Otter Creek Missions

We’ve been in Picayune for two days now and I’m overwhelmed by the relief efforts being carried out by the church here. The lobby and entrance of the church is a stock room for the many things people from these hard-hit areas need to survive right now…food, water, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene. The need is so great for basic items…some still don’t even have electricity. Others are living in tents or campers in their yards because they don’t have any place else to go or to be close enough to work from sun up to sun down. We have stuffed backpacks with school supplies and other goodies that were delivered to schools yesterday because they commence on Monday. We have distributed care boxes. We’ve listened to the stories of those who remained here and those who came back.
We’ve cleaned up yards that are filled with trees snapped in two or pushed over at the roots. Others wait at the church to serve the constant stream of people driving in to receive enough to sustain them for awhile longer.

It feels our efforts are just a dent in what needs to be done. And, the locals remind us that the area is clean compared to two and a half weeks ago. They have such a great perspective! They look at it one day at a time. Several teams have come before us and more will come, but the main work team is comprised of the local church members. They are remarkable! Though they must be tired and wondering if the end is in sight, they serve with energy and smiles that are from above. I am sure they are behaving like Jesus would to these people…helping people one at a time. Please continue to pray for their strength and endurance and for many to come and aid them as they serve.

in Him,
Linda Benthall