By Baptist Message staff
ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM)—State convention leaders are asking Louisiana Baptists as well as the larger Southern Baptist family to pray for and partner with congregations who have been devastated by Hurricane Ida.
The storm wreaked havoc in New Orleans but caused severe damage in Houma, Thibodaux, Cut Off, South Lafourche, Larose, Laplace and many more small communities. Just among Louisiana Baptists, 91 churches were seriously impacted, with 22 experiencing catastrophic losses. At least 85 pastors are facing significant personal property replacement costs for cars, homes and belongings, according to Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief reports.
Steve Horn, Louisiana Baptist Convention executive director, told the Baptist Message that these churches and pastors “have a tough path ahead.”
“Some of these churches do not have the resources to carry wind and hail coverage on their property because it is so expensive near the coastal areas,” he explained. “Therefore, they don’t have insurance funds to repair and restore their churches.”
Yet, he added, while they are recovering, “they still are ministering to – assisting others – in their communities.”
Horn called on individuals and congregations “to be the hands and feet of Jesus” to these impacted bodies of believers and their leaders, specifically calling on others “to help with financial assistance, cleaning supplies, building materials, and so much more.”
“They also need people who will take the time to travel and work hand in hand with them to rebuild what was lost,” he explained. “Along the way, we can love on, encourage and share the Gospel with their friends and neighbors who need our help right now, too.”
Horn referred interested individuals and congregations to two web links:
— Churches wishing to be matched with one or more of the 91 churches having serious losses can register using https://louisianabaptists.org/missions-ministry/disaster-relief/churches-helping-churches/.
— Anyone desiring to offer general financial assistance for the ongoing disaster relief operations can sign up using https://louisianabaptists.org/missions-ministry/disaster-relief/donate/.
“In either case, please join us in prayer as we ask God to use this opportunity to bring revival to Louisiana and beyond,” Horn urged.
