Upon learning of Hurricane Katrina and its devastating impact, many Northern California Conference churches and schools joined the relief efforts.

Members of the Antioch church collected special offerings throughout September in lieu of collecting for their own church building funds; the Oakland-Market Street church gave money vouchers to a number of Louisiana residents; and Golden Gate Academy students collected clothes to be given to survivors.

The NCC has become involved in a number of ways. In an effort to help the relief efforts, the NCC executive committee approved a donation of $20,000. Meanwhile, NCC disaster response coordinator, Ethan Jones and Fredi, his wife, worked in the Adventist Community Services-operated warehouse in New Iberia, La., unloading 16 semi-trucks full of clothing, food and personal care items to be given to distribution centers.

Working with 20 volunteer staff, which included students from Southern Adventist University and the University of Texas, the couple felt grateful for the chance to help. “This is the first time we’ve ever worked in a warehouse, and we gained a lot of experience to make it workable,” said the Joneses.

However, because warehouses are projected to be operating for at least another six months in some areas, the North American Division Community Services has requested that the NCC assemble a team to relieve current staff during November.

“We are looking for individuals who can volunteer a minimum of two weeks as warehouse or floor managers; data entries; certified forklift drivers; or general warehouse workers,” said Gordon Botting, NCC Community Services director. “Please contact the NCC office—we need your help!”

Working with Botting, Ron Stretter, director of NCC Youth and Family Ministries, involved the Pathfinders in the relief efforts. “The Pathfinders will go into their communities and ask people to donate new items like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, towels, washcloths and deodorant to give survivors a new start in life,” said Stretter.

While numerous NCC churches collected special offerings for hurricane victims, many churches found creative ways of fundraising, such as the Oakland-Grand Avenue church, led by Pastor Jonathon Henderson. On Sept. 17, members held a benefit concert featuring choirs, instrumentalists and soloists to help with the relief efforts. “God always has a response to the catastrophes in our lives—that is exactly what our church and community is trying to do for the victims of Hurricane Katrina,” said Henderson.

The Placerville church responded specifically to the needs of the Adventist church in New Iberia, which is pastored by Phil Blackburn. Roger and Leatrice Johnson coordinated with fellow members and the Green Valley Community church to have two semi-trucks full of food, clothing, toothbrushes, phone and gifts cards and other items sent to New Iberia church members.

Meanwhile, Santa Rosa church ministered to survivors in a unique way. With a mission of “Loving people toward full devotion to Jesus Christ,” the junior high and high school youth sent special offerings and letters of support, which they called “Louisiana Love Letters” to hurricane survivors.

The NCC schools also responded to the needs caused by the hurricane. Dane Bailey’s fifth and sixth graders at Chico Oaks Adventist School participated in a read-a-thon, where they obtained sponsors to pledge money for a specified amount of pages read, with the money going to relief efforts.

“I think the read-a-thon we did was worth so much,” said Elizabeth Pankhurst, an 11-year-old in Bailey’s class. “Earning over $1,000 and helping so many people really gives me such a good feeling; I can’t explain it. That disaster may not have been a pleasant experience, but it brought so many together despite losing loved ones.”

Numerous other schools also participated in relief efforts. Students and faculty at Feather River Adventist School raised $583 to purchase Bibles for hurricane survivors; the Humboldt Bay Christian School students raised more than $2,000 for the ACS relief fund in Louisiana; and El Dorado Adventist School students raised $3,600 from a bake sale and held other fundraising events.

Ninth- and 10th-graders of Yreka Seventh-day Adventist School also got involved. Along with his students, Jerry Walters, the principal and teacher at the school, made signs, walked down to the main street of Yreka and asked motorists for donations for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina. After a couple of hours, the students collected just under $500 to donate to ACS.

“We’re trying to teach service,” said Walters. “We do the best we can to serve in different ways. That’s why we’re here—to serve God by serving others.”

The NCC agrees; NCC members will continue to serve those involved in the hurricane tragedy. It is the NCC’s prayer that all those affected will soon be able to rebuild their homes and lives.