By Staff, Baptist Message
CHOUDRANT – When Hurricane Katrina hit six years ago, New Hope Baptist Church gave money and labor to help refugees at Camp Harris.
“The Red Cross wouldn’t certify our building [to house refugees] because we didn’t have showers,” said Pastor Dwayne Monk. “We’re going to do away with their objections.”
The church is doing so by building an 8,750 square foot family life center. Groundbreaking was Aug. 14.
It’s a metal building with regulation high school gymnasium, three classrooms, restrooms with showers, and a laundry.
“We want to be able to minister any way we can,” Monk said. “We want to be able to help in disasters. Showers and laundry are among a thousand ministries we can provide.”
About 130 people participate in Sunday morning worship at New Hope Choudrant. Monk has been pastor there 12 years.