Hurricane Katrina-Churches Back And On Their Mission

Rev. Fred Luter, pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in east New Orleans, and Rev. Calvin W. Woods Jr., pastor of Greater Liberty Baptist Church in New Orleans, were both pastoring when Hurricane Katrina flooded their churches.

The massive flood created an exodus of biblical proportions from New Orleans. People scattered across the country. Since then, some are returning and rebuilding.

Franklin Avenue Baptist held services for two-and-a-half years at First Baptist Church of New Orleans, which had not been flooded in the storm. Luter's predominantly black congregation made many friends during its time sharing facilities with the predominantly white First Baptist. "It was a good testimony," Luter says. "A lot of good came out of it."

Before the hurricane, Franklin Avenue Baptist had 7,000 members attending three Sunday services. Attendance is back up to 3,500 at two services now, Luter says. The church moved back to its restored worship facility in April 2008.

Greater Liberty at 1230 Desire St. in the Upper Ninth Ward, was four to five feet deep in water after the hurricane. "We've been back and going strong," Woods says.

Before the hurricane, Greater Liberty had 600 to 800 members attending in two Sunday services. Now there's one service, with about 300 to 400 people.

"God has blessed us to recover and impact our community," Woods says. "We've restored houses, provided low rent in the community."

The neighborhood has struggled to overcome crime and joblessness, but the church has made a difference, he says.

"Before we got back, it was dreary and empty," Woods says. "It revitalized our community. If the church is present, it's a huge difference in that community. It's a social activity and spiritual development."

Woods said the Upper Ninth Ward is about 90 percent occupied, while the harder-hit Lower Ninth Ward remains about 90 percent unoccupied.

Greater Liberty Baptist and Franklin Avenue Baptist, which is in the Seventh Ward, are about two miles apart. Woods recently preached at Luter's church.

"God blessed both of us and brought us back." Woods says. "We saw God bring us through this situation, so we know he can bring us through any situation." (Excerpts from Birmingham News--Greg Garrison reporter)

Are you making a difference in your community? Think about it! God is bigger than our situation!