Louisiana Church of God Continues Relief, Rebuilding
More than two years after the landfall of Hurricane Katrina, the Church of God remains active in the rebuilding of homes and lives for those devastated by the storm.
Under the direction of the Louisiana State Administrative Bishop and State Council, the Church of God, in cooperation with Operation Compassion, Men and Women of Action and Chaplains Commission remain on the front lines assisting local residents. In 2007, Louisiana Church of God, Inc. reached agreement with United Way and the local disaster relief agencies for contracts to help up to 80 families per year rebuild their homes. United Way coordinates with the Church of God in providing contact with qualified families and the New orleans Ministry Center (NOMACC) provides workers (through MWOA and local churches) and in some cases, supplies.
To date more than 100 families and homes have been involved. Director Jim and Gina Hudson, from South Carolina, moved to New Orleans in March 2006 to assume the oversight of the ministry and they report interest throughout the Church of God remains strong.
“We are very proud of our Church of God family and their continued involvement and support of the people in this region,” said Louisiana Church of God Administrative Bishop William Isaacs. “More than 1,000 volunteers have passed through NOMACC in the past two years, including volunteers from the Church of God Widows Home in Sevierville, Tenn. Partnerships with the International Youth & Christian Education Department resulted in hundreds of students this summer who came and helped with relief and rebuilding efforts. In addition, NOMACC is coordinating Katrina Christmas for area children this year with local church congregations around the country.”
“From the very beginning, we felt God was calling our state and leadership to be the LIVING, VISIBLE PRESENCE OF CHRIST IN THE CITY and that is what we continue to do. There is still so very much to do!” says Bill Isaacs. The NOMACC center is able to accommodate local church groups of up to 35 persons at a time for housing, meals and assignments.
For more information on Katrina Christmas or to schedule your church team or youth group, contact the Louisiana State offices or Director Jim Hudson jim@lacog.org.
