Katrina

It is such a blessing to pastor a loving and caring church that is ready to minister to those in need. The people of Elliott Baptist Church have worked tirelessly for over six months meeting the needs of Katrina victims.

Before the storm hit we had evacuees staying in our church building. In the early days of just before and for three weeks after the storm we fed from 80-120 meals twice a day. We have been blessed to place hundreds of Bibles and thousands of Bible tracts in the hands of Katrina victims. After most of the evacuees were able to go back to the coast, many of them with no home to go to, we concentrated on sending truck loads of food, clothing, and bedding to the coast. We literally were able to send tons of food because of the faithfulness of God's people in caring and giving. As people began to get into FEMA trailers we began to send down more food but added household goods such as plates, glasses, silverware, crock pots, toasters, pots and pans, etc. Now as some of the people are able to get back into their storm ravaged homes, we are helping them get furniture, washers and dryers, refrigerators, flooring etc. We are helping as many families as we can with up to $2,000 per family in needed goods. There are thousands of people that need help and we want to help them. At this time we have helped over 100 families with this phase of our ministry on the coast. Overall we have spent over $280,000 in this relief effort. The good thing about this is that all of the money is used to help those affected by the storm. We know what needs to be done and desire to do it as long as we can.

Each week we have people from the Elliott Baptist Church who go to the coast, meet with Katrina Victims and go with them to purchase what they need. We do not pass out money, we find out what the need is and go with them to take care of that need. Recently four of our ladies went to the coast and delivered 164 pillows and 164 homemade pillowcases. These went to children who had lost everything including their pillows and pillowcases.

I must be truthful with you all, we are running out of funds. We are not asking for funds we are just letting you know that a great need exists and we will do what we can as long as the funds are available. If God lays it upon the hearts of His people to continue to give to help in this work, we will continue to faithfully get the job done. When the funds run out we will take it that God is ready for this work to cease. We have from the beginning said, "What God orders He will pay for." Pray for us and pray for the thousands that still need help. Pray for our workers that God will give them strength to carry on as long as we can.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Cecil Fayard

Elliott Baptist Church

P.O. Box 595

Elliott, MS 38926
cecilafayard@msn.com

Please forward the following report on Katrina.
We continue to feed right at 100 evacuees two meals a day. tonight we, the ladies have cooked hamburger steak, lima beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls and sweet tea. These evacuees are truly thankful for all the help they are getting. Most of the folks that the Lord sent our way are from the New Orleans area and will be with us for weeks to come. We are getting to know many of them well and get many opportunities to sit down and talk to them sharing the Gospel. Only eternity will tell how much good will be done. Our faithful church members are tired but happy as they provide meals and necessities for the displaced.
Thursday we are going to be headed to Ocean Springs to take a load of supplies. Many folks are having to sleep on bare concrete and we will be taking sleeping mats, bed clothes and pillows to help with this need. We are also carrying water, food and baby supplies. Underclothes are a great need as well.
On Monday of next week we will be taking a semi tractor trailer load of food to the Pascagoula, Moss Point, Hurley area of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Al Hankins, one of our men at Elliott is providing the truck and driver. We have also found out that many small communities that were hard hit are getting very little help. We plan to continue to feed and house people here and make trips to the coastal counties as long as the need exists. Today and I made arrangements with Tim Golden, Spain's Grocery in Grenada, Mississippi, to buy at cost pallet loads of food, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towel etc. We estimate that the load on Monday will cost about $6,000.00.
I wish that I had time to share with you that God is doing through His churches that have helped us as we help others.

I will try to keep you updated as time permits.

Yours in Christ,
Brother Cecil