Not only is Southwest Louisiana continuing to reel from the impact of two hurricanes in September and October, recovery efforts have been hampered due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite obstacles, the recovery partnership involving CBF and the National Baptist Churches of America is still on track with the ongoing involvement of LaConya Ceasar, a jointly contracted Local Response Coordinator and with CBF equipment and shower trailers positioned to facilitate the involvement of volunteer teams.
One of the first teams to sign up for service is from Calvary Baptist Church in Lexington, Ky. Team leader, Rev. Brian Varble, who also serves as the CBF Kentucky Volunteer Disaster Response Coordinator, made a recent survey trip to Lake Charles to meet with LaConya and prepare for his team’s involvement in March.
The following is an appeal from Brian Varble to CBF churches in Kentucky and elsewhere to engage in recovery efforts in Lake Charles.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
We all go through seasons when our burdens are too much. There are times when we need to be the recipient of someone’s generosity, then there are time we have the opportunity to lighten the load for those in need.
The communities in Lake Charles, La., desperately need followers of Christ, churches and a Fellowship to rally together to provide some rest, relief, and restoration. Lake Charles holds the burden of being hit by Hurricanes Laura and Delta within a five-week period, during a pandemic. Lake Charles has carried this burden since October 2020.
In picture A, you can see the strength of the vicious winds and waters. Look at the incredible wrath and devastation of the storms. This is the Hope Complex, an outreach building of the Greater Saint Mary Missionary Baptist Church. The building was a gym and recording studio for the community. As you can see, the facility will need to be destroyed- a facility that brought hope, joy and community has been lost.
Pictures B and C are two homes that received tremendous damage. Ms. Ella Mae and Ms. Theresa, both widows and former pastor’s wives in Lake Charles, suffered roof and water damage to their homes. There are countless more homes in similar condition. The need is great!
What a wonderful opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus to help restore and to alleviate this burden that has been weighing down on this community. We can also join hands with this community to continue to share God’s love to those in great need. The churches in Lake Charles and southwest Louisiana are doing a tremendous job! The burden is so extensive, more hands and love would be very beneficial and greatly appreciated! This is such an amazing time to live out scripture and fulfill the law of Christ. Please consider how you can be an active participant in lightening the burden for this beautiful community of Lake Charles.
As more people receive COVID-19 vaccinations, we invite CBF churches to register for service in Lake Charles and/or donate to the efforts. For more information, please visit the CBF Disaster Response webpage.
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