An uprooted tree symbolizes the widespread destruction and displacement in the Gulf Coast region.

Messiah College alumni and students reflect on tragedy and recovery

 

This fall, Hurricane Katrina wreaked a wide path of devastation across the Gulf Coast. Many Americans watched helplessly from their living rooms as the media broadcast desperate images of their fellow citizens slogging through flooded streets of New Orleans, rooftops bobbing in murky waters, and hurricane blasts reducing Gulf Coast homes to shattered matchstick-like remains.

This year, in addition to Hurricane Katrina, the world has been troubled by a string of other natural disasters, reminding us that even in this highly sophisticated technological age, there are still tragedies against which humans have little defense. From the Asian tsunami to the tragic earthquake in Pakistan, it can be overwhelming to absorb the full implications of the destruction and loss that our brothers and sisters close

Melissa Davis ’06 sorts clothing at a distribution center in Thibodaux, LA

to home and around the globe have experienced. But as they tell their stories, we can began to put a face on the suffering, gaining a deeper sense of the homes, families, friends, livelihoods, communities, and entire ways of life that have been lost. Amidst these stories of tragedy, we have also heard stories of heroic generosity and overwhelming compassion. Joining with the survivors, we can begin to rebuild.

Reconnaissance & Disaster Relief Team

Dr. Marti Byers – Faculty (Assistant Professor of Nursing, focus-Psychiatric Nursing)                                                                                    

Dr. John Bechtold – Faculty (Professor of Psychology, multiple mission team and cross-cultural experience)     

Deb Poplaski – Staff (Assistant to the Dean of the School of Health and Natural Sciences, personal ties to the area)                                   

Dr. Wanda Thuma-McDermond  - Faculty (Assistant Professor of Nursing)                                                                                                    

Melissa Davis – Student (Senior Psychology major, Agency Coordinator for Service Trips, President of International Justice Mission)                                                                                                

Daniel Robles – Student (Junior Politics major, SGA Vice President, Hurricane Katrina Relief committee member)                                    

Tom Oostdyke – Student (Senior Christian Leadership in Business and Missions major, has participated in and led multiple Service Trips break trips)

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