Samaritan’s Purse helps residents affected by major flooding

BILOXI, Miss. (WXXV) — Just a few weeks after Tropical Storm Arthur brought devastating flooding to homes and neighborhoods across Mississippi’s lower six counties, one Christian disaster relief organization is stepping in to help families begin the long road to recovery.

Samaritan’s Purse is working throughout Harrison County and Wiggins, helping residents recover from devastating flood damage. Volunteers are assisting homeowners by removing damaged walls, clearing debris, and water-soaked furniture, beginning the difficult cleanup process.

The organization is also offering prayer and encouragement as they support those facing the aftermath.

“We come in really with that purpose of sharing the gospel and loving on those that are in need, and that comes with that physical need. Our teams come in to physically help that home, cut the drywall, get prepared for that rebuild process, but also that emotional and spiritual need of just being that light in the community. When a storm comes through, there’s so much darkness and confusion, and just that feeling of hopelessness,” said Jacob Rutz, Samaritan’s Purse Program Manager. “So, for our orange shirt volunteers to come in from around the country and partner with, and be with these homeowners, and be with these communities after a disaster – pray with them, love on them, be a shoulder to lean on – that’s really why we’re here. Just to be that support. And when we see local volunteers come out it’s even better just to see neighbors helping neighbors, and seeing churches stand up and really answer that calling to serve each other and serve these communities all in the Lord’s name.”

Hundreds of homes across the Coast were affected by the flooding. We spoke with one family who says they were only living in their new home for a week when they lost almost everything.

“It was quite a long journey. Me and my wife are both cancer survivors. We work really hard, so this was a big, monumental step for both of us. One week later, our lives changed. The flood came and we lost basically everything. So, the mental and the physical, financial, it’s been a burden. It’s been a lot,” said Christina Andrews.

The Andrews family says the Samaritan’s Purse stepped in immediately to help not only them, but many others in their neighborhood, as numerous other homes in the area were impacted by the flood.

“Me and my wife first came back two days ago for the first time, and when we got to the door, a Samaritan’s Purse flyer was on the door. Also, a package on the ground, which had a picture of my home. And I was like ‘Lord, is this a divine intervention?’ I called Samaritan’s Purse. Within 10 minutes I had an interview. Within 30 minutes they were on the scene. They were here the next morning,” said Andrews. “I’ve never seen such graciousness, and people that love through the eyes of God. We have a team of 20 here taking things out, demolishing the walls, just here helping us… praying for us. It’s amazing. Just really amazing. We’re extremely grateful.”

Despite the hardships thrown their way, the Andrews say their faith has never been stronger thanks to the help they have received so far.

“I always say my faith is so much bigger than my fear. The unseen, when it comes to God, you never know what test you’re gonna be given, but I always know I have a testimony in the end. He always shows up. Full-fledged,” she said. “We were nervous. We were scared. We were hurt for the loss, but one thing I can say… my God will show up and prevail every time. And I tell anyone that’s going through this – anything in life – God is always there and your faith has to be bigger than your fear, because He’s the unseen and nobody can ever see what He does, but in the end, you always have a testimony for the test.”

The Andrews family also wants to thank their relator Jennifer Wells for helping them through the recovery process.

First Baptist Church Gulfport is hosting the Samaritan’s Purse. They are scheduled to be on the coast until July 18, but are hoping to extend their stay as long as work is needed.

Samaritan’s Purse is looking for more volunteers to assist with flood recovery efforts. No experience is necessary, and the organization is encouraging community members to give whatever time they can—even if it’s just for a single day.