Steve Chen and his thoughts about his work here in Biloxi….
The Katrina team (known as Evergreen team here in Biloxi, Mississippi) has been staying at Habitat Village’s sleeping quarters. We walk on gravel paths to the barracks. Since the 1st day we got here, I noticed that there were oyster shells on & by the gravel. I didn’t think anything of it. Then I was perplexed as to the reason for the oyster shells being there since the Village is about 3/4 mile away from the beach. I soon realized that these oyster shells came from the ocean during the Katrina hurricane. How unusual to gather shells off of grass, pebbles and walkways.
Reflecting upon this scene, I felt that the 10 of us on the team is analogous to the oyster shells, OUT-OF-PLACE. We are OUT-OF-PLACE because we’re from California & are here in Mississippi. Although Katrina caused devastation here in the Gulf Coast, there has been waves of assistance/aid in the form of supplies & manpower to help in the recovery process. People from all walks of life from college-age students to retirees have been moved to make a difference in the recovery process. God is good.
The shattered lives/families of the Gulf Coast now may call out to God for help. With nothing left God saved victims by providing for people’s needs. He rescued them from near death & now they have renewed lives. From a spiritual perspective, we all should of drowned in our wrong doing (cesspool of sin), but Jesus saved us by sacrificing Himself on the cross for us so that we may live in abundance. God is good.
The survivors’ hearts filled w/ thankfulness. Remembering the frailty of our lives here on earth & it is only through God’s grace & mercy that we take our next breath. The destroyed bridge near by has been replaced by a new one. Jesus also build a spiritual bridge for us to be able to have a relationship w/ him. God is good.
The pulverized commercial & residential structures are being rebuilt with even more pride, security and beauty. The priceless & irreplaceable material possessions are replaced with less earthly emotional attachments, but turned towards heavenly things & eternity. God is good.
Furthermore, events like the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project next week is like the pearl that was washed up (see photo). Next week due to the project, there will be national attention/coverage placed upon the needs of the un-recovered, un-restored Gulf Coast which President Carter & the first lady will use to impart to the masses, pearls of wisdom that people effected by Katrina still need extensive assistance. Thus, if we are imparted the spiritual pearl, then we can acknowledge that God is our Lord & Savior and we can have eternal life. God is good.
