PCA Hurricane News

Copied from Ligon Duncan's posting at the Reformation 21 blogsite.

Thanks Rick, Phil and Justin for your comforting words and faithful prayers. Let me offer a quick update. I still have no email access - apparently its a problem with the local cable company. I'm typing in the dark (well, some candles and flashlight or two help) at home - still no light or power here. As of Tuesday morning 97% of the homes in Jackson had no light/power, but Entergy (a power concern covering parts of MS, LA, Ark and TX) has been bringing up gas stations, grocery stores and neighborhoods here throughout the day. Indeed, Derek now has power at his home. However, Jackson is weeks away from being back to normal - if we ever get there. The disruption of petroleum flow seems to have potential nationwide and cultural consequences (including gas shorages/rationing/price inflation, disruption of air travel, etc.). Meanwhile, the whole of Mississippi is on a boil water alert. Thousands are sheltering in the MS Coliseum downtown and we want to provide them with Bibles and clothes,


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First Presbyterian Church Jackson's building took in some water damage but is basically fine - except for having power only in the office suite. Until we have light, power and water, we will not be able to hold services. Pray that we get them soon - what a crucial time for God to be speaking through his word.

The steeple of Brandon PCA was blown off. We'll be meeting with PCA MNA Disaster relief folks there tomorrow to figure out how we can join in helping the folks on the coast and in NO.

Mississippi's Governor (a PCA deacon out of First Presbyterian, Yazoo City), Haley Barbour, went to the coast yesterday. He cried (and he's not an emotional man) at the press conference last night as he described the destruction. This is the worst "natural diasaster" every to strike the State. Every citizen has been impacted in some way or another. The storm surge was higher than Camille (the storm by which all others are measured in Mississippi).

Even closer to home, our Twin Lakes Conference Center housed evacuees from New Orleans (including folks from Desire Street) - however, Twin Lakes lost power and also endured structural damage. We have not been able to contact our staff there and travel on 49-South is only just now allowed.

First PCA Biloxi's and FPC Gulfport's (both PCA congregations) buildings were completely destroyed. In the case of FPC Gulfport, they were due to install Guy Richard as their minister next month but now all is on hold. Many of their members lost homes and may not remain in Gulfport but move elsewhere. The future of our PCA presence is thus uncertain. One of their members, who literally lost everything, called me today and said "My wife and I have been married for 37 years and all we have left is one another."

I have had calls today from SC, TX, GA and elsewhere with pastors and churches wanting to help come to the aid of those in need. It may be that the best way we can help them in the long run is to fund ministry in their midst until the community's rebuild - which could be years. I'll let you know as things grow clearer.

We're hot, tired and befuddled - but trusting in the Lord who is the God of storms and "gathers the winds in his fists." Katrina's waves were his and now we must study the message of his providence and respond to it humbly by his grace.