Some time has passed since the terrible hurricane called Katrina. Several areas of the Gulf coast were affected, and thousands of people were and are, still feeling the wrath of this storm. But help continues to pour in.

Members of the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Cookeville made their second trip to Mississippi recently where they spent the week in two specific missions – one was in feeding people. They joined a group known as “God’s Katrina Kitchen” which feeds some 3,000 meals a week under a large tent at the edge of Gulfport and Pass Christian, where the eye of the storm was located. Three meals are served each day to the people who come to the tent, and the Cookeville volunteers not only helped pay for the food, prepare the food, but then they were able eat and visit with the people who came for the meals.

The second part of the mission was to help rebuild homes – using mostly scraps picked up from the storm (there is little or no insurance help) homes and lives and being rebuilt. Certain items (for electricity and plumbing) call for new purchase and the volunteers not only gave their time and talents, but also their cash to help purchase these items. The members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Cookeville joined with members of some 8 other churches making up the work crew.

Each evening a worship service was conducted, inviting the local residents to participate.

It is estimated that there are thousands still homeless in the area. Many families are living in small trailers provided by FEMA – many others simply brave the elements.

While each participant of the mission trip contributed monies for supplies, the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church underwrote the travel and living expenses of the participants.

Dr. Charles McCaskey led the group on this mission trip and plans another trip in October just for ministers and their spouses to continue aid and support for this area.

It is obvious that it will be years before this area returns to normal