Sunday, August 28, 2005

I admit, I am scared

When I was 11 years old the strongest hurricane to hit the US, Camille, came on shore. It actually passed (the eye) right over where I now live, in Pass Chrisitian, Miss. I was in Hattiesburg, 60 miles north. We had 150 mph winds and were without power for a week. That's nothing compared to the devestation on the Miss. coast. The church I now serve, as well as most of the Episcopal churches on the coast, was destroyed.
This storm is now at Camille levels. While the exact point of landfall is unknown, we will certainly be severely impacted. We are less than 30 miles from the Lousiana border and the mouth of the Pearl River, which is the center of the projected path cone.
We packed up what we could of the church, we've boarded windows, etc. My church sits on the beach, a beautiful church in a beautiful spot - and the predicted storm surge, should it occur, will most likely destroy it.
I am going to a parishioners home about 8 miles north of the beach. We will hunker down, we have supplies and a generator. That's all we can do. I feel I need to stay in the coast area to be available to my parishioners once the storm passes. I pray it's the right decision.
Please pray for all those in the path of this storm. As I type, the wind is already gusting. Pray God acts miraculously to send some high level wind shears and take some of the power out of this beast.
I don't know when I can post again. May God bless you all.

10 comments:

Ryan said...

Trying to send some angels your way...

-R

David said...

Thanks Ryan. It's 4 am, just lost power. The folks we are staying with have a UPS so we will be online another hour max.
It's howling outside, and Katrina is not even on shore yet.
Waiting for an update. Praying it is weakening.

Unknown said...

David, just found you via Jane Ellen. You will be in my prayers.

AKMA said...

Brother, let us know how things turned out as soon as you have an opportunity. We’re praying that New Orleans’s relative peace wasn’t bought at the cost of your community.

jim said...

You and yours are on my prayer list. Be as save as you can.

Susie/Nueva Cantora said...

Prayers ascending from here too David. I'll look forward to hearing news from you when you can.

Anonymous said...

Blessings to you!

Anonymous said...

OK, I'll admit that I am scared for you too David. I do not know Mississippi geography well, but I do know that your state was hard hit last night. Praying that you and yours are well and safe. Praying for your personal strength too.

Anonymous said...

I heard today through his daughter that david and family are OK...but his parish is another story.
Lord have Mercy
jeff+

Trevor said...

David,

Know that I'm praying for you. In Ohio we took 3 1/2 inches of rain yesterday. I can't imagine the storms fury on the beach if it was that strong still by the time it got here.