March 28, 2022

Louisiana Tornados:  Situation Report #1

Walking through the neighborhoods of Arabi, one can quickly see that there is something special here.  Some of the residents have lived here their whole life, speaking of how they grew up with "so and so" who still lives there as well.  Many homes have been passed down from parents and grandparents.  Because of many being destroyed by Katrina, there are numerous newer homes in the community as well.  It truly is a place of something old and something new.  Regardless of the time spent here by residents, there is a connectedness that binds them together with the spirit of caring for one another.  While tarping a roof, our team was approached by a young couple who asked if we could check on a neighbor of theirs.  His need of a roof tarp was something they were unable to provide, yet they wanted to ensure they could find someone who could help.

Many of the trees here are a species called Live Oak.  Their trunks and limbs are thick and stout, able to withstand a tremendous amount of wind and weather.  The reason for their toughness is the intricate and extremely expansive root system.  What you see above the ground is matched by an even greater structure below the surface.  It beautifully paints the picture of the people here in Louisiana; resilient and determined.  One of our Hope Force Reservists shared this evening, “I just can’t believe how resilient these people are!”  Storm after storm, battered and bruised, they continue to stand.  They rebuild.  It’s their home.  It’s their community.  Like the Live Oak trees, the residents here have a network of roots and support that keeps them not only connected to one another --  it keeps them dependent upon one another.

In the last two years, Hope Force has responded to 5 separate disasters in the state.  Each time we return, we are offered the terrible privilege of serving an amazing community of people.  We simply come alongside them with the love of Jesus, offering what we can as they fight, once again, for their community.

Hope Force is currently on the ground in Arabi, tarping homes and offering a "ministry of presence." We ask for your prayers as we continue to serve -- primarily for the people here who are deeply impacted by this tornado.  We also ask that you would prayerfully consider giving financially to our efforts here.  When you give, you empower Hope Force to show up and to love with the love of Jesus -- offering a helping hand as these brave people seek to regain their breath and start over…once again.