One Church Helping Another

Courtsey of Sun Herald, published Saturday, January 27, 2007

When First United Methodist Church in Lucedale ended the year with money left in its budget, the congregation decided to help rebuild a ministry damaged by Hurricane Katrina.
A check for $25,000 recently was presented to St. Paul United Methodist Church in Pass Christian.
"The view of our church is that we are simply a conduit for the Kingdom of God's money," said Rev. Bill Poole, pastor of First UMC. "We wanted to give this year's surplus to a church where it would make a difference. This money will help put St. Paul back in the ministry."
The building that housed the ministry of St. Paul UMC filled with more than 10 feet of storm surge, destroying all contents and damaging the structure. Thanks to the kindness of many volunteers and the contribution from the congregation of First UMC, the Pass Christian church members hope to be back in their building by the end of January.
"It's amazing how God works," said Rev. Theodore Williams, pastor of St. Paul UMC. "We had been praying through insurance issues. Without churches coming to our rescue, we wouldn't be at this point. But, it's about more than the money; it's about the hope that it brings."