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The Rev. Cathi Bencken ~ Camp Coast Care, MS

My husband Charlie and I have been volunteers at Camp Coast Care in Long Beach, MS since October, missioners of St. Paul’s, Lewiston and the Diocese of Western New York. We live in our motorhome at the camp.

During our months here, it has been a joy to meet volunteers from all over the country who give their time and energy to make a difference for residents of the Gulf Coast who lost their homes in Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Volunteers we’ve met have included two teams from St. Paul’s, Lewiston and an individual from St. James, Batavia. This past week, we had volunteers from Trinity Lutheran, Mason City IA; Old Donation
Parish, Virginia Beach VA; and Bruton Parish, Williamsburg VA. We’ve also had an Americorps team of twelve young adults for the past seven weeks.

To date Camp Coast Care, largely funded by Episcopal Relief and Development, has been able to provide homes made possible by volunteer labor for nearly 400 families. On March 28, home blessings took place in Pass Christian for the Daniels, Jeff ries and Baker families. These particular homes were among the “sweet sixteen” project, a partnership between Camp Coast Care and Mennonite Disaster Services. While most projects involve rehabilitating existing structures, the “sweet sixteen” homes were new builds constructed since December on the families’ properties.

The need here continues, and we pray you will continue to support the people of the Gulf coast who are still struggling to rebuild their homes and their lives.

 
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Join the Mission Team

Mission trips to Camp Coast Care undertaken last year by St. Paul’s, Lewiston, made such a powerful impression on the entire congregation, that they have decided to plan another. The tentative dates are November 30 through December 6 of this year.

Instead of driving, plans for this year’s trip call for flying so that more of the time away can be spent actually working to help rebuild the Gulf Coast. Initial estimate of the cost of the trip per person, including airfare, food & lodging at the camp and ground transportation is just under $500. To estimate costs accurately, however, it is necessary for folks to commit to making the mission trip now.

St. Paul’s missioners (currently numbering six) invite others from around the diocese to join them. Please call the Rev. Susan Keppy at 716-754-4591 if interested.