Face To Face: Praying with the 2007 CWS Calendar

STARTING OVER
For people living in New Orleans, Katrina is a name they’ll never forget. On August 29, 2005, the hurricane's waters destroyed thousands of houses, including 80-year-old Geneva Chandler’s small, pleasant home in the Upper Ninth Ward. Everything she owned was in that house, but overnight, Mrs. Chandler became one of the tens of thousands of hurricane survivors scattered across the U.S.

Rushing to lend support, CWS used techniques it has developed in its long history of support for disaster victims -- providing blankets and health supplies -- as well as helping the displaced sort out the host of disaster relief programs, find jobs, health care, affordable housing, schooling for their kids. And now CWS is involved with long-term recovery. Geneva’s son Warren (above) is helping his mother, making the trip down from his home in Atlanta to work on repairing her house. “Mom came from New Orleans, this is the only city she had ever known, till the storm,” Warren says. “But I’m confident that everyone’s efforts will bring the city back.”

“Mom is worried that when she comes back, the neighborhood will be different.”

Warren Chandler, son of Katrina survivor Geneva Chandler

Fact of Life:
Number of people directly affected by Hurricane Katrina: Over one million

Estimated damage to Mississippi-Louisiana Gulf Coast: $75 billion

	STARTING OVER For people living in New Orleans, Katrina is a name they’ll never forget. On August 29, 2005, the hurricane's waters destroyed thousands of houses, including 80-year-old Geneva Chandler’s small, pleasant home in the Upper Ninth Ward. Everything she owned was in that house, but overnight, Mrs. Chandler became one of the tens of thousands of hurricane survivors scattered across the U.S. Rushing to lend support, CWS used techniques it has developed in its long history of support for disaster victims -- providing blankets and health supplies -- as well as helping the displaced sort out the host of disaster relief programs, find jobs, health care, affordable housing, schooling for their kids. And now CWS is involved with long-term recovery. Geneva’s son Warren (above) is helping his mother, making the trip down from his home in Atlanta to work on repairing her house. “Mom came from New Orleans, this is the only city she had ever known, till the storm,” Warren says. “But I’m confident that everyone’s efforts will bring the city back.” “Mom is worried that when she comes back, the neighborhood will be different.” Warren Chandler, son of Katrina survivor Geneva Chandler Fact of Life: Number of people directly affected by Hurricane Katrina: Over one million Estimated damage to Mississippi-Louisiana Gulf Coast: $75 billion
	Imagine what it would be like to lose your home and possessions overnight. Where would you turn for help in such a severe situation? What is your prayer for Ms. Chandler and the people of New Orleans?
	You shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in . Is. 57:12
	Holy God, bless and confirm my commitment to join with others in a deepened spiritual discipline of compassion. Help me to serve my brothers and sisters affected by disasters, both nearby and far away. Fill me with the urgency to aid those devastated by Hurricane Katrina, but instill in me a commitment to serve all affected by natural/human disaster. May our collective effort sustain a long-term commitment to relief, recovery and rehabilitation. AMEN. Adapted from the concluding prayer, “Hope Shall Bloom” Covenant of Compassion, UCC
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