UPDATE September 07

I want to give you latest information on our relief and recovery efforts for those affected by Hurricane Katrina. You can go to www.foursquare.org and on the left side of the page you can sign up for the FNS (Foursquare News Service) that should be updated soon and this sign up will generate an email to you once our denomination has new information to report.
I received several emails from pastors with large churches who have either been to the devestated areas and or sent assessment teams in. First, FEMA is telling them that the infrastructure in the area is not yet strong enough to handle sorting through donations of clothing and other items; therefore their greatest need is Wal-Mart gift cards. Wal-Mart stores are open across the region, and gift cards will enable people to get what they need without requiring the government's involvement. So if you are able to, go down to Wal-Mart and buy gift cards in any amount and bring them this Sunday to LFC and we will send them to people in need through our Foursquare efforts in the region.
Second, you can contribute to Foursquare Relief Fund which is going directly to churches in the surrounding areas which are helping families recover.
Third, if you would like to support direct rescue and rebuilding efforts, we recommend that you give to The Salvation Army or to World Relief, Habitat for Humanity or American Red Cross.
Last, some of you have expressed interest in being part of a short-term team to volunteer in the rebuilding and recovery effort. While some large churches have been allowed to send teams of skilled workers into the region - we are being asked not to do so. As soon as I know of teams being allowed in through Foursquare efforts or other organizations we will let you know. I can say that there will be extensive paperwork as well as the assurance that each person has certain and necessary vaccines prior to going. In the meantime it is best to pray, intercede and give as we serve the people whose lives have been turned upside-down by this disaster.
Thank you all for being so generous and for continuing to keep this situation in prayer.
I love being your pastor,
Pastor Bernie