From Cindy Rushton's Desk(TOP!)!

Information for Hurricane Relief Helpers for this Week...

We have received many requests from volunteers that wish to join our relief
efforts in South Mississippi.  Many have requested information pertaining to
what will be need if they wish to come in and help with disaster relief.  I
will attempt to list below the basic essentials that you will need to bring if you
come with us on the next trip. The next trip will be this coming Wednesday through Saturday, leaving for Laurel, MS.

First, please note that if you are driving in, you MUST carry enough gasoline
to get you from Tuscaloosa, AL to the disaster region and back.  This distance
is about 300 miles.  We suggest carrying extra gasoline in approved jugs if
your tank will not hold enough fuel.

Each prospective Relief Team Member should prepare to be self-sufficient.  The
following list is a minimum needed for each Team Member attending this effort.

Supplies Needed
Bedding - Sleeping Bag, Cot, Bedroll, Pillow, Blanket, Etc.
Drinking Water
Non-Perishable Foods - Canned Beans, Meats, Fruits or M.R.E., as necessary to
survive for assigned duration of stay.
Soap
Bath Towels
Toiletries - Toilet Paper, Deodorant, Tooth Paste, Tooth Brush
First Aid Kit

Clean UP - Construction Supplies
Basic Carpentry Tools for securing tarps to roofing for elderly.
Hammer
Roofing Tacks
Knife
Multi-Tool with Can Opener
Chain Saw with Gasoline 
Note:  These tools may be optional as we have a number of volunteers that have
indicated that they will be bringing these tools on Wednesday, September 7,
2005. 

Ministry Supplies (for those helping Cindy and Elisabeth with direct ministry efforts)

Roll-behind Cooler (for loading with iced water for street ministry)

Tracts

Bibles

Bags/supplies to give out for relief (Cindy will work to pack and distribute Care Bags/Personal Care Kits for those in need in the area)

Note:  Supplies/Bags/Tracts/Bibles are also optional as we have a number of volunteers that have indicated that they will be bringing these tools on Wednesday, September 7, 2005.  Cindy DOES need as many coolers with ice as she can get for this effort.

Your help is greatly needed at this time.  If you are able and wish to participate in the trip this week, please contact us by email as soon as possible.  We do have limited shelter so we must plan for the number of volunteers that we may have this week.   We will be leaving Wednesday, September 7, 2005 at 6:00 AM from Highland Baptist Church Parking Lot in Florence, Alabama.  If you are able to participate in this effort, please note that it is our goal to share the Gospel of Christ to as many people as possible.  We wish to use this disaster as a time to help those in need both physically and spiritually.