A
message from
Bishop MacPherson
on Hurricane Rita ...
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus,
Once again, those who border the Gulf Coast, wait in anticipation and fear of being in harms way. Will the storm strike the borders of those of a neighbor? Today we all watch and wait as Hurricane Rita speeds toward shore, and already plans to evacuate are being implemented and many are beginning to make their way north.
Friends,
this is being written for two reasons, one, to let our brothers and sisters
in the Lake Charles and Acadiana Convocations know that they are very
much on our hearts and in our prayers; and secondly, to raise a renewed
awareness across the Alexandria, Monroe and Shreveport Convocations of
the potential need of housing for some of these folks.
As we all know, there are evacuees from Hurricane Katrina still scattered across the State of Louisiana and many other states. In fact, we still have about forty evacuees at Camp Hardtner! Thanks be to God many of those who had been housed there have found employment, relocated or left to join family members in another area.
However, as Hardtner Camp and Conference Center was once full, by this evening it will be filled once again! Word has been received from one of the nursing homes that has a contractual agreement for housing during evacuations, that they are enroute as this is being typed. With about 150 additional people expected by nightfall, along with the remaining folks from Katrina, we will be filled once more to capacity.
Thus, in the event housing is needed in the Alexandria, Monroe or Shreveport Convocations, and some of you have space to put up possibly some of our clergy and their families, or members of congregations from the Lake Charles or Acadiana Convocations, please communicate this to me via e-mail.
[Note: I am thrilled to report that George Gennuso has just called me, and stated that he has housing available for up to thirty people in the youth ministry house at St. Michael's, Pineville. In addition to sleeping accommodations, the parish family will be providing meals. If you find yourself in need, please contact George directly on his cell phone 318.730.2560]
In the interim, may we pray the storm will subside in strength, and in turn, provide us with the gentle rain that is much needed. May we also pray for those faced with the threat of Rita and those living within the residue of Katrina.
"O blessed Lord, you ministered to all who came to you: Look with compassion upon all who have been, or are facing, displacement and exile as a result of the turbulence brought about by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. May all of these people, children of your creation, know the warmth of your embrace and fullness of your love. Restore to them assurance of your unfailing mercy; remove from them the fear, anxiety and loneliness that is experienced; strengthen them in spirit, hope and faith; and to those who care and provide for them, give patience, compassion, strength, care and love. Amen." [adapted from the BCP]
Faithfully in the God of hope,
The Rt. Rev’d D. Bruce MacPherson, D.D.
Bishop of Western Louisiana