Weekend Service Project in Baton Rouge, La

Miranda, David, and I spent the weekend in Baton Rouge doing some post hurricane service work. Eddie Pressley, Jeremy Clark, and Michael Stegman also attended from the Perdido Ward. It was inspiring to see all of the people and equipment that was assembled to aid the members of the Church and the residents of the community. Over 400 men, women, and youth converged on the Baton Rouge Stake Center for Saturday and Sunday's cleanup effort. Over 370 separate work orders (the actual number of projects completed may be higher as this number represents those work orders that were documented via call in) were completed in the 2 days. The work consisted mainly of tree and debris removal caused by the successive storms (Fay, Gustav). As with three years ago when we went to Pascagoula, MS for a cleanup, the work was hot and strenuous, but we found the spiritual rewards and satisfaction derived from selflessly helping others was also the same. I observed many of the same folks from our Stake were back for another dose of "living water" (it is most abundantly found on such occasions as these). Conversely, the dearth of volunteers for this important effort saddened me. The reasons there were not more folks on hand are not as important as the loss of a an opportunity to bask in the spirit of service to others in one of it's pure forms. As awful as hurricanes and tropical storms are without them there would be no opportunity to fill work orders for member and non as well as canvas a neighborhood seeking to help those in need to put their lives and possessions back in order. Having been on both the giving and receiving end of this divine equation I know the joy each party receives.

An additional benefit of this particular trip was being in the vicinity of the House of the Lord in Baton Rouge (the BR Temple is on the same tract of land as the Stake Center. We pitched our tent right outside the back door of the Stake Center with the doors facing the temple (it was kind of like the crowd in King Benjamin's time). The Temple itself is in a little depression behind the Stake Center ( I'm sure if the Temple had been built first it would occupy the site of the Stake Center) the first I've seen not on a hill, BTW most of Baton Rouge seems to be lowland and fairly swampy. Fortunately most of the damage was from fallen trees and not from flooding in this case.

Two things from the weekend stand out.

1. The Sacrament Meeting on Sunday morning with all of the workers sitting shoulder to shoulder was a spiritual treat. Those in attendance at the brief meeting were clothed in the "garments of the laborer" (D&C 42:42) prepared to leave the meeting to continue the weekends service. As we sang the three songs (opening: "Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel", Sacrament: "Jesus Once of Humble Birth", & closing: "God be With You Til We Meet Again") there was a tangible bond and spirit, everyone singing with the same enthusiasm and vigor used in the labors at hand that I have felt only one other time (Pascagoula Sacrament Meeting in the gutted Pascagoula Ward Building, Hurricane Katrina cleanup Sep 05).
2. Meeting the Cannon family. The Cannons were the last family we assisted on Sunday. They had two large pecan trees (I now believe that pecan wood is every bit as hard as oak) that had been topped by the winds and had fallen into their yard and their immediate neighbors. Mr Cannon was in his yard working when I spotted him and walked over to see if we could be of assistance. They graciously accepted and the work was on! Our little group (Miranda, David, Mike S. and myself) had joined with a group from Panama City (I linked up with Jason Koertge's [Ashley Rohm Koertge's husband]. I was in the Bishopric with Ashley's dad Bernie when we lived in Panama City, Fla in 1993-4) and they were absolute WIZARDS at tricky tree removal!! I personally swore off the fence below this "widow maker" on no less than three occasions but alas due to their skill and brute strength the fence is as straight and tall as ever. The proof is here: Part 1 Part 2 part 3. After we had completed the work we were able to meet with the Cannon's son JJ who is a very special young man. I was reminded of the Gospel truth revealed in Matthew:

   But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19:14)

   JJ is in that company, I'm sure of it. It was really a great experience to help the Cannons and we were doubly blessed to be able to spend a few minutes with JJ too.

I have found a secret in the grime of storm surge, in the muck of raw sewer, in the mass of mangled debris, in the detritus of shattered dreams and diminished hopes for property preservation in a hurricane.

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (John 13:34)

One of the great manifestations (if not the greatest) of love is service (think Atonement). This is to me the "pearl" rising from the ashes of devastation. This service is the pearl I have found each time I have gone on one of these work projects and it's the primary reason I'll keep coming back, and back, and back for more!

Pics here

Videos here