BST's Blog

Doug went down to Clearview Baptist last night--one of the Red Cross shelters here. He said that many of the survivors from Katrina were in the parking lot and it had this "camp" feel. They were playing their guitars and jamming. The music was obviously Cajun and kids were dancing in the parking lot. I'm thankful they could find some respite in music last night.

We are working to narrow the focus here. There are so many people wanting to help and all efforts seem to be a shotgun approach at best. Perry and Paul Rogers who are now with us minister with the inner city church in New Orleans. We hope to help them track down folks from that community in shelters and bring them to Nashville and house them with our members.

We're also partnering with a church in Bay St. Louis (where the eye of the hurricane hit). They've lost everything--EVERYTHING. We felt like partnering with one group would help us build relationships with them and give an in-road into the community there. We hope to be taking 2-3 groups over the next couple of months with chain saws and shovels to help them dig out. Anyone want to go?

One other thing for you Otter folks out there--we're trying to form a clearing house for furniture. There are people in Nashville right now who are being given housing but they have NOTHING. Yesterday Doug took mattresses to a family who got placed in an apartment. There was absolutely NOTHING in the apt. They need cooking utensils, couches, chairs, etc. We decided that since that will be a pressing need maybe we can help there. So, Otter Creekers, get your furniture ready. We're hoping to have a clearing house out on the King property.

Sheryl is doing better. Neither of us got much sleep night before last. Every child was up 2-3 times in the night. Must have been a full moon. Or could it be that Code Red I gave them before bed?? Just kidding. So, last night we were asleep by 9:30 or so. I feel like a new man today. Praise God for rest! I know that one of the families who is with us at Otter Creek is having to leave the light on all night for their children. You can only imagine the trauma involved after all they've experienced. I'm grateful for rest and pray that they'll be able to find peace soon.

Lunch today with Justin Mundie was amazing. Thanks, brother. "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity..." Ps. 133. I praise God for you, bro, and for the impact you're having on lives at MTSU, whether you realize it or not!

Also, can I just say THANK YOU to the food ministry at Otter Creek? For cryin' out loud. These folks have really saved us over the last week. And it keeps on coming. THANK YOU!

Have a great Thursday!