By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer
MANSURA, La. (LBM) – Life Point Community Church ministers to its community in a variety of ways but recently stepped up to serve as a centralized site for Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief operations for flooding in Avoyelles Parish.
Since June 19, the church has hosted the DR incident command center in its parking lot and housed, in its facilities, DR assessors, chaplains and mud-out team members who have ministered to those impacted Tropical Storm Arthur.
The storm made landfall June 17, northeast of Matagorda Bay, Texas. While rain totals varied, the highest report was more than two feet in Avoyelles Parish, which prompted numerous evacuations and flooded 200 homes.
The storm also was responsible for nine tornadoes throughout the state, the National Weather Service confirmed.
Riddle said he has been amazed at the outpouring of support from other churches, community members and his own church members.
Donations of DR supplies, clothing and food have poured into the church. Additionally, 20 church members, some whose homes flooded, have stepped up to help DR teams serving in the church and the community.
“I don’t even have the names of these churches but I do know these were just people I don’t even know showing up in the midst of all the chaos to show they love us and our area,” Riddle told the Baptist Message. “My congregation has stepped up to beyond my expectation too. Pastor always wants people to help and serve, and I didn’t even ask anyone to come. They just showed up even when they had needs of their own. I’m so proud of them.”
Riddle said the flooding has reminded him that even in the midst of disaster, so much positivity can come to light. He referenced the attitude of his mother-in-law Rose Williamson.
“I’m being reminded that we’re supposed to show the love of Christ and love our neighbor,” he said. “People like my mother-in-law have really been great servants. Chaos is all around our area and things were crazy at first at our church after the flooding. But she has been like a soldier and given so much energy to step in and help all week. I offered to help and she said ‘I got this.’ She is just one example of the determination shown.”
Riddle said those experiencing a difficult time such as a natural disaster should remember that Jesus will show up in His timing.
“You may be exhausted,” he said. “You may be tired. More pain may be on the way.
“But, Jesus will show up,” he continued. “Have faith in Him and He will provide for your every need according to His riches and glory.
“You have to believe that you know that if someone has doubt, that’s where Satan gets a foothold,” he said. “Jesus said it, you believe it, and He’ll come through.”
According to LBDR Associate Mark Morelock, since June 19 feeding teams have served 894 meals, completed 20 mud-out jobs, made 182 chaplaincy contacts, distributed 28 Bibles and shared the Gospel eight times.
Donations are needed to fund DR operations in Louisiana. Visit the LBDR website to provide a financial gift.
