Summer 2006 Katrina Response update

June 14, 2006 - For the past nine months, Orphan Grain Train has maintained a steady stream of supply shipments to cleanup and recovery camps along the Gulf Coast. Generous donations from both individuals and partner organizations have allowed Orphan Grain Train to ship more than 95 semi loads of food, supplies, building materials, equipment and storage units for a delivered value of $2.78 million.

Thousands of homes in Louisiana and Mississippi still need volunteer help for repair or renovation. The cleanup is dirty, time-consuming work, but the blessing this brings makes it worth it because each home contains people created by God’s own hand.

See the recovery effort through the eyes of the volunteers - Orphan Grain Train's Hurricane Response video is viewable online here.

Cash gifts continue to make it possible to purchase and move tons of supplies and equipment that support numerous relief camps. The camps rely on our help to stay open. Each houses 80 to 200 volunteers who press forward into broken and sludge-filled homes, returning each day to a hot meal and a warm shower.

The following is a letter received from one such volunteer:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I am from St. Paul Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Denton, TX. On April 6, 2006, myself and two other men made a life changing trip to Camp Biloxi after a call for volunteers from Mr. Carl Brul of the Texas District. We are now within a two week window of returning for a second trip the week of June 25th to Camp Biloxi.

I am writing you this letter because the trip has forever changed my life. It has helped me understand the importance of mission and service work. I want thank you for all the work you have done and continue to do, especially on the Gulf Coast and Camp Biloxi. Because of your ministry, you have made it very easy for volunteers to serve at Camp Biloxi, the accommodations are outstanding. It is an impressive setup that honors the Lord and speaks boldly as a witness for Christ and the Church. I tell anyone who will listen about the Camp and what Orphan Grain Train is doing to support these camps.

It is great comfort to me to see so many people serving the Lord and doing his will and this is something that I will never forget God willing, and that I will do my best to use as a tool to witness to others.

The first trip to Camp Biloxi there were only three of us, it was unplanned with a total of 5 days to prepare to go. This trip we have a total of 8 men and have raised over $700.00 to donate to the Camp.

Thank you and may God continue to bless you and your ministry,

Rob Griffin
St. Paul Lutheran Church Men's Ministry - Denton, Texas

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