The following article appeared recently in the Warsaw (IN) Times-Union newspaper:
Four staff members from the Grace College and Seminary, along with the husband of another staff member, traveled to Shreveport, La, Friday to begin a 10-day volunteer mission.
The five and other volunteers from the area have joined Grace alumnus Dan O’Deens (MA ‘95), who in addition to being pastor of the Gateway Grace Community Church in Parkesburg, Pennsylvania, is helping to coordinate volunteer efforts in northwest Louisiana.
Grace College and Seminary has provided the opportunity for campus managers to have release time with pay to volunteer in the relief efforts in the Shreveport area, and will provide for ongoing opportunities as may be needed.
Volunteers from Grace College and Seminary are Tom Caron, Paul DeRenzo, Scott Sharik, and Jon Yeh, all Grace College and Seminary employees, and Jim Robinson, husband of Grace employee Tammie Robinson.
In addition, John Boal from Grace College and Seminary, arrived in the Shreveport area Sept. 8 to help assess areas of involvement which most urgently need volunteer assistance. This paves the way for more volunteers from Grace College and Seminary in the weeks to come.
The groups are requesting prayer support as they minister in the stricken areas.
They specifically ask for prayer to be able to manage wisely, diligently, and with sensitivity; physical and emotional strength and endurance; comfort for the hurting and provision of their many needs; opportunities to share about the Savior; grace and care for their own families while they are gone; and that through the recovery God would be glorified.
Grace College and Seminary will provide updates on the group’s activities on its Web site, www.grace.edu. News of the volunteer effort also is available at www.fgbc.org/katrina.