Port Sulphur, LA and Venice, LA

Work Assignments
Port Sulphur is a commuity near where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf of Mexico.  When Katrina made land fall, the storm surge acted essentially as a tsunami, destroying all structures in the area.  In late February/early March, 2006, the community reopened allowing residents to return.  Most are living in small FEMA trailers set up on the sites of their former homes. 

Virginia Baptists are assisting the pastor of the Port Sulphur Baptist Church in a variety of community outreach ministries. These ministries include assisting families with clean up of their home sites in preparation for rebuilding, construction of storage buildings for families living in FEMA trailers, activities for children and youth as well as opportunities for pastoral care and worship.

The community of Venice is Port Sulphur’s neighbor in lower Plaquemines Parish. While Virginia Baptist construction efforts will concentrate on the CPR Rebuilds, other groups are helping to reconstruct at least a portion of the Venice Baptist Church.

However we do have a significant missions opportunity through outreach and community activities. Port Sulphur Baptist Church is going to play a leading role in helping the Venice Baptist Church re-start, and they need our volunteers for ministry projects there.

Housing
Two modular buildings have been established as facilities for the Port Sulphur Baptist Church.  Volunteers can be housed in these (one has a kitchen) as well as in several FEMA trailers in the area.  Large groups will likely be housed at First Baptist Church, Belle Chase, located approximately one half hour away from the Port Sulphur community.

Costs
Volunteers will be responsible for their own transportation and for providing their own meals.