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First Presbyterian Church of Wappingers Falls, New York, serves in Mississippi
Reflections by Alex Gilchrest, Elder June 2006
The people we met in Mississippi were genuinely touched by the ongoing work of the church (universal). We have all heard the horror stories about failed or misfiring government relief efforts at all levels. The work of the church, however, has been immediate and constant, and that has not gone unnoticed by the residents of Gulfport.
The team from First Presbyterian Church of Wappingers Falls, New York
At the car rental office, at the airport news shop, at the grocery store and elsewhere, people expressed their gratitude for our presence, but also for the fact that the church (universal) has been there to make a difference where other organizations have not. As one guy put it, the hurricane was an act of nature, the aftermath is an act of God.
A team member helping with cleanup. Photo: Alex Gilchrist
We felt called to the Gulf, but Mission opportunities abound. The nine of us who went to the Gulf for a week in May were led there by the Spirit, but others from our congregation have gone to and will return to Nicaragua. Some of us will likely return to Gulfport. The Lord speaks to each of us about the needs of our brothers and sisters, and there are many ways we can serve.