Thanks for this. Heard similar stories for those who went from surrounding stakes to help after the Joplin Missouri tornado. And the stories of the Missionaries of the New York City South Mission who helped after Hurricane Sandy. There are common threads in all these experiences. In the midst of affliction there are good people who are overwhelmed, and other good people who come to help. And blessings both for the victims and the volunteers.
Thanks again for this report.
jael rueschSeptember 6, 2016
I had the privilege of taking many many calls from people requesting help. This was through the Crisis Cleanup hotline for the Louisiana Flood. I was so touched by the stories of those calling in, who had lost everything. One man, who didn't know I was LDS raved about these "church people", who came by for three hours, worked with astonishing speed and thoroughness to gut the home, then told the man they were not accepting any reward or money, even a few bucks to buy lunch. They said they were simply happy to be of service. It was wonderful to hear this and other stories of thousands of helpers coming to the aid of these precious people.
Bob WellsSeptember 6, 2016
Thank you for sharing that story. It is very similar to what we experienced. The stakes in Houston, TX also sent people for the last two weekends. I went both times. This past Sunday, Elder Russell M Nelson and other general authorities visited a Sacrament meeting in Baton Rouge where our people attended. He gave an apostolic blessing to all those who had come to help, including blessings of more peace and joy in their families. Wow! The work was hard, hot and wet. But the appreciation and camaraderie were incomparable. Thanks again for telling your experience so thoroughly. It resonated.
Patti HouseholderSeptember 5, 2016
I loved your first hand account! I lived in Baton Rouge 12 years and was in the Denham Springs Stake building when the Baton Rouge Temple was dedicated. The long Labor Day weekend - a large group from the Columbus GA Stake, including my ward - Auburn Ward (Auburn AL), have been posting the pictures of their service to this devastated area, exemplified what the Savior taught about LOVING and SERVING others! For those who may not be able to go and help should consider donating to the LDS church, Humanitarian Fund - at least you know ALL the money goes to those in need. I love this gospel and the members who serve one another whether you are LDS or not!
Charletta BellSeptember 5, 2016
This is a wonderfully well written which is wish everyone could read. I have a daughter and son-in-law in Tennessee whose church members also sent to help In Louisiana. I have experience three major earthquakes in California and our damage was similar to this but only in a small portion. I appreciate this writer taking the time to write in detail, and Meridian Magazine posting this experience. Such a tremendous outpouring of caring help with no thought of monetary compensation. Nothing more to add because the article says it all. May heaven's blessings be sent to those who are experiencing this terrible trauma and to those who have opened their hearts to help. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is always there.
Robert StarlingSeptember 5, 2016
Thanks Carolyn for documenting and sharing your experience of service. I had a similar opportunity several years ago when I joined other members of the Columbus Georgia Stake in helping clear fallen trees from residential yards after a tornado hit near Birmingham, Alabama. One of the fellows said it was the first time he'd used his chain saw on a Sunday. I still treasure my yellow T-shirt!
Barry BurtonSeptember 5, 2016
I just returned last night back to Little Rock from my second weekend at the Zachary Ward building. I was there when you were, and attended the earlier sacrament meeting. It was full to overflowing, and I was amazed as I walked out that there were still so many people waiting for the second meeting.
We had the added pleasure of a Saturday night devotional this past weekend presided over by Elder Maines of the Seventy, and heard special testimonies from three stake presidents that had also come to help.
One thing that was mentioned that I found very true was that both those helping and those receiving help had the same reaction - smiles and tears of joy as we worked and served together.
Being a "veteran" of many calls to service dating back to Katrina, I can recommend that if you ever have the chance to serve as a Mormon Helping Hands volunteer, take advantage of the opportunity. Those who serve are strengthened and edified as much as those who receive the help.
And thank you, Bro. Andy Sis. Lindsey Maas for directing and organizing the work efforts so well at the Zachary Ward building! And Sis. Fuller for the much appreciated food in the parking lot (second weekend)!
Blu LoonySeptember 5, 2016
I somehow always find myself simply enjoying the hospitality, kindness, debates, and friendships freely given by LDS members. I have many stories about why we all should aspire to live our lives like the LDS. I'm not sure if the desire to see others happy is innate or nurtured but I have witness true kindness from many LDS in my community. I have lived in the Great Northwest for over a decade and I have new incite about how a community should treat one another. I'm not advocating for the LDS faith but I am encouraging everyone to experience the LDS community. I am confident in my belief that the LDS is a pillar of any community they reside in. I'm a Baptist by birth, Methodist by intellect, and LDS by association. I guess my religious faith is not something I want to push onto the LDS nor have they force theirs on me. True Interfaith friendships are uneventful in my community, we just love the person.
Thank you LDS community for embracing my family,
Blu Loony
Harold RustSeptember 5, 2016
Wow! So inspiring. Something I should read whenever someone asks for a little help.
Comments | Return to Story
hollandparkSeptember 8, 2016
Thanks for this. Heard similar stories for those who went from surrounding stakes to help after the Joplin Missouri tornado. And the stories of the Missionaries of the New York City South Mission who helped after Hurricane Sandy. There are common threads in all these experiences. In the midst of affliction there are good people who are overwhelmed, and other good people who come to help. And blessings both for the victims and the volunteers. Thanks again for this report.
jael rueschSeptember 6, 2016
I had the privilege of taking many many calls from people requesting help. This was through the Crisis Cleanup hotline for the Louisiana Flood. I was so touched by the stories of those calling in, who had lost everything. One man, who didn't know I was LDS raved about these "church people", who came by for three hours, worked with astonishing speed and thoroughness to gut the home, then told the man they were not accepting any reward or money, even a few bucks to buy lunch. They said they were simply happy to be of service. It was wonderful to hear this and other stories of thousands of helpers coming to the aid of these precious people.
Bob WellsSeptember 6, 2016
Thank you for sharing that story. It is very similar to what we experienced. The stakes in Houston, TX also sent people for the last two weekends. I went both times. This past Sunday, Elder Russell M Nelson and other general authorities visited a Sacrament meeting in Baton Rouge where our people attended. He gave an apostolic blessing to all those who had come to help, including blessings of more peace and joy in their families. Wow! The work was hard, hot and wet. But the appreciation and camaraderie were incomparable. Thanks again for telling your experience so thoroughly. It resonated.
Patti HouseholderSeptember 5, 2016
I loved your first hand account! I lived in Baton Rouge 12 years and was in the Denham Springs Stake building when the Baton Rouge Temple was dedicated. The long Labor Day weekend - a large group from the Columbus GA Stake, including my ward - Auburn Ward (Auburn AL), have been posting the pictures of their service to this devastated area, exemplified what the Savior taught about LOVING and SERVING others! For those who may not be able to go and help should consider donating to the LDS church, Humanitarian Fund - at least you know ALL the money goes to those in need. I love this gospel and the members who serve one another whether you are LDS or not!
Charletta BellSeptember 5, 2016
This is a wonderfully well written which is wish everyone could read. I have a daughter and son-in-law in Tennessee whose church members also sent to help In Louisiana. I have experience three major earthquakes in California and our damage was similar to this but only in a small portion. I appreciate this writer taking the time to write in detail, and Meridian Magazine posting this experience. Such a tremendous outpouring of caring help with no thought of monetary compensation. Nothing more to add because the article says it all. May heaven's blessings be sent to those who are experiencing this terrible trauma and to those who have opened their hearts to help. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is always there.
Robert StarlingSeptember 5, 2016
Thanks Carolyn for documenting and sharing your experience of service. I had a similar opportunity several years ago when I joined other members of the Columbus Georgia Stake in helping clear fallen trees from residential yards after a tornado hit near Birmingham, Alabama. One of the fellows said it was the first time he'd used his chain saw on a Sunday. I still treasure my yellow T-shirt!
Barry BurtonSeptember 5, 2016
I just returned last night back to Little Rock from my second weekend at the Zachary Ward building. I was there when you were, and attended the earlier sacrament meeting. It was full to overflowing, and I was amazed as I walked out that there were still so many people waiting for the second meeting. We had the added pleasure of a Saturday night devotional this past weekend presided over by Elder Maines of the Seventy, and heard special testimonies from three stake presidents that had also come to help. One thing that was mentioned that I found very true was that both those helping and those receiving help had the same reaction - smiles and tears of joy as we worked and served together. Being a "veteran" of many calls to service dating back to Katrina, I can recommend that if you ever have the chance to serve as a Mormon Helping Hands volunteer, take advantage of the opportunity. Those who serve are strengthened and edified as much as those who receive the help. And thank you, Bro. Andy Sis. Lindsey Maas for directing and organizing the work efforts so well at the Zachary Ward building! And Sis. Fuller for the much appreciated food in the parking lot (second weekend)!
Blu LoonySeptember 5, 2016
I somehow always find myself simply enjoying the hospitality, kindness, debates, and friendships freely given by LDS members. I have many stories about why we all should aspire to live our lives like the LDS. I'm not sure if the desire to see others happy is innate or nurtured but I have witness true kindness from many LDS in my community. I have lived in the Great Northwest for over a decade and I have new incite about how a community should treat one another. I'm not advocating for the LDS faith but I am encouraging everyone to experience the LDS community. I am confident in my belief that the LDS is a pillar of any community they reside in. I'm a Baptist by birth, Methodist by intellect, and LDS by association. I guess my religious faith is not something I want to push onto the LDS nor have they force theirs on me. True Interfaith friendships are uneventful in my community, we just love the person. Thank you LDS community for embracing my family, Blu Loony
Harold RustSeptember 5, 2016
Wow! So inspiring. Something I should read whenever someone asks for a little help.
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