WHPC’s Mission Trip to Lake Charles Louisiana
It was a frigid but glorious Saturday when 9 members of WHPC set off for Lake Charles, Louisiana. We arrived at the church parking lot just as the sun was slowly rising showing off its shades of crimson. We marveled at such a beautiful sight and prayed that God would go before us, keep us safe and bless our mission. What was our mission? To deliver 1300 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to a food pantry in Lake Charles. Our larger mission was to connect with the people of Lake Charles who have endured storms, flooding, hurricanes, destruction of homes, church property and other tragedies.
Our fearless leader, Weldon Whiteside, quickly reviewed our agenda, stressing that this would be an adventure of sorts, as we did not know exactly how events would unfold. Nine people piled into 2 trucks and a van and headed towards Houston. The first stop was mid-morning in La Grange for Kolaches and coffee. Having never had a Kolache, I was eager to try one and settled on cherry as that was the clear favorite of several people. Energized by the rush of sugar and caffeine, we agreed a photo was necessary to document our first stop.
We wound our way down central Texas, through the outskirts of Houston, and with the help of good old GPS, eventually arrived around noon at the “filling station”. This was a very large storage facility, where large and small trucks pulled up to be loaded with various goods. We were a little confused about where to go as signage was wanting but eventually were directed to a particular dock, “the one down there on the right-hand side #4.”
As we were mulling over how we would fit 1300 pounds of food in our vehicles, a worker pulled up the grate and motioned us to move closer. He proceeded to hand us boxes and bags of all sizes and shapes. He helped us load the van. Suddenly “Isiah” (I can’t remember his real name) appeared. He was a master loader and was clearly dissatisfied with our loading attempts. He took charge and expertly helped load the 3 vehicles so that every box and bag was in the right place.
Before leaving, we thought it prudent to use the facilities. “Isiah” would have none of that and motioned that “the ladies be treated to the best of the washrooms at the top of the stairs.” He then wished us Godspeed as we drove off. I silently prayed for Isiah as I could tell he has had a difficult life.
As we sped towards Lake Charles Weldon pointed out that we were slightly behind schedule and in need of notifying those waiting for us in Lake Charles. Thus began a flurry of calls, texts, and emails to those at the Greater St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church food pantry, the pastor and church member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, and Steamboat Bill’s on the Lake.
Two hours later we arrived at the food pantry. We were greeted warmly by men and women eager to help us unload our goods. We knew that the church is located in a food desert, where people are hard pressed to acquire fresh fruits and vegetable. We were blessed to bring joy to this community. I was reminded of our study of Luke and Jesus’ admonition to care for one another. “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” (Luke 3:11).
Although we were given a tour of the premises of the food pantry and the work being done there, our visit felt truncated. I would have wished a longer stay to hear personal stories and make deeper connections with parishioners there. God willing this will be possible in the future.
Having unloaded our vehicles, we climbed back in and traveled the short distance to Steamboat Bill’s. There we met pastor Cagney of St. Andrews, an elder on the mission committee, and Barbara and her husband who hope to rebuild following successive storm damage to their home. Our party of 15 were led to a large table where we learned about and enjoyed getting to know each other while filling up on gumbo, fried fish and other local delicacies.
We finished our meal and were sad to say goodbye but knew we would be back again. We clambered into the trucks and van and were soon homeward bound. We arrived in Bastrop just as the sun was setting. It seemed to set for a long time with once again brilliant hues of flaming red. I felt blessed to have been on this mission trip, to feel God’s presence around us, and to in a small and insignificant way connect with God’s people just a state away.
Those on the mission trip were: Grant McCall, Nate McCall, Ben Neathery, Jeff Connally, Gretchen Singh, Johanna Singh, Eric Min, Katie Min, Kristie Min, Chris Abbyad, Weldon Whiteside.
- Chris Abbyad
