Samaritan's Purse Takes Convoy of Hope and Help to Katrina's Survivors
by Allie Martin
September 2, 2005
(AgapePress) - A spokesman for Samaritan's Purse says the Christian ministry is providing massive relief efforts to victims of Hurricane Katrina. A relief convoy, including three tractor trailers loaded with emergency supplies and life equipment, is in Mobile, Alabama, the first stopping point for the ministry's disaster response. Samaritan's Purse spokesman Jeremy Blume says emergency repairs are already under way. "A lot of it," he explains, "is clearing fallen trees -- just, you know, trying to allow people to get back to their homes, allow them to get back to see what they need to do to repair it."
In addition to clearing trees and debris, Blume continues, the repair teams are spending time on numerous other tasks, such as "covering damaged roofs with weatherproof plastic, setting up generators to provide emergency power for the sick or elderly; [providing] clean water; and then, ultimately, pumping water out of homes in order to get to the process of being able to repair and rebuild."
But as the crews go about the practical tasks of helping with physical relief and recovery for those affected by Hurricane Katrina, the Samaritan's Purse representative notes that they have opportunities to minister to people's spiritual needs as well. He points out that, as they encounter and serve people devastated by loss of loved ones, belongings, or livelihood, the relief ministry's helpers will have many opportunities to share the love of Christ with displaced and discouraged disaster victims.
"We never should discredit the power of the prayer and encouragement that these people need," Blume says. "A lot of people feel hopeless and feel like they've lost everything, and so the encouragement and the prayers certainly are needed at this time."
The Samaritan's Purse relief convoy will continue through the region, taking crews to other cities ravaged by the hurricane. Blume says hundreds of volunteers are expected to join the ministry's relief effort, and in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, there is plenty for them to do.
Allie Martin, a regular contributor to AgapePress, is a reporter for American Family Radio News, which can be heard online.
