By Baptist Message staff
MONROE, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptists will have the chance to show the love of Christ through clearing of debris in yards in the Monroe-West Monroe area that were impacted by Winter Storm Fern.
“Operation Love Your Neighbor,” set for Feb. 14-19, will allow churches, businesses and civic organizations to take a one-day mission trip there to encourage homeowners. Groups will check-in at 8:30 a.m. at the Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief Incident Management Team trailer on the parking lot of McClendon Baptist Church, West Monroe, receive their assignments and return to the church by 4 p.m. Sack lunches, rakes, shovels and bags to place debris in will be provided.
LBDR State Director Stan Statham told the Baptist Message that more than 200 work orders have been received since they arrived in the area on Jan. 29. Since half of those work orders are for cutting down and removing trees, the debris removal performed by groups during “Operation Love Your Neighbor” will allow DR teams more time to take care of the more pressing needs.
“When folks experience something like this, people’s presence in their lives really helps them to overcome a sense of loss,” Statham said. “It helps people to overcome the psychological impact of a disaster. Not only can they come to help clean the yards, but they can spend time talking with and encouraging people. It’s a great opportunity for Christians to demonstrate the love of Jesus to our neighbors.”
Since Jan. 29, teams working out of McClendon Baptist and First Baptist Church, Delhi, have completed 120 chainsaw jobs and prepared 2,333 meals. But most of all, 10 people have accepted Christ.
Registration is requested the day before arriving for “Operation Love Your Neighbor” by calling 318.955.8207, though walk-up groups are welcome.
