We would like to begin by thanking all those involved with the work in Bay St. Louis during the month of August, 2006. We set out to “finish well” and with the help of many of God’s kids, this became a reality. Twelve months after Katrina, we saw Jesus continue to build His church.

Outside of some minor upgrades, the new property is fully functional for church services on Sunday morning and Wednesday evening (thanks to the help of many churches including City Calvary Chapel in Seattle, CC Placerville, CC Montebello and CC La Habra). The baseball field is empty, so all future teams and outreaches will be done through the property at 105 Reese St., Bay St. Louis, MS. 

On Wednesday, August 23^rd 2006, we hosted a banquet dinner commemorating what God had done over the past 12 months. It was well attended by over 100 people from the community. As various people from the community and pastors addressed the congregation and guests, we all got to listen to and reflect on how Jesus has touched and changed the hearts of so many in Southern Mississippi. Pastor Lance Cook shared how Jesus wants to continue changing lives. How does He want to continue doing that? Through those that now take ownership in the work. The few that have said “yes” to Jesus can reach the many of Bay St. Louis.

 On this night pastor Lance and the other senior pastors in attendance (Rod Carver from CC Corpus Christi, Chris McCarrick from Cornerstone Calvary Chapel and Paul Hammontree from CC Baton Rouge) brought Frank & Teri Griffin up front and laid hands on them and prayed God would empower them and guide them in the service of shepherding the flock. It was clear to everyone in attendance that God had separated them for that work. They are both very excited about this step of faith and this next season of their life.

 The church in Bay St. Louis will continue to host teams coming in for relief work and outreaches on the last week of each month. This will be a great opportunity not only to reach out to the community, but to strengthen the church that is there. Teams can continue to register with us online. If you have any questions, you can contact Scott Crawford at scott@calvarylahabra.org.

 We also see God clearly organizing a relief ministry through this endeavor. We brought back to California a number of the vehicles and trailers to prepare for the next disaster God leads us to. As the vehicles caravanned across the country, many honked and waved in appreciation. We are in the process of cleaning up the vehicles and repacking the trailers so that we can be as ready as we can be for the future.

 We are grateful to serve the Lord in these ways and we look forward to God revealing more and more of His plan to reach the lost.

 Blessings,

Calvary Chapel Relief Team