Mo Nakatsui, Steve Chen, Kevin Kubo, Peter Lau, Chris Chan,
Tommy Yamada, Steve Ogata, Paul Liu, Craig Kakihara, Will Jong
Katrina Gulf Coast Relief Team
Biloxi, Mississippi
4-11 May 2008
It’s hard to remember when it was that Hurricane Katrina unleashed devastation on the Gulf Coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida (August 2005). And yet the recovery work is slated to continue in the Mississippi Gulf Coast area for many more years to come. Thousands of homes and businesses were destroyed and thousands of people were left homeless. Evergreen Baptist Church of San Gabriel Valley extended offers at that time to assist in the form of sending volunteers to help rebuild along with monetary contributions to fund relief efforts. In April 2007, we finally had an opportunity to send a team to assist in that relief effort. We again have an opportunity to send a team to continue the recovery effort in this devastated area.
In partnership with Habitat for Humanity (HFH), Evergreen Baptist Church SGV will be sending a team of ten men to assist in the rebuilding efforts to provide low cost homes for those in need along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. The team will fly to Gulf Port/Biloxi Airport and stay at the Salvation Army Volunteer Village. We will be working with Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast (hfhmgc.org) doing whatever construction or refurbishing work is needed during our week stay.
God has called each of us to go on this mission and we are all excited about the opportunity. Some of us were fortunate enough to have served on last year’s team and feel especially grateful to be able to serve again. We on this team, however, recognize that this trip is made possible by people who will stand beside us and support us through prayer, enco uragement, and financial contributions.
If you hear God’s call to support us please consider interceding with God in these areas on our behalf: (1) the building of close relationships among the team members so we can work cooperatively together, as well as with the HFH staff; (2) safe travel to and from the Biloxi area, as well as safe travels while we are serving in Mississippi; (3) protection from harm while working at the construction sites; (4) protection for our families while we are away; (5) good weather that is conducive to working at the construction tasks we are assigned; and (6) most of all, that God would open doors of opportunity for us to grow in faith in Him and to share that faith with others we encounter.
If God lays it on your heart to support us financially, we will gladly accept it for use in God’s service, but note that our greatest desire is for you to pray and be our intercessors. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to share with you our desire to have you partner with us in this endeavor. May God’s grace and mercy be with you always.
In His service,
Members of the Evergreen SGV Katrina Gulf Coast Relief Team
Katrina Gulf Coast Relief Team Thoughts
Chris Chan “I am excited about the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those that have been so dramatically affected by Hurricane Katrina. I can’t even begin to imagine what they have gone through and are still struggling with. My hope is that through our actions or direct communication with the people in the Gulf Coast, they would be able to experience the love of Jesus and the hope that is found in Him.”
Steve Chen “Since Hurricane Katrina struck, I wanted to help. However, dismissed the opportunity by focusing on my busy life. Finally, overcoming my selfishness, I empathized with lives unexpectedly devastated. I’m honored to be working along caring men whose hearts desire to bring hope back to families.”
Will Jong “I’ve been told that the experience from the mission is far greater for myself, than the recipient of our, sacrifice of time, and effort. The Lord’s gift is truly Divine. It is, far greater to give than to receive.”
Craig Kakihara “I was inspired by last year’s team and sensed the Lord’s calling to participate this year. I’m honored to have an opportunity to serve alongside Godly men and glorify our Lord through excellent work and excellent witness.”
Kevin Kubo “I am really excited about being able to serve God by serving others.”
Peter Lau “Trusting God is hard. It must have been for those who lost their homes in the gulf region. God doesn’t overlook things just because they’re not prevalent in the news. If our church, our team, and my participation help people understand that they’re not forgotten or forsaken, I’m honored to help.”
Paul Liu “The Lord has placed a burden on my heart to serve those less fortunate. I am looking forward to this great opportunity to serve with my Christian brothers and share the love of Christ.”
Mo Nakatsui “Since my job involves working indoors in a secular environment, last year I really enjoyed serving the Lord by working outdoors with my hands, building something with other Christian men; so I just had to do it again. Ending up with something that means so much to a family in need was an added plus.”
Steve Ogata “I went to the Gulf Coast of Mississippi in 2007 with no expectations except to use power tools, learn about construction, and serve God. A year later, I have retired from pharmacy and become the Building Project Administrator of Evergreen SGV. Again, I am going to the Gulf Coast of Mississippi with no expectations.”
Tommy Yamada “As part of last year’s Katrina Gulf Coast Relief Team, I was extremely blessed by the fellowship and unity I experienced. I feel very privileged to be a part of this year’s team and again look forward to ‘feeling His pleasure’.”
Check out what happened last year, and keep up with this year’s team (we plan to update the blog each night again) at the following internet location: http://sgvhabitat.blogspot.com