N.C. Baptists wrap-up Katrina relief

By Steve DeVane

BR Managing Editor

A plaque in memory of David Wayne Holland and Sidney Nicole Williams was placed in the Holland-Williams prayer garden.

By Steve DeVane

Biblical Recorder photo

GULFPORT, Miss. - When Eddie Williams arrived in Gulfport, Miss., just after Hurricane Katrina hit, the area looked like a 10,000-piece puzzle that had been dumped out with pieces all over the place.

Williams spoke at a celebration Jan. 12 to honor Gulfport leaders and others who helped N.C. Baptist Men (NCBM) rebuild more than 700 homes. NCBM marked the end of 28 months of relief efforts in the Gulfport area with several events Jan. 12-13.

Williams coordinated N.C. Baptist efforts to help victims of the storm, which slammed into the Gulf Coast in August 2005. He said he believes God looked down and saw the mayor, city council and city workers in Gulfport; N.C. Baptist Men; and other groups.

"He started putting the puzzle back together," Williams said.

Williams said the people at the celebration were pieces of the puzzle who brought out the best in others. He thanked people in the area for their support.

"You've embraced us; you loved us," he said. "We've cried together; we've fellowshipped together. We love you and we'll miss you."

Richard Brunson, executive director of NCBM, thanked the people in Mississippi for accepting and trusting N.C. Baptists.

"You've been thanking us; we should be thanking you," he said. "Thank you for making us from North Carolina feel like your brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, your sons and daughters."

The celebration was held at a former National Guard armory that N.C. Baptist Men used as a staging area for the relief efforts. After the celebration ended, a prayer garden outside the armory was dedicated.

The garden was dedicated to the memory of David Wayne Holland, son of Gary and Edith Holland, who coordinated rebuilding efforts in Gulfport, and Sidney Nicole Williams, granddaughter of Eddie and Martha Williams. They both died while the Hollands and Williams were working in Gulfport.

The plaque in the prayer garden says that the two couples and thousands of other NCBM volunteers taught the citizens of Gulfport what it means to "love your neighbor."

"Their sacrificial ministry of rebuilding homes and lives following the destruction of Hurricane Katrina will never be forgotten," the plaque says.

Edith Holland said some volunteers, especially youth groups, liked to have devotions in the prayer garden. N.C. Baptist ladies who worked at the armory met there at 11 a.m. daily for devotions. No matter how hot it was during those times a gentle breeze started blowing.

"That's a very special place," she said.