Work Day Two


Perry girls choose a bunk

It did not seem as hot today, but it was certainly still hot. We got a lot done on the outside. I think we are finished with the trees and the tall grass as well as most of the trash in the backyard has been removed.


Why cut down trees?

A bit about the lady we are serving. She is disabled following two surgeries on her neck and is in pain most of the time. She is also suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome having stayed through hurricane Katrina. Many people did die here and she thought she would be among them.



One of the ways this stress manifests itself is that she has a very difficult time throwing anything away. This is pretty serious when things that are broken, moldy and mildewed, surround you. We learned today that several other work groups have come, but have left after finding her too frustrating. We are determined not to be “quitters”. We will hang in there with her and provide whatever help we can. Please remember her in prayer as she copes and as she is having a procedure tomorrow night that will likely take several days to recover from.


Here is one of the trash piles we have made.


Working hard and using what is available.

Marilyn talked to her sister today and senses that she should be with her family in Los Angeles, so she will fly out tomorrow. She goes with our prayers and blessings.

We had two little incidents today; sprained ankle and a nasty bump on the chin. We ask for your prayers of healing and safety.

Our devotions tonight were on the Good Samaritan and the way Jesus turns the question around to essentially ask “to whom will you be a neighbor?” We sense God’s presence and pray many blessings to you all. We are grateful for your prayers and support as we serve as an extension of TVLC.

Well the drive was long and we went through a nasty storm on the way into Biloxi, but we all arrived safely and had a good first night. The van had a small tire problem, but all was handled well.

Day One of work was hot, HOT, VERY HOT!! A few of the folks worked at the medical clinic or back at Camp Biloxi but most of us headed out to our work site. There three houses side by side and they are in terrible shape.

Today was spent mostly cleaning up the yard, including removing two trees and a lot of trash. I was very impressed by our young people as they worked very hard and had great spirits.

Tomorrow we hope to go back and begin work on the inside as well, including removing the dry wall from the ground to 4ft. up.

Several headaches today with the heat. We are trying hard to stay hydrated and to take breaks in the shade, but your prayers for comfort and a cool breeze would be much appreciated.

Please also remember Marilyn’s aunt, Sylvia Lee as she is in very serious condition in California.

Well tomorrow is arrival day. Some will travel down from the Mid-West. Others will trek from San Antonio TX. And those in the van will continue on from Kerrville TX.

We will set up in the Dorm Tents at Camp Biloxi and then be up early to start work on Monday morning. We are delighted at the opportunity to spend 5 days helping our brothers and sisters in this community. It is great to be a part of building the Lutheran/Christian reputation of caring in this community.

Please continue to pray for a safe trip for all.

While some of us our in our final days at the National Youth Gathering in San Antonio TX. The Perrys, Marilyn Cords, Jackie and Melissa McKenzie, Beth Peters and CJ Wheelock are driving in a 15-passenger van from Tucson. They plan to do it in 2 long driving days. They left TVLC at 6:30 this morning and will drive all the way to Kerrville, TX.




Please remember us in your prayers today for safe travel and for endurance and patience. We also pray that the travel time will be a tiime of bonding and friendship as we prepare to be God's hands and feet in Biloxi.

We are Biloxi Bound. We are 19 TVLC members who are excited to use our time, energy and sweat to help the people of the Biloxi Community. It is our hope that we can be God's hands of healing for this community. We desire to make a contribution to the hope that with God's presences and participation our futures are always bright, if not comfortable. God is good and we are out to demonstrate this truth.

These are the tent dorms we will be staying in:


This is at Good Shepard Lutheran Church where Camp Biloxi is housed.


This is some of the devastation
Pastor Jim