We continue to support the victims of Katrina, primarily through our partnership with Trinity UMC in Gulfport, MS. Mt. Bethel is sending teams on 4-day trips and 5-day trips. The 4-day trips leave on Thursday morning and return Sunday afternoon. The 5-day teams leave on Monday morning and return Friday evening. If you are interested in joining one of these teams, please fill out this form. We will follow up with you within 48 hours.
Assisting families recovering personal belongs from their homes (Nearly complete)
Attire
Long sleeves (UV protection recommended)
Long pants
Hat
Hard sole shoes if you will be working demolition
Shorts and T-shirts for warm weather
Health Requirements
Tetanus shot must be up to date
Description of Activities and Skills
While there are hundreds of activities that could take place during a mission trip to the Gulfport and Biloxi area, these are the primary ones the Mt Bethel teams have participated in recently and we expect these to continue at least for the summer of 2006.
Having a Caring Heart The people of the gulf coast are still hurting, even those who did not suffer physical losses. One of the most effective things we can do is to talk with them. Actually it is listening that is important. As they tell their stories, it helps them heal.
Installing Insulation The homeowner provides the insulation. The work is to install the insulation along the outside walls and in the ceilings if the ceiling is being replaced.
Hanging Sheetrock The homeowner provides the sheetrock and the sheetrock screws. Mt Bethel has all of the other equipment necessary: measuring tapes, t-squares, box cutters, battery powered screwdrivers, a panel lift, and miscellaneous tools. Hanging sheetrock is an easy task to learn.
Mudding and Sanding Sheetrock The homeowner usually provides the ‘mud’ and tape and Mt Bethel provides the trowels and other equipment. Applying the mud is easy and if you are not experienced we will make sure there is someone on site to provide guidance.
Painting Once the walls are prepared (mudded and sanded) a primer coat is applied followed by the paint, which the homeowner has provided.
Light Carpentry Work Carpentry work involves removing minor walls and doors (that were not removed during mucking out) shoring up wall studs, and other minor things.
General Clean Up Work There is always something to be cleaned up and taken to the curb for later pickup. This is especially true during drywall and insulation installation.
Kitchen Work and Cooking There may be limited help needed in the kitchen of where you are staying. This should be confirmed before making this your only planned activity for the mission trip.
Roofing At this time, Mt Bethel teams have not done any roofing, but other teams have. This activity requires a skilled leader.
Mucking Mucking (tearing down damaged walls, removing carpet, etc.) is mostly completed. There are still some places that need to be cleaned out, but for the most part this is complete.
