Support for Named Disaster: 2010 Oil Spill Gulf of Mexico available at Mennonite Disaster Service - MDS - HQ Office

MDS distributes Cards in Louisiana

Last month, MDS invited people to send personal cards to residents of the Gulf Coast affected by the oil spill, giving them a word of encouragement.

MDS received approximately 200 cards that were forwarded to Diamond, La., and distributed to residents. Mike Wilson, MDS Project Director in Diamond, reports that the cards were well received, bringing tears to the eyes of many residents.

Cards were distributed last Sunday during the morning worship service at Port Sulphur Baptist Church, in Louisiana. The service lasted two hours with approximately 40 people. People came forward, took a card, and went home to pray for those who sent them. “It was a moving experience,” said Wilson. “It was a good experience to hear from other folks who were concerned about their well being.” He gave one woman from the congregation the cards written by children. Before she could open them, she began to cry, seeing the children’s handwriting. Wilson delivered the morning message about the story of the Good Samaritan.

“We are all neighbors with these people no matter where we live. We, like the Samaritan, must have the compassion necessary to respond to the needs of others,” said Wilson. More cards with words of encouragement are needed for Plaquemines Parish. Wilson is asking people to “please continue writing so more people will be encouraged.”

For those interested in sending a personal card to residents in the Gulf Coast, please address your card to “Gulf Coast Residents.” After you write your card, please send it directly to the MDS Akron office in Pennsylvania. Once your card is received, it will be delivered to individuals in communities along the Gulf who are directly impacted by the oil spill.

Please mail your card to:

Mennonite Disaster Service

Care and Prayer Cards

1018 Main St

Akron, PA 17501

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