TheChapelNet

Update on Aftermath of Hurricane Gustav

During the last week we have all been challenged in ways we did not anticipate. We had prepared ourselves to assist. Instead we discovered we needed assistance. If, as Ray Nagin explained, New Orleans dodged a bullet, we might conclude Baton Rouge took it. Immediately following the storm 90% of East Baton Rouge Parish was without electric power. Several surrounding parishes were 100% without power. Even at this date, a week following the storm, power has been restored to only a little over 50% of the parish.

Giant trees toppled, exposing their roots and pulling up underground lines. Other trees snapped off 30 feet or more in the air and came crashing to the ground. They crushed cars, punctured roofs, destroyed chimneys and cut homes in half. Wherever they fell, they brought down power and communication lines.

Communication was a significant challenge. Staff members discovered that text messaging (a method that favored the young and the nimble-fingered) was the most reliable means of communication. Of course, finding a way to keep cell phones charged added a burden to people already struggling to find water, ice and gas for generators in a city where stores were closed.

Through the means of text messages, the staff rallied at the Campus on Wednesday following the storm and began to assess the situation and how we could help members of our body and others in the community. Without landlines or internet, the easiest method was to establish an 8:30 meeting each morning. There the list of needs could be addressed. Some groups with chain saws helped people clean up their yards. Others moved furniture and curriculum from damaged classe and cleared out and disinfected refrigerators at both locations. The College Ministry proved to be a real blessing as the students tackled difficult jobs with energy and a willing spirit.

Here is the update of what we as a church have done, what we have suffered and where we need to go from here.

Current Information (as of Monday, September 8)

• The Chapel on the Campus sustained significant damage to the educational facilities and remains without electricity.

  • There is roof damage to the two story education building. Ceiling tiles on both floors were soaked and caved in. Water also soaked the sheetrock on the entire outer wall facing the lake. The removal of all cabinetry and walls has begun.

  • Reconstruction of this part of the facility means the displacement of all nursery through high school classes to undamaged areas of the church. Adult classes have been suspended for the duration of the process. If the Campus location has electric power by September 14,  infants through teens will meet in their new locations. New room numbers will be posted on the web and at the doors Sunday.

  • The temporary displacement of nursery and childcare facilities may cause some adjustments to mid-week programming. Please watch for further announcements as to the new start dates for moms.com, Convesational English classes and other groups that use child care.

  • Because the Chapel server is housed at the Campus location, the loss of electricity means that personnel at both locations are limited in their ability to access files and email contact lists. Please be patient as we do our best to communicate through text messages and via the website.

  • With the aid of generators and fans, worship services were held this Sunday, September 7. Infants through adults worshiped together, prayed together, listened as Kevin McKee shared encouragement from God's Word and shared thier stories with each other

• The Chapel in the Oaks suffered serious damage to the roof in the sanctuary, but the facility regained electricity on Saturday.

  • Two large holes in the roof over the sanctuary allowed the rain to soak the carpeting. The roof has been covered with tarps and professional crews have begun to asses the damage and address restoration. 

  • Although neither the sanctuary nor the gym could be used for a service, Dennis Eenigenburg and other staff met with families who came to church to meet with others, share their burdens, ask for help and pray together.

  • No electricity? Looking for a place to cool off or check email? The coffee shop at The Chapel in the Oaks has electricity, air conditioning and wireless internet. You are invited to come by during office hours, 8:30-4:30, and enjoy a change of pace. Bring your laptop or bring a DVD for the kids. (Staff members will be glad to assist.) 

Current Schedule

• Women in the Marketplace began Tuesday, September 16.
• moms.com begins Thursday, September 18.
• Seasons Bible Study begins September 19
• Men's Fraternity begins September 19 (Campus location)
• WAM for Kids begins Sunday, September 21.
• YMAD (Youth Music and Drama) meets Sunday, September 21.

Want to Help?

• Monetary contributions will help us help the people in our body. We are setting up a special account for donations designated to assisting those in need because of Gustav. Please call Tommy Ray at 225.387.4416 for information.

Notify Us of Your Needs

If you have a personal hurricane related need or know of needs within community, please come to the parking lot at The Chapel on the Campus at 8:30 am during the week. A staff member will be there to meet with you. The church will meet needs as we are able.

• Financial assistance. We know many families are caught with a cash shortfall with immediate expenses. Even those with insurance have to wait for adjusters and reimbursements. We would like to know of your need and help you find ways to get you over the hurdle. Financial needs are always handled with the strictest confidence.
• Financial counseling. Members of the Crown Financial team have offered to meet with people to help them determine the wisest course of action.
• Yard clean up and limited tree clean up. (We are not equipped to do the work of professionals but can help with smaller projects.)
• Stress or anxiety. We may be able to refer you to a professional. We will definitely hear your story and pray with you.
• No electricity. Many in our Chapel family have offered their laundry facilities, a hot meal, a cool place to sleep or just a friendly home for a respite and a recharge.

How We Have Served as a Church

• The Chapel is currently housing members of a work crew from Samaritan's Purse at the Oaks location.
• The Chapel housed members of a nursing home in the gym at the Oaks location. This included patients, nursing home staff and the families of staff who evacuated with them. Members of the Chapel helped set up and visited with patients, assisting nursing home staff as needed.
• At the request of the LSU police The Chapel on the Campus served as a temporary shelter for evacuees on Sunday night. Chapel members stayed with them through the night, setting up cots, providing coffee and transporting them to the Oaks facility on Monday morning before the storm hit.
• Volunteers have assisted Treasure Kingdom and Youth Ministry in clearing out storm damaged rooms and moving furniture to new locations.
• Volunteers with chain saws have helped families and college students remove trees from roofs and clean up yards.
• Staff and volunteers have tried to make contact with and verify the safety of widows and the elderly in the congregation.

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