Listen to an audio update 
 
"It's the Church that's really made the difference," says Frank Smith, who continues to direct hurricane relief efforts on the Gulf Coast. One year after Hurricane Katrina ripped through Louisiana and Mississippi, leaving millions of people homeless, The Alliance has kept its promise to helpless residents-"We're in it for the long haul." The C&MA's immediate response to the urgent need has evolved into a long-term undertaking to help people rebuild their homes and lives. As a result, five church plants are under way.  
 
A community center for Baton Rouge 
     "Alliance pastor Randy Knighten was working as a church planter in Baton Rouge when nearly 6,000 evacuees from New Orleans became residents of a FEMA trailer village. With the help of CAMA (the relief arm of The Alliance), a building was purchased that will serve as a community center, offering training in computer skills and assistance in obtaining GEDs and completing resumés. "We've seen a lot of people impacted by this outreach already," says Smith. 
     "Using the theme "Loving the people into the Kingdom, then bringing them into the church," Knighten and his volunteers are meeting practical and spiritual needs. "A Bible study is ongoing," says Smith, "and we plan to start worship services at the center soon." 
 
New Life in New Orleans 
     "Pastor Willie Neudahl has been in New Orleans for twenty years. When Katrina hit, he took the lead in relief efforts in the Gretna area. "Nearly 1,000 people have volunteered with Neudahl, and he handled it all," Smith says. 
     "Recently, a building was purchased that will be used as a warehouse and a church, and an Alliance pastor is preparing to move there. Willie and his volunteer teams have cleaned thirty homes that are nearly ready for families to return. "But the job isn't anywhere near being done," says Smith. "At least five years of weekly volunteers are needed."  
 
Building community 
     "Two men, one from Alliance Theological Seminary and the other from Taccoa Falls College, volunteered to spend their summer with Neudahl, who gave them the task of reaching out to people in a nearby apartment complex. The interns worked with children, hosting Vacation Bible School and other events, resulting in twenty-five young people coming to Christ. As their summer drew to a close, the apartment manager approached the men and Neudahl with a request that the Alliance implement a full-time day-care program at his complex. One of the buildings on the grounds already is licensed for fifty children, since there was a child-care program before the hurricane. "This is a real opportunity for impact in the neighborhood," Smith says. "We're praying that God will lead us to the right director [for the program]."  
 
Unexpected opportunity 
     "Alliance relief efforts in Gulfport did not begin until recently when two men separately approached Smith, saying they believed God was calling them to plant a church. Alliance pastor Darren Sanford moved his wife and six children to Gulfport. Meanwhile, John Schwartz, a former church planter for the Assemblies of God, heard about Alliance relief efforts in the area and expressed his desire to join the team. Along with others, Schwartz and Sanford are helping neighbors rebuild as they establish two church plants.  
     "Because relief efforts were concentrated among residents, "No one is helping small businesses," Smith says. "So rather than rebuilding homes, the Gulfport team will help local businesses rebuild, reopen, and provide jobs."  
 
Hope amid devastation 
     "Relief efforts in the Waveland/Bay St. Louis area began four days after Hurricane Katrina stripped the cities of nearly everything. "It's the kind of destruction this nation has almost never seen," says Smith. The Alliance, led by Pastor Don Young from Genesis Church in Foley, Alabama, partnered with The Christian Life Church, also from Foley, in the immediate response effort.  
     "Since then, more than sixty people have accepted the Lord or rededicated their lives to Him, and a church plant, led by Pastor Art Baruffi, from Vineland Alliance Church in New Jersey, is well under way. Nearly 4,000 volunteers have impacted the lives of Waveland/Bay St. Louis residents. As they saw Christ work through them, volunteers brought hope to the devastated sister communites. 
 
Following God's lead on the Gulf Coast 
     "Thousands of Alliance people from across the nation have responded to the Call on the Gulf Coast by giving, going, praying, and sending. "God used a terrible circumstance to open a door for ministry," says Smith. "Today, the people are willing to listen, because it is the Church that has made the difference."  

Dear Friends and partners: 
 
I just received a glowing report from Art Baruffi, our Director for Relief Ministries in Waveland Mississippi. As you know Gulf Coast Disaster Relief, turned over to the CMA and Christian Life Center, the continuation of ministry in Waveland and Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. We were convinced that the best thing for long term healing for that area so devastated by Katrina, was not an organization 3 hours away directing its recovery, but a local group. Thus the formation of CLC Gulf Coast Inc. I will continue to serve as a Board Member on the Transition Team and will help guide the team as we continue to minister to the many needs on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. 
     This new organization will soon have its own building and will continue to help meet the needs of the local people for many years. Not only will Life Skills be taught to help train people for jobs, etc, but a continuation of building projects through the end of this year and then as needs arise. 
     Pastor Art and Pat Baruffi are heading up the transition team that will continue to rebuild homes as they rebuild lives. I am forwarding Art’s letter to you as well so you can get a picture of what has happened and what God is still doing.  
     Yes, we are still there, almost a year later, the CHURCH is still there, doing what God has asked the CHURCH to do, meet the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of hurting people. It really doesn’t get any better than this, being the very heart of God for needy people. 
     A praise note as I close this update, a Pastor of a very missions-minded church in Nebraska called me a few weeks ago and said, “Pastor Don, our senior pastor and I would like to come down and visit with you and the team in late August. We have sent teams and funds down to Waveland for several months and every time our people come back, they are deeply moved by God. Now that you are starting Christian Life Center that will remain to meet the needs of people so devastated by Katrina, we want to be a part of the “New Beginnings.” We want to see how we can partner with you to build a spiritual foundation that will last through the storms of life. We are ready to help in a substantial way!” 
     When I got off the phone with that pastor, I was again reminded of how God has always worked in the C&MA. He touches people’s hearts, births within them a vision, and then empowers and equips them for service. 
     Partners, you have a chance to be a part of the “New Beginnings” in Waveland, Mississippi. We still need volunteers, we still need finances, and more than ever, we still need prayers. Thanks for holding the ropes with us. Now together, we will hold the ropes with Christian Life Center. 
     I can feel the smile of our Lord. We are still doing what He has asked us to do. 
 
     In His Joy, 
 
     Don Young,  
     Genesis Church 
     Gulf Coast Disaster Relief 

It’s a boy! No, it’s a girl! No it’s both! Well what is it? It is a church plant! Camp Katrina has given birth after nine months of intense labor to a new church. On July 1, Camp Katrina will be turned over to Christian Life Center (CLC), a ministry of the Christian and Missionary Alliance in the Southern District. 
     What a transformation! Pastor Rick of Christian Life Church (non-C&MA) and I decided that it was time to see a church started from our early Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. We have been praying and seeking God for the right pastoral couple to take this ministry to a church-plant level for several months. Every time we thought we had a couple, something would change in the last minute, and we would be a ground zero again.  
     As we continued to pray, it became evident that the C&MA has been a prominent partner in helping us get the needed relief to so many people in Waveland, Mississippi. Over half of the volunteers that come weekly, are from Alliance churches throughout the United States. More than $300,000 has been donated from C&MA sources. The current leadership team of Art and Pat Baruffi, along with Shannon Lenox, are all Alliance people. So it became evident to us that God was leading us to turn over the leadership and coordination of Camp Katrina and this new church plant to the C&MA.  
     The Baruffis have been ministering to about sixty people for the past several months. They still have 400 projects that need to be completed and from those, many more people will come to the Lord. They are expecting twenty kids at the three-day VBS on site. 
     Art and Pat are scheduled to stay through August and are seeking God about living her for another two years in order to help plant this new church. Shannon Lenox has been asked to stay to coordinate the volunteers that will be needed to continue the ministry. Pastor Rick and I will be available as coaches and mentors as needed. We do not want to walk away from this new birth. We will be aggressively seeking funds to keep the ministry going. It will take at least $12,000 per month to operate. So please PRAY with us as we seek God for the financial needs. 
     Since we are changing leadership from Gulf Coast Disaster Relief to the Christian Life Center, we are asking that all volunteers coming to serve be prepared to help with the daily expenses of operations. It is for this reason that, beginning July 1, all volunteers will be asked to bring $25.00 per day, per person to help with the expenses. This will cover their room and board as well as help with operating costs.  
     Many of you know Meg Wilson. She has done a tremendous job coordinating the volunteers. She has been on staff at Christian Life Church. She will be moving to Auburn, Alabama to take another ministry position in media. Meg has turned over the volunteers to Shannon Lenox, and he can be reached at the same address,CampKatrina @gmail.com. We at Gulf Coast Disaster Relief are so grateful to Meg for her sacrifice of love. Pray for her during these days of transition. 
     With the changing of the guard at Camp Katrina, we will focus our efforts on getting ready for the next storm. We are building a large warehouse in Orange Beach that will store our equipment and tents. Thanks to you, we have come along way from a back yard grill and a tarp. Pastor Rick and I have come to the conclusion that we are better equipped to be a first-response team rather than a stay-a-year-long team. We want to come alongside churches and help them to respond to their local needs. So we continue to prepare for the next crisis. We realize that Waveland was different. After the terrible storm, there were no churches able to do the work of the church. So we responded and became the Church in action. Now God is raising up a church, and others that we have helped are now strong enough to continue on. What a blessing! 
 
     What can you do? Glad you asked! Here are a few things: 
 
• Pray for the transition between Gulf Coast Disaster Relief and the Christian Life Center of the C&MA. 
• Pray for the needed volunteers to do the continued relief ministry of rebuilding homes and lives. We need fifty volunteers per week. Pray for Shannon Lenox as he takes over this ministry. 
• Pray that God will provide the needed funds, $12,000 per month to cover operating expenses. 
• Pray for Art and Pat Baruffi as they seek God about continued ministry as lead pastor of this new work. 
• Pray for Pastor Rick and Pastor Don as they prepare for the next storm or crisis. 
• Pray for the 400 families that have applied for help from Camp Katrina. These families represent a tremendous opportunity to serve a broken community and share Christ. 
 
     Until we get a bank account set up under the name of Christian Life Center, please continue to send any gifts to Gulf Coast Disaster Relief c/o Genesis Church, 3100 S. McKenzie St. Foley, Alabama 36535 
     I can never thank you all enough for all that you have done in helping the many thousands in Waveland. What a blessing you have been to them. Eternity will tell the whole story, but we see the many chapters daily. Without you, little would have been accomplished. With you great things God has done! Thank you. 
 
Pastor Don 
Genesis Church, Foley Alabama 
 

Greetings friends and partners in the ministry: 
     I know, I know, it’s been too long since our last update. I have been so encouraged by the amounts of phone calls, emails, and notes, all saying in essence, “Hey Pastor Don, have you forgotten us, we need to know what’s going on in Mississippi? We still want to help, our people are praying, we are still with you.” 
     The main reason I haven’t written an update, is simply because I have been waiting to announce the birth of a new baby, our first church in Waveland. We thought after nine months, we would be able to start a church from the many contacts of people that we have helped. In reality we can, we just are waiting upon God for the right Pastoral Couple to take on the challenge and opportunity. 
     As you know we started this ministry nine months ago with Pastor Rick Long of Christian Life Church in Orange Beach, Alabama. Since then we have interviewed several possible Pastoral Candidates to continue the ministry and relief efforts on the Gulf Coast. We were very close to having a couple come and take over, but at the last moment, they felt directed to remain where they were serving. 
     We have a few more options to look at through the month of June, and then we are faced with a critical decision. Both Pastor Rick and I feel that for the growth and strength of the relief effort a local church must either take over or a new one started. We cannot continue to run things from 3 hours away. The people need to be shepherded and taught along with rebuilding their homes. 
     That doesn’t mean we won’t continue to give advice and spiritual council. Neither does it mean that we wouldn’t raise needed funds and seek volunteers. It just means the leadership and day to day decisions would be made from the Local group as they grown and not from us, Alabamians three hours away. 
     Art and Pat Baruffi, along with their team, have done a great job in gathering the people together for Bible Study and Prayer. I asked Art to write up some nuggets that I will share with you in a moment. Before that, please pray for the following:

 

• That God will lead us to the right couple to begin a Church plant in the Bay St. Louis and Waveland Mississippi area. 
  
• That God would continue to supply the needed funds to run the operations. It costs the Gulf Coast Disaster Relief Fund tens of thousands of dollars per week to pay for the food, general operations and lease the building. 
  
• That God would continue to send volunteers to help in this rebuilding phase. 
  
• That God would give clear direction to our current leadership team as they plan for the future.

 
Here are a few nuggets from Art Baruffi’s report. 
     We currently have 400 outstanding work orders from people in the area that need help in rebuilding their homes.

 

• We are averaging about 50 volunteers per week, down from the 90-100 that we had in the past. However the months of June, July and August look good. 
   
  The People 
  
• Getting people back into their homes quickly is a major concern of Camp Katrina. FEMA housing will not withstand any kind of high winds, let alone a major storm. Since there are only about 20% of the people back in their homes, there seems to be a high cause for fear. One of the local doctors, who attend our Bible Study, confirms that he is treating many cases of depression. One of the exciting things that has become evident in recent months is the number of people that attribute their “return to normalcy” to the Christian Organizations that continue to serve the community at large. 
   
  The Ministry 
  
• The ministry to the local people has grown in recent months. We do not work on Sundays, but rather go out into the communities visiting the families that we have served or will serve that week. We invite them to our Wednesday evening family night open house. We provide ice cream and casual conversation. If they continue to show interest they are invited to the Friday night Bible Study. 22 have attended or are now attending this study. 
   
  Testimonies 
  
• We are seeing God do “above and beyond that which we could ask or think.” We needed 32 six-inch cement blocks to finish an opening in a home. Six-inch cement blocks are very difficult to find. One of the guys checked out a lumberyard and asked for six-inch cement blocks. He was told, “We don’t have any. There are none on the inventory, we don’t carry them.” Our mason found the six-inch blocks in the back of the warehouse. When approached by the mason of this discovery, the clerk insisted that they didn’t carry six-inch blocks. The mason said he needed 32 of those six-inch blocks that the store didn’t carry. The mason went back and counted the six-inch blocks. Yes, you are right, there were exactly 32 of those six-inch cement blocks that no one new existed. God knows what He is doing! 
  
• Asa, an older man who had no way of finishing his damaged home until a group of volunteers from Camp Katrina showed up, gave him renewed hope. He testified later that not only did he get his house repaired, but he found Jesus. 
  
• Skip was led to the Lord through an encounter with Paul and Barbara from New Jersey. Not only did he get house cleaned, but his life also. He tells friends that he wouldn’t trade what he now has, for everything he lost in the storm. 
  
• Charlotte who never attended a Bible Study anywhere before, testified after her second week, that “it felt like Jesus was knocking at the door of her heart and He wanted to come in.” She discovered Revelation 3:20 that night and realized that He really was tugging at her heart and that He did desire to come in! 
  
• Don and Sue discovered a new passion for Christ since the storm. They fell into the trap of the” good life” and left God out of their plans. Since the storm, they have a renewed vision of what God wants to do in them and are inviting neighbors to the Friday Study. 
  
• Mature believers, Gene and Mai add great depth to our group. Gene has cancer and his powerful yet gentle testimony has impacted many.

 
     Well we could go on, but I just wanted to catch you up on some powerful answers to Prayer. Thanks so much for your continued support. Some of you have asked about Miss Helen, our 85 year old African American blind woman. She lost her leg in surgery due to illness and is basically in need of 24/7 care. We are about to complete the repairs on the rental home owned by her niece. When that is finished, Miss Helen will stay with them until their new home in Pass Christian is completed. We are going to help them build a room that is handicapped assessable so that Miss Helen will be cared for during her remaining days. Continue to pray for the family. 
     Again, blessings on you all. I promise to get a report out to you much quicker next time. We are sensing that God wants to do something extraordinary during this next phase and we are excited. 
 
     In His Joy, 
 
     Pastor Don Young 
     Genesis Church 
     3100 S. McKenzie St. 
     Foley, AL 36535 

God's Kingdom Agenda 
"With hurricane season beginning again, Alliance relief workers in Waveland, Mississippi, are looking for a church to move to," says Don Young, pastor of Genesis (Alliance) Church in Foley, Alabama, who spearheaded the project in partnership with Pastor Rick Long from Christian Life Center in Foley. "It's been nine months since Hurricane Katrina devastated this area," says Young, "and we still have much to do." 
     From meeting urgent needs immediately after the August 2005 hurricane to the clean-up of tons of debris to the current rebuilding stage, Young and his partners in ministry have lived up to their commitment to be there for "the long haul." To date, more than 3,500 volunteers from across the country, mostly from Alliance churches, have given their time, strength, and love to the people of Waveland as well as New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Hundreds of thousands of dollars have poured in to make the effort possible.  
     In anticipation of another summer of storms, Young says that it's important to finish the current building projects before going on to the next. Volunteer teams from an average of 1,000 miles away are rebuilding ten homes a day. Gulf Coast residents are praying that they won't get hit with another storm like Katrina but realize that even a miss could bring torrential rains and flooding. "We are weatherizing the homes, working to finish roofs to protect the work that's been done." 
     Many residents, amazed by the unsolicited commitment to help rebuild Waveland and the outpouring of love, have realized their need for Jesus and have accepted Him as their Savior. "We have a core group of about sixty people," says Young. A couple who were missionaries in Kosovo are being considered to pastor the young congregation.  
     In conjunction with the church plant, a community center is planned. "The mayor told us there is a need for a gym that would provide an outlet for youth," Young says. "With a generous donation of $85,000 from the C&MA in Canada, the need will be met." The center will include the gym as well as occupational and educational resources. "This will be a tool for civic outreach." 
     Out of the debris and rubble left in the wake of the storm, the Lord's grace and provision are evident. "[It] all comes from God," says Young. "Contributions have come from many sources, including Compassion and Mercy Associates, the C&MA's relief arm, Alliance churches, World Relief, Willow Creek Church [Chicago], and people we don't know."  
     As the church plant is established and becomes self-sufficient and self-supporting, Young's vision is to see it, in time, assume responsibility to continue the rebuilding efforts. "Our focus is to plant the church so the church can carry on the work that was started here."  
     Young's vision for future ministry has expanded beyond Waveland. "Although we'll be in the background, still raising support and awareness," Young believes God has called him and a committed team of volunteers to go to the next community that is hit by a hurricane. "We have decided that the Lord has called us to be first-responders," says Young. "We are building a warehouse for equipment garnished during the past nine months so that when the next hurricane hits, we'll be ready." Young and his team will spend approximately forty-five days in affected areas, where they can meet immediate needs, identify a church to continue the work, and help to raise support as it does the job. "We learned well as [Alliance] missionaries, so we're applying what we were taught on the home front," he says. "It works when you let God have a Kingdom agenda." 

Greetings fellow prayer warriors! 
     What a month! God has been so faithful and we are enjoying so many blessings. Your prayers are being answered daily and we are seeing some tremendous things happen both on and off the campsite. Many people are asking me, “Pastor Don, how in the world are you able to keep the interest high and the funds coming in order to complete the work God has given you in Mississippi? After all it’s been 7 months and you guys are still there!” That’s a miracle in itself, seven months, and Christian Life Church and Genesis Church are still partnering together, seeing God rebuild Waveland and Bay St. Louis Mississippi, one house at a time. 
     In fact we have a short 3 minute DVD that we just did giving some information about this next phase, Phase Three, Rebuilding ! If you would like a copy to show in your church, just send an email to Meg Wilson, at campkatrina@gmail.com and request the latest DVD on Camp Katrina. This will help in getting more prayer support and finances to rebuild homes. 
     Some Praise Reports:

 

• We had 29 people from town at our Wednesday Night Family Time. These are folks that we have helped or are in the process of helping. 
  
• We go out every Sunday afternoon in teams to visit the people that we are helping. This is for the purpose of encouragement and prayer. 
  
• We have seen some tremendous stories come from our visits on Sundays and the continued outpouring of love to the many in Waveland/Bay St. Louis. 
  
• We continue to have 90-100 volunteers weekly. 
  
• We are doing 10-12 rebuilding jobs a day. 
  
• We are helping in the ministry of First Missionary Baptist Church. A sister church in New Jersey is raising funds to complete the building and create a greater opportunity for ministry among African-Americans. 
  
• Because of you, we have had 3000 plus vols come from 33 states and 3 countries. 
  
• Because of YOU, God has provided over 12 million dollars of gifts and funds to Gulf Coast Disaster Relief. 
  
• For a retired man in Pennsylvania who gave $25,000 from the sell of his home towards rebuilding another home in Waveland

 
Some Prayer Requests:

 

• Pray for Easter Sunday Special Outreach at Camp Katrina 
  
• Pray for continued health for Leadership team on site, Art, Shannon, Steve, Greta, Josh, Pat, John, Barbara, as well as Meg Wilson at the Registration Office. 
  
• Pray for the many families that are so close to becoming Christians. 
  
• Pray for the needed funds to continue rebuilding homes 
  
• Pray for the leadership in starting a Church. So many are coming to Christ, we feel its time to start a fellowship. We need understanding and guidance from God as to how to start this new church. 
  
• Pray for the continued flow of volunteers. 
  
• Pray for the healing of Mrs. Helen. She is the 85-year-old African American blind Woman who we have been caring for during these past weeks. She just lost her leg from the knee down, and is having a very difficult time in recovery. 
  
• Pray for Pastor Rick Long and Don Young as they continue to share the vision with many so that the rebuilding can move forward.

 
     Some of you have asked about the continued financial needs. Here is a list of things that may be helpful as you pray about ways to fund the rebuilding effort. This is what your money can help buy:

 

• $10- Box of nails 
  
• $35- Roof Shingles 
  
• $50- Low Flow Toilet 
  
• $75- Window 
  
• $100-Kitchen Sink 
  
• $150-Supplies to clean and disinfect a home 
  
• $200-Front Door, Casing, Trim, and Hardware 
  
• $250-Prime and Paint the Interior of a Home 
  
• $400-Prime and Paint the Exterior of a Home 
  
• $575-Exterior Siding 
  
• $750-Insulation and weather size a flooded Home 
  
• $1000-Replace destroyed Kitchen appliances 
  
• $1200-Replace sheetrock 
  
• $2000-Flooring 
  
• $2500-Rewire, replace fixtures and breakers and an electrical panel 
  
• $2500-Repair roof decking and apply new shingles 
  
• $30,000- will build a Home for an Elderly Couple 
  
• $40,000-will build a Home for a family of four 
  
• $60,000-will build a Home for a family of six

 
     Again, thanks to you are many friends of Camp Katrina and the wonderful people of Waveland and Bay St. Louis; we are able to remain here on site. We pray for you as well. We know that without you, we wouldn’t be here. God has given us a tremendous partnership with thousands of people all over the USA. What a privilege it is to work with you and know that our efforts are prayed for daily.  
     I am looking forward to Easter and the great opportunity we will have to reach a lot of people in the area with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. May you have a blessed day. 
 
     In His Joy, 
 
     Pastor Don Young 
     Genesis Church