Under the direction of the Office of Experiential Learning, a group of over 60 Greenville College students, faculty and staff traveled to Picayune, Mississippi partnering with Resurrection Life Ministries to serve those devastated by Hurricane Katrina in a three-day missions trip. 

    “When we got to Picayune, Mississippi there were trees everywhere that were ripped out of their foundations, and houses looked as though they had all regurgitated their innards on to the front lawns because all of their owners had stripped the insides out of their homes,” said Alex Kinkade, describing the devastation.

    The team served those in need by giving them food, water, clothes and helping them clean and rebuild their homes and communities. The group split into different task forces and they did everything from removing trees and debris from homes and rebuilding roofs, to sorting supplies in local warehouses and preparing meals.

    As students shared their lives, they got to know the individuals and families behind the loss and devastation. “During these moments, many students had the chance to talk with those who lost their homes and/or possessions and learned some of their stories,” said Jake Russell.

    Robb Jones echoed the thought of many students “My heart and soul cries out to those affected, that they feel God’s comfort in this terrible time that they’ve faced,” said Jones.