Local churches and the American Red Cross have opened shelters for thousands escaping the massive flooding in Louisiana.
At least seven people have died and some 20,000 were rescued from about a dozen parishes in the state. The Louisiana government has declared a state of emergency while the federal government has agreed to consider the flooding as a major disaster.
The Red Cross is collaborating with many churches to volunteer for those affected by the torrential rains.
Thousands of people arrived at around 50 Red Cross shelters in Louisiana, many of which were based in churches.
First Baptist Church (Zachary), Rock Church, Zoar Baptist Church, St. John Baptist Catholic are working as shelters in East Baton Rough parish, while Fellowship Church and Mount Hope Baptist Church are volunteering in East Feliciana.
Several churches in Livingston parish, including Bethel Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church, Walker Baptist Church, Live Oak United Methodist and Riverside Baptist Church are also assisting those stranded in the floods.
The United Methodist Church became an official Red Cross shelter about two years ago, and swiftly responded to the disaster situation. Rev. Jacqueline King said that the congregants of the church are themselves reeling from the havoc cause by the floods, but have overcome their personal predicaments to help others.
"They've risen from those challenges to help. I couldn't be more proud. It is difficult and challenging but so incredibly rewarding to be the hands and feet of Christ," King told the Louisiana Conference.
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team has sent crisis-trained chaplains to flood-affected regions in Louisiana. They will work together with Samaritan's Purse to alleviate the physical, emotional and spiritual sufferings of the victims of flooding. The team focuses on offering prayer to those who are in need and are willing to listen.
