Four years ago today, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast. Having lived in Gulfport, MS from 1991-1999, we still had many friends and loved ones there. For reasons only known to the national news media, New Orleans received virtually all of the press coverage, but the destruction was felt throughout the region. Especially hard hit was the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Cities like Long Beach and Pass Christian were practically wiped off the map. While Katrina might be far from most of our minds, many Gulf Coast residents are reminded daily of its destruction as they move in and out of temporary facilities that still serve as local homes and businesses. Pass Christian’s website describes city operations today:
Time moves on. Four years have passed. In our age of instant headlines and 24-hour news cycles, our memories are short. This anniversary should not serve as a time to feel sorry for Mississippi and Louisiana Gulf Coast residents. They are moving forward. They are living life and rebuilding. The aftermath of the hurricane provided unprecedented opportunities for spreading the Gospel and providing Christian compassion and service. We who were not directly touched by Katrina should not feel pity for those who were. Instead, we should use this anniversary as an opportunity to remember to pray for them. Praise God for the pockets of revival He has brought as a result and humble ourselves before Him.
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.—William Cowper
Today, most of the City's operations are based out of temporary facilities located at the corner of Fleitas and Second Street just one block off the beach, behind War Memorial Park. Most office hours are from 8 AM to 4 PM. The City Hall trailer houses the Mayor, Comptroller and General Administration staff. Directly behind city hall to the west is the Municipal Court trailer. North of the City Hall trailer is the building codes department. The police department is located in two trailers at the far west side of the temporary site.
Time moves on. Four years have passed. In our age of instant headlines and 24-hour news cycles, our memories are short. This anniversary should not serve as a time to feel sorry for Mississippi and Louisiana Gulf Coast residents. They are moving forward. They are living life and rebuilding. The aftermath of the hurricane provided unprecedented opportunities for spreading the Gospel and providing Christian compassion and service. We who were not directly touched by Katrina should not feel pity for those who were. Instead, we should use this anniversary as an opportunity to remember to pray for them. Praise God for the pockets of revival He has brought as a result and humble ourselves before Him.God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.—William Cowper
(Thanks Lynn for the pictures you took just days after the hurricane--including your flowers!)
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