Yesterday–Friday–I had three contacts from our people in the offices of the Louisiana Baptist Convention in Alexandria asking if any of our churches suffered and if any pastor/staffer needs their assistance. Pretty great of them to do that.

We’ve not checked with all the churches and pastors, but so far the news is mixed. The churches we anticipated being hit the hardest–Port Sulphur Baptist Church way downriver in Plaquemines Parish, for instance–came through just fine, as did Poydras Baptist Church and FBC Chalmette in St. Bernard Parish. So, I was starting to feel great, and then….

I’m on my way out of the city, driving to the Tupelo, Mississippi, area for the revival at FBC Fulton. Since my home computer is down, I ran by the associational offices to check my email. A friend at FBC Kenner wrote, “I’m sure you already know this, but Memorial Baptist Church in Metairie lost their roof again.”

Oh no. Not that.

Memorial lost their sanctuary roof from Katrina and received massive water damage inside the worship center and office area. Just a few weeks ago, the renovation was completed and we had the rededication of the loveliest “new” building. And now, here they go again.

My friend said Pastor Jackie Gestes had only recently moved his pastoral library into the office at the church. And now, he’s lost that. The friend says the church’s pews had been dragged outside on the lawn.

Life hands us lessons we thought we had learned sufficiently, and then we have to learn them all over again, sometimes.

Please pray for Memorial and Pastor Jackie Gestes. We’ll learn more and post an update here.

Freddie Arnold is working with the disaster relief “feeding unit” at Livingston, LA, and tells me they need more volunteers. Freddie’s cell phone number is 504 450 0139, if you’re interested in volunteering.