by
Mark Mohlenbrock — CSDirectory.com
Introduction
My
strongest memory in the aftermath of the storm is a sense
of bewilderment. The first Sunday after the storm we didn't
have a church service. There was no power and no direction.
Here on the Northshore and on higher ground there was
no flooding, but the whole landscape had changed. Trees
were down everywhere; roads were blocked; things were
just a mess. The whole scene was just so mesmeric! I called
another church member and told her we needed church more
than ever. We got in touch with our readers and other
members and reinstated our services. This was an influx
of light. At the Wednesday evening meeting there were
many testimonies of gratitude. The protection of divine
Love was the effect of prayer. Our little church was untouched
when the huge oak that had shaded our church fell. In
those early weeks we were in touch with some members in
New Orleans, and as they were able to return to town a
Wednesday evening service was called at the First Reader's
home. I was asked to prepare readings which I joyfully
did. Their First Reader, Eddie Castaing, read them. He
was just amazed and told me that they were the exact readings
that he had wanted to use, but could not have prepared
a lesson at that time. It was an amazing service. The
love and gratitude expressed that evening lit a candle
of hope and healing in the community. From that point
on church resumed for New Orleans. I just cannot convey
the importance of those first services. They changed everything
for me. No one will ever convince me that Christian Science
services are outdated or irrelevant. They are uplifting
and elevating, a light! — member, Christian Science
Society, Covington, Louisiana
One
year and seven months after the devastation of Hurricane
Katrina and the subsequent flooding of the New Orleans area,
hope, regeneration and renewal are evident in the Gulf Region
of Louisiana and Mississippi in the southern United States.
Like much of the region, Christian Science church buildings
took a hard blow from the storm and flooding, but much progress
can be reported from these resilient congregations. Following
the devastation, support from Christian Scientists and CS-related
organizations poured in from across the USA and beyond.
This special report chronicles some of the heroic work and
prayers offered up by many selfless individuals and highlights
the progress, successes and challenges that still exist
in the area. I invite you
to share the link to this report with all interested Christian
Scientists. This is a beautiful story of
steadfastness, longsuffering and brotherly/sisterly love
in action.
Contents
in this series:
(Click on the links below for additional
articles and photos)
Please
check back, as I will update this series as additional information
becomes available.
The
author would like to acknowlege the assistance of: Patti
Christopher, Norma Jennings, Margie Savoye, Chris Snow,
Heidi Snow, Bill Moody, Kittie Burris, Rick Dearborn, Harriett
Schupp, Jakie Forbes, Donna Moran, Greg Fox, Alice Dunnaway,
Eric Bashor, Kathie Graythen, Carolyn St. Charles, Valerie
Thibaut and Waren Huff in gathering the information for
this series. |
Above:
March 2007 — Rebuilding has begun at the Christian
Science Society in Slidell, Louisiana (photo Norma Jennings)
Above:
Gutted, water damaged Sunday School room, lower level, Fourth
Church New Orleans (photo contributed by Patti Christopher)
Above:
Water damaged Reading Room stock, Second Church New Orleans
(photo Jakie Forbes)
Above:
Damage from Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans (photo Jakie
Forbes)
|
