Dear Editor,

It’s such a joy to know that we live in an area where so many goodpeople reside and where people will give the time and resources tohelp someone in need. That’s what happened during the aftermath ofKatrina.

We found ourselves supplying shelter for a total of 64 peoplewho had been run out of their home and a group of people who didn’tknow which way to turn, let alone when they could return home. Withthese 64 people depending on us for their every need, we foundourselves overwhelmed and in need ourselves for some much neededhelp. And that’s where the people of Copiah and Lincoln countiescame in.

So many of you contributed to the operation of our shelter, andsome contributed to the rebuilding of a small church in StoneCounty, where we reroofed their facility and reworked the inside oftheir fellowship hall. These two opportunities to serve the Lordled us, the people of Sylvarena, to the point of literallydepending on the Lord for his much-needed help and you the peopleof our community allowed him to use you in providing many of ourneeds.

For that, we say a huge thank you. Your contributions were used tohelp some very needy people, and most of all, your contributionhonored God and pointed many to his loving grace. You should beproud of your service for the Lord, and you should also know thatGod is pleased with your response to an opportunity to show God’slove to all.

Stuart Givens,

Sylvarena Baptist Church,

Wesson