A Special Event

The current groups of volunteers organized a very special opportunity for some of the people we have been privileged to help, to meet with volunteers who continue to come to Pass Christian, MS from all over the country. It was a joy and a blessing to hear first hand from those who suffered most form THE STORM that so radically changed their lives and the impact volunteers have had in the rebuilding process. We had a wonderful meal and a joyous time together.

The locals were very eager to share their experiences and show appreciation for what had been done for them. The common theme was the blessings received in addition to the work accomplished . . . but we assured them that The Biblical verse "It is more blessed to give than to receive," was alive and well in this place.

Love Thy Neighbor

One of the issues that keeps popping up is, just who do we serve? I think just about every resident of Pass Christian needs help of one source or another Do we prioritize or simply help whoever asks? Do we ask financial questions, or for that matter . . .. any questions or do we help blindly?

Being a ‘pure’ volunteer, as I stated earlier, makes us beholden to no one. We are truly free to help unconditionally. Calling only on the God that lives within each of us. Being a volunteer connected to a specific organization narrows the field. Deciding who gets money narrows it still further. Representing the government more yet.

Some organizations do wonderful things and accomplish significantly more than a similar group of individuals setting off on their own. Or do they! My experience so far has been that helping and loving our neighbors is contagious. Keith told me that he is anxious to get back into his house for all the obvious reasons but most significantly so he could begin helping the way he was helped. Neighbors Ms Althea and Ms Ward, shown here, share a common need for help as well as a willingness to help others. Local folks wonder out loud if they would travel a thousand miles to help someone in critical need. We are all rethinking our mission in life. The Bible says to love our neighbors . . not just the poor neighbor, but also our rich neighbor . . . unconditionally. That’s pretty simple and straight forward.