September 1, 2008

Friends,

We are safe in Atlanta. Everyone in our church got too out, we think. Horrible the thought of possibly losing everything, most of all the city, neighborhood, and church we love so much.  Keep praying. 

We don’t have internet where we are staying except through my iPhone. I will keep posting updates on my wall on Facebook for those of you that have access to that. 

Mostly we need to wait a day or so to see what Gustav does to NOLA. Some of you may want to send your most skilled people next week to help us rebuild if needed. Church has lots of housing and tools and has been doing this for almost three years now, so we are set up for it. Lack of power may be a delay, though. Also may be needing some diaconal funds to help the victims. Again, no idea yet though. 

The city and state did a FANTASTIC job of evacuating people, picking up trash, taking down dead trees, communicating clearly and frequently, activating national guard and extra helpers, etc. Now it’s all about whether the Army Corp’s work holds up. (Sadly after three years they only spent $2 billion of the $12.8 billion they were budgeted, thus completing less than 20% of the levee improvements they were asked to make. The city and state learned their lessons much better than the Corps did, or just care more). 

This world, for all its beauty and wonder, is such a deeply broken place. Not the way it is supposed to be. What a comfort to know God is at work renewing it and one day will complete the job.Ray

P.S.  A friend from Decatur GA wrote a poem about his mission trip with us. Performed it at All Souls Church and its on YouTube. 

Ray Canata