By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer
LAKE CHARLES, La. (LBM) – Three hurricanes dealt Louisiana a vicious blow in 2020, but despite the destruction and emotional toll the storms left behind, Louisiana Baptists showed their resiliency in fighting back from historic weather events, Carey Baptist Association associational ministry strategist Bruce Baker said.
“Churches are committed to their Gospel mission. They want to do Kingdom work. That’s been very, very positive in this whole rebuilding process” Baker told the Baptist Message. “There’s a strong community aspect among the people impacted by the storm,” he continued. “They want to be together. They want to be with one another in what has been a shared hardship. They are there to encourage one another in what has been a difficult time but also a time in which we have come together to move forward and build a better Louisiana.”
Laura made landfall Aug. 27 as a Category 4 hurricane (150 mph winds) in Cameron. Then, on Oct. 9, Delta crashed ashore as a Category 2 storm (100 mph winds) in Creole, nearly 13 miles east of Cameron. And on Oct. 28, Zeta made landfall near Cocodrie as a Category 3 hurricane (110 mph winds).
Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon reported in a news release that 175,610 claims totaling $10 billion were filed from Laura, 86,043 claims totaling $870 million were filed from Deltaand 55,676 claims totaling $600 million were filed from Zeta.
The 2020 storm season was the most active ever in the state, with three hurricanes plus tropical storms Cristobal and Marco making landfall. Last year’s storm season was also the second most expensive for Louisiana behind the 2005 storm season, Donelon said.
Baker estimates more than 5,000 volunteers have worked in the area in the months following the landfall of Laura. He said teams from 23 states have come into the area and worked on more than 1,000 homes damaged by Laura and Delta in a restoration effort that likely will take years to complete.
“The recovery has been hard and it’s been really tough on a lot of families here,” Baker said. “We are thankful for the volunteer groups who have come in and for our Louisiana Baptist partners who I have nothing but praise for. They have all been exceedingly helpful and that’s been a real blessing.”
Members of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Baptist Collegiate Ministry traveled to Lake Charles to help refurbish the McNeese State University BCM building that was damaged by hurricanes in the fall. Submitted photo
Baker said that despite the challenges, the churches and various communities remain strong and will move forward united and stronger than before the storms. A community-wide service to remember the one-year anniversary of Laura is scheduled for Aug. 27 at 6 p.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center Amphitheater.
“When we’ve had so many heartbreaking stories, that’s been one very positive aspect,” Baker said. “They want to be together and be there for one another in this shared hardship. We as the body of Christ are here to shine Christ’s light and show them there is hope.”
DR WARRIORS
Shortly after Laura and Delta made landfall, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief workers sprung into action.
Stan Statham, Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief state coordinator, said 1,911 people heard a Gospel presentation from disaster relief chaplains during the two storms, 456 turned to Christ (statistics were not available for Zeta). Disaster Relief volunteers also distributed 2,860 Bibles.
Workers prepared 430,669 meals, and completed 2,390 chainsaw jobs, 259 temporary roofing jobs and 202 debris removal jobs and offered 14,073 showers offered.
Statham said he is thankful for the spiritual fruit planted by Disaster Relief volunteers.
“Whether it was a chaplain encouraging someone at the feeding line or a chainsaw crew cutting down a tree, each of our disaster relief team members had an important role and that was to share the hope of Christ at a time of desperate need,” Statham said. “The stress that came with multiple storms hitting within less than two months took a real toll on people and our teams were able to minister and encourage so many people.”
TRINITY BAPTIST LAKE CHARLES
Trinity Baptist Church in Lake Charles became a hub of ministry for hurricane survivors, disaster relief workers and law enforcement personnel after Laura and Delta devastated their community.
Southern Baptist and other disaster relief organizations joined with up to 50 Trinity Baptist members each day to use the church as a launching pad for ministry. Moreover, local law enforcement utilized the campus as a staging area, creating even greater visibility among the community.
Jerry Parmentier, children’s minister at Trinity Baptist Church in Lake Charles, hugs Gregory White after a donated generator was loaded in the back of White’s vehicle. Submitted photo
“Lake Charles dealt with COVID like everyone else did, then when you added two hurricanes, then had the freeze in February and then the floods in May, you have the makeup for a very challenging year,” Pastor Steve James said. “Our folks were up to the challenge. We have got a core of people at Trinity who helped us carry on despite any difficulties we faced.
“We were a flagship during Delta and Laura,” he continued. “What we did in the hurricanes spoke volumes for the community, saying this wasn’t a church just talking about helping, but they were doing it. It’s been a great opportunity for us to be a shining light.”
James expressed appreciation for the constant stream of supplies and monetary gifts from across the state and country that seemed to come at just the right time.
Amy Langley, a member at Trinity Baptist Church in Lake Charles, carries in baby supplies that were later distributed to residents of southwest Louisiana impacted by two hurricanes. Submitted photo
“The story that stands out to me was when somebody walked in with a box of Fix-a-Flat,” he said. “I wondered what we would do with that. It wasn’t five minutes later some guy walked in saying he needed Fix-a-Flat. That story was just one of many examples where every time someone would walk in with a need just minutes before someone else dropped off the donation to us. God knew what we would need at just the right time.
“Louisiana Baptists as a whole, too, were so helpful,” he continued. “I don’t know how many calls we had from churches and personal visits from pastors who showed up and met so many needs.”
FIRST BAPTIST LAKE CHARLES
Pastor Johnny Dammon knew God was on the verge of moving mightily at First Baptist Church in Lake Charles when the members entered into a season of prayer and fasting in late 2019.
But Dammon could not for see how God would move a year later through COVID-19 and a series of extreme weather events that would significantly damage their facilities and recast their vision from one of relocation to that of replanting.
“After Hurricanes Laura and Delta swept through our city and over our lives, I determined to humble myself before the Lord and seek Him earnestly,” Dammon said. “Catastrophes and natural disasters have a way of bringing us to our knees and on our faces before almighty God.
“The present reality is this – we have decided to replant our church, not simply relocate the meeting place,” he continued. “We are starting over. Our property is still for sale, we are still seeking the Lord for a new location, but we are actively taking steps to change our culture, our mindset, and lay a foundation for the future. I have encouraged our folks to plant a tree, whose shade we may not get to enjoy. I am asking our folks to think ahead to the future, 20 years out, 50 years out. We need to take steps now to position our church for a great future, but more than anything we need to seek the Lord in genuine humility and child-like faith.”
The congregation, which averages 120 for worship services, has met at East Ridge Baptist Church in Lake Charles on Sunday afternoons since late September.
Laura caused extensive damage to the roof and to the exterior of the church building, and six weeks later Delta came and unleashed another blast of fury, leaving the building unusable.
Dammon said the assistance from East Ridge Baptist is just one way churches and individuals from across the nation have offered encouraged through prayers, monetary donations and partnerships. He said continued support will be key as they move forward to replant their church and build for the future.
A special partnership has developed with Cross Church in northwest Arkansas, who has come alongside First Baptist Lake Charles to help equip and train them in the replanting process. Dammon said that partnership has already been a blessing as steps are now being taken to lay the groundwork for a bright future.
FIRST BAPTIST CAMERON
First Baptist Church in Cameron was left a shell of its former self after Laura and Delta made landfall and destroyed the worship center, fellowship hall and education space.
Numerous Louisiana Baptist churches in September helped members of First Baptist Church in Cameron distribute supplies and food to residents impacted by hurricanes that made landfall in the area. Submitted photo
But the church, which lost its roof and took in more than 6 feet of water, has refused to focus on its losses and instead is anticipating a bright future.
After meeting online for five months, the members in January regathered for worship services at the Cameron Parish Police Jury building. Most Sundays they have average 15-20, though on Aug. 1 28 people attended, the highest since before Laura made landfall.
Pastor Charles Hugonin said his members have remained faithful throughout COVID-19 and the hurricanes, despite some having to tune into services on a Facebook Live message.
“I have seen the perseverance of people who have lost everything, but they have an attitude of how can they build it better this time,” Hugonin said. “The church has been there 81 years and has been destroyed by a fire and multiple hurricanes. We rebuilt then and we will rebuild this time.
“Our best days are definitely ahead,” he said. “No matter what comes, I want it to be said that First Baptist was faithful, faithful to the call. We’re excited to go and see what happens.”
WESTVIEW BAPTIST CHURCH, DERIDDER
Emotions ran high for Jason Hoychick as he shared a message of encouragement June 6, the first time the congregation met in their renovated worship center since attendance restrictions forced them to meet in the Westview Baptist Church gym May 17, 2020. While they had planned to regather in the worship center in late August, those aspirations were put on hold when Laura made landfall and caused significant damage to the facility’s roof, ceiling, and electrical the nursery and seven classrooms.
When they met again in June, Hoychick said he was reminded of God’s faithfulness through Laura, a pandemic, ice storm in February and vandalism to one of the church buildings.
“I was very emotional that Sunday we were back in our building because it seemed like forever since we were last in there,” he said. “We celebrated and gave thanks for how God brought us through.”
Hoychick said he was encouraged by his members’ attitude and faithful service despite the difficult circumstances they faced. He noted that they have seen spiritual fruit sown since Laura, including 12 children among 128 who professed Christ as their Savior during Vacation Bible School in June and multiple opportunities to share the Gospel while they cleaned up yards, distributed food and supplies at their church and tarped and repaired roofs for nine weeks from August through October.
“We can’t wait to see what’s next because after all that God has brought us through and all He done for us,” he said. “He has made it abundantly clear that He is not done yet.”
FIRST BAPTIST GOLDEN MEADOW
Despite sustaining damage to its roof and losing a large tree on campus, First Baptist Church in Golden Meadow members rallied to minister in their community shortly after Zeta made landfall.
The south Louisiana congregation fed 600-1000 meals twice a week for a month, used a Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief trailer to provide hot showers and a washing machine/dryer and distributed tarps and cleaning supplies.
Pastor Matthew Chouset said many Gospel seeds were planted and doors open to share Christ with their neighbors.
“People I run into at the store still tell me thank you for what we did,” Chouset said. “They saw how we stepped up and helped so many who lost much of what they had. The church was being the church. I’m convinced this community will remember the witness of our church for a long time.”
