• Nathan Nolte, Pastor Joshua Kesting, and Mark Buerger depart for Mobile, Ala. They are driving a hurricane relief trailer that is well stocked with many post-hurricane supplies such as generators, chainsaws, batteries, flashlights, shopvacs, tarps, and a satellite phone. After their stop in Mobile, they hope to reach the congregation in Abita Springs, La. The purpose of their trip is to deliver the trailer to those in need and to offer support and help, as well as assess the damage and report back to WELS Committee on Relief.

September 1-2, 2005

• On the drive through Mobile, Ala., to get to Pastor Harmon Lewis’ office, the first response team noticed minor to moderate damage. Many billboards had their advertisements blown off, quite a few commercial signs had been damaged. The worst damage observed was a large double-sided billboard on a pillar that fell through the roof of an adjacent eye-glass shop.
• Pastor Lewis has about five members staying at his house because of severe damage or no power or water. Pastor Lewis said one families’ house was destroyed by flood waters.
• Travel to Abita Springs, La., was sobering with all of the destruction. The area is thickly wooded with pine, even along the interstate. Along I-59 the trees were splintered.
• The team spent the morning clearing a tree off the back of Pastor Dietrich’s house. By noon the property was looking much better with those large tree debris cleared away from the house.
• All day long the team saw military helicopters and C-130s flying overhead into New Orleans.

September 4, 2005

• The first response team returns home after a long trip in which they have seen firsthand the enormous and widespread devastation of the northern gulf coast areas of Ala., Mis., and La.
• Our objective for our called workers should be to get them up and running so they can minister and nurture their flock.
• As a congregation is restored to the level of basic functionality, outreach can begin. This effort can include assembling efficient volunteers groups, providing restoration efforts for members of the community, nurturing and ministering to the community, providing food, water, clothing, shelter, and transportation for those that may not be mobile.
• Our opportunity as a First Response Team is to pray, call and assess the situation, transport ourselves, equipment and supplies to the site and provide spiritual support and physical assistance to those in need.

Detailed blogs can be found in the Project Archive.