The destruction in the city of New Orleans has been massive but equally great are the opportunities. We are experiencing something of what the prophet Joel said in Joel 2:11 "…For the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?"

Our new relief outreach, Project Brotherhood, is moving ahead with the strong support of many young people and some adults who daily offer their time and energy. Other organizations and churches have joined in by providing us with basic necessities like food, water and ice to distribute to the needy.

This week a group of Hispanic lawyers held a question and answer session at the church to inform people about the different procedures to obtain aid and to make claims with the insurance agencies. We will repeat this service on Oct. 8 to give the opportunity to more people to resolve their legal necessities.

Our church leaders also met with our home group coordinators. Each one expressed the different difficulties he was confronting with the need to rebuild his own life and repair his home at the same time he is helping others. We determined that we needed to implement the principles of Acts 2:42, where the life of the church revolved around the Word of God, communion with others, the sharing of meals, and prayer.

Every Sunday we are going to offer free lunches to everyone who comes to church. The idea is to promote friendships among us. In addition, we decided to continue with Monday night prayer meetings and fasting. We are also holding meetings to cry out to God for grace with the understanding that new blessings come through repentance and earnest searching for God).

The basic necessities that the Hurricane Katrina victims from our congregation have are:

1. Construction help: There are families who need to clear walls and carpets damaged by the floods. Self-sufficient work parties that could come to do house reconstruction or remodeling are in great need.

2. Lodging: Many families that suffered damage to their homes have no place to live. Many houses have been damaged to the point that cannot be occupied. RV's and trailers would really help us accommodate families.

3. Money: We need funding to help with basic necessities for many families. Fortunately, we have food and water to distribute, but many need to make costly repairs to their homes and need to buy building materials. And even though they have no jobs or income at this point, they need to pay for services like electricity, gas, garbage removal, etc.

This is a moment in which we must discern the times: We must rise up on eagles' wings and go above of the storm to see that horizon that God is preparing for the earth and for our individual places. The disaster relief has opened a door for us to provide our building on week days to a state school for advanced students. This is an international school where Spanish, English and French are taught. I met with the director of the school and a congressman who represents the City of Kenner to discuss the plan.

The city offered to help maintain our building and we would have the opportunity to directly serve the city.

On another front, there are numerous Hispanic relief workers lodged at the Hotel La Quinta , which is directly in front of our building. We plan to open an Alpha evangelistic course to them.

Again, thanks for your support and solidarity.

May God bless you.

Dr. Soto can be reached via email at <luisfsoto@cox.net>