loved and to help her focus her mind on truth. If for no other reason, I believe my purpose on this trip was accomplished in this Spirit-led encounter. It was such an encouragement to me. Thank you for your prayers for this trip!!
Help will be needed in Louisiana for some time so if you’d like to learn more or participate, please contact Reach Global at (985) 888-1060 to schedule a trip or share resources.