Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We are leaving this Sat. afternoon to take water, food, personal hygiene items, paper products and other items of necessity to the victims of Katrina. We were going to New Orleans, however because of the amount of devastation there, we're not getting clearance to go into that area. After some checking we decided to go to Shreveport, La. instead. We have made contact with pastors there who are working with some from New Orleans. Our plan right now is to deliver the above mentioned items, pass them out, provide some items for the shelters operating there, and minister the Word to those who are affected by this event. The pastors advised that they are in great need of tooth brushes, tooth paste, soap, mouth wash, clothing, bedding, portable beds, (air mattresses, etc.), school supplies, towels, wash cloths, first aid items, underclothing, femenine products.

A large number of the students from Dillard University are being housed by the churches that we are working with. They are trying to raise money to send these young people on to their homes, as their school will probably not reopen again, at least this semester, if at all this year. Some other state schools are opening their doors to students who attended the affected schools, as this
appears to be across the board at all levels. We (our church) is going to try to get a head count of those living in the St. Louis area and we will probably send a van to bring them back into the area.

We are renting a 24 foot truck to make the delivery, and we will try to start loading Friday morning, and try to continue collecting items until it full, then put the rest of the items in storage. We will again take another truck load in about a month to help replenish depleted supplies in Shreveport.

If anyone would like to assist in this much needed ministry, you are welcome to go with us, as it appears that we will rent a 15 passenger van for those accompanying us.

As you are aware gas has taken a 54 cent per gallon increase in the St. Louis area and along the I-55 corridor (which we will mostly travel to destination). This is a one day hike. Many of you have experienced the same thing. If you can't go but would still like to help get needed assistance to the victims, you can send a check, money order, money gram, or Western Union, for what ever amount that God lays on your heart to give. ALL OF THE MONIES RECEIVED WILL BE USED TO PURCHASE THE AFOREMENTIONED ITEMS, TRUCK AND VAN RENTAL, AND FUEL THERE AND BACK. Our church is a 501 3 C certified and all contributions are fully tax deductible.

Anyone living in or near the St. Louis area, and collect things through your church, family or neighborhood can drop them off at our church. The contact information is listed below. I regret that we will not be able to pick up things, due to the short amount of time that we have to conduct this mission it leaves us no time to pick up. When we take the 2nd load we will have time to pick up items from those wishing to participate.

This trip we are limited in the amount of time we have. We take several missionary trips each year and St. Phillips Baptist Church of Trenton, New Jersey partners with us in these efforts and some of them are flying into St. Louis and we will drive from here, there and back. Most of us don't have any extra time that we can take off from jobs, as we use all of our time for missionary trips, so everyone has to be back to work on Tuesday morning and I have to be back on Wednesday morning. That is the reason for the rush.

The pastors that we will be working with is: Pastor Joe Gant, Calvary Baptist Church, 5823 Ledbetter Street, Shervepost, La, 71108, phone 318-636-4930, Sister Shirley Stewart is assisting Pastor Gant in this effort, and Pastor Harry Blake, New Caanan Baptist Church,1666 Alston, Shreveport, La, 71103 church phone 318-227-9993, as they are spearheading what some of the churches are doing. It is to be noted that Dr. Blake is out of town today because of a death in his family, however, Sister Monica Mickle is directing the effort from the church for Dr. Blake until he returns.As you are aware Shreveport was one of the 1st cites where persons were evacuated to, and persons are still being taken there. They will be setting up a tent city in a few days to accomadate displaced persons and families.

Again if anyone would like to go you are welcome. If you can't go and would like to assist in this ministry, please send a contribution as mentioned earlier. If you can't go, cannot send a contribution, please continue to pray for all those affected, and pray for us as we go to deliver the Word and provide a ministry of service to those affected.

Thanks for any consideration given this request.

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Nelson Grayson
Minister of Out Reach
Baptist Church Of The Holy Communion
7515 Melrose Avenue
University City, Missouri, 63130
314-725-4613 Church Phone M-F 1:00 PM-5:00 PM
314-725-4693 Fax
314-367-6615 Home
314-393-4605 Cell


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