Update on happening.....

As we enter into the 2006, it is our intent to not forget nor ignore the continued need for those living in the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Although our intial town of Perkinston is running again, those in Bay St. Louis are not and are still in need of so much. With a brief break to honor the families God has blessed us with during the CHRISTMAS season, we are back in the seat again and ready to prepare for anything we can do to help down there.

Just prior to Christmas, Shari was able to mail boxes of goodies and supplies to Pastor Murphy at Shoreline Park Baptist Church in Bay St. Louis. Pastor's intent was to hold a "Christmas Store" where children were able to come in and "shop" with Monopoly Money to buy presents for their families. We have not personally heard of it's success but are sure that God blessed them with a wonderful event. There were also Wal-Mart cards sent that were donated by giving church families from the Huntsville area.

Our first project this year is going to be putting a cookbook together and then selling it with all proceeds going to the relief effort. Once it is complete, we will put a post on here and if you'd like to purchase one to help, we will give the details. At this time, we are unsure of when God will call us to physically go to Mississippi again, although we miss the friends we've made down there dearly, but we know that He has great plans that will prosper the area and we are praying that He allows us to continue to be a part of it.

Although the need for clothing and supplies diminished, we are uncertain how the next season will bring about need. If you are still wanting to help, one of the best ways we can think to help is to send Wal-Mart Gift Cards. We would be happy to send them for you or we can put you in contact with those we are helping. We hope to be in touch with Pastor Murphy and Pastor Daniels in the near future and will update you on the specific needs as they come to us.

Please remember in prayer, the students and families, of Perkinston Community College, who were recently killed in a car accident. Our hearts go out to them in love, as we are all a part of One Greater family.

Thank you again for your reading of our blog and as always, keep the prayers coming for the families in the Gulf Coast region. It is only through prayer that God's will be done down there and that the rebuilding can be successful for His name.

In His time....

Cathy and Shari

Today's Christian Woman article feedback

We wanted to share with you that thanks to Today's Christian Woman Jan/Feb issue, we are receiving wonderful notes from people around the country. The one I have posted below is particularly meaningful to us because we felt so blessed that God allowed us to be personally involved when so many wanted to and tried to. We also know that although New Orleans was devastated, we tried through our site to bring other areas to the forefront as well. Your well wishes and kind thoughts mean so much to us as we CONTINUE the journey God has before us....

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated reading your moving and inspiring story in Today's Christian Woman. That led me to your blog, which I read, and that led me to the pictures of the church and Parkinston and that led me to other pictures of the devastation and that led me...On and on. I have followed what happened down there, but much of the focus was on New Orleans. I know that city was devastated and so many people displaced and so much history lost, but I found it frustrating and angering that so little was said about the rest of the affected area. So many of those people must really feel abandoned by the rest of the country. I know that it will take years to repair damage - many things are lost forever. Their will to survive and do it with style is overwhelming and beautiful.

You women have helped blanket, clothe, feed, toy and Bible that area, putting wheels and linens and love to your faith. I am a social worker in Washington state and many of us tried to organize a relief effort for the displaced foster children of the area, which sadly, was not sanctioned by our state until the help was no longer needed. Don't you just love the government? :) But our prayers flowed just the same, now I know that some of that was for your team. Maybe that was our role all along...

I would wish you all God's richest blessings, but it seems clear that has already come your way. May it continue.

in Him,Valerie