The destruction and loss of life in the wake of Hurricane Katrina is devastating and our thoughts and prayers are with those struggling in the aftermath of this natural disaster. Reverend Neftali Santiago, a long time and a key member of Mandrill, is currently participating, along with members of his ministry and other volunteers, in the relief effort in New Orleans, Louisiana.

We extend our wholehearted love and support to our brother Neftali, the victims and volunteers. We encourage you to contribute; in any way you can, to this incredibly important cause.

The following are excerpts of his correspondences received from Ground Zero.


September 5, 2005 1:22:37 PM PDT

Dear Brothers,

We are in Jefferson Parish. At 6:00am today residents were able to go into their homes. We have a twelve-hour window each day to help people move their belongings out. We will be here for 2 days before moving in to New Orleans downtown area.

We are in coordination with 20 churches aiding the Red Cross. We are moving people in and out of local churches still standing, housing refugees. We go with locals to grab what they can and take them back to the churches. There are no stores no markets, nothing left here…still pumping water out in the West End boulevard. I only have ten minutes to use the net so I will update you tomorrow.

Love,
Nefty


September 6, 2005 1:00:21 PM PDT

There was a breach in the levee today several hundred feet long at the 17th street canal. It has been repaired but is still critical. We are all waiting for the major draining of the city to begin.

There is a strong rumor that when the draining starts the body count will go way up and contamination is going to be extremely high. The smell of death from 911 is nothing compared to this.

Well I'm being kicked off again.

Love,
Neftali


September 7, 2005 9:57:53 PM PDT

As you know from my previous mail my time is limited so I'll get to the point. All of us working seem to be on the same page and that is the people are what's important right know…So we all bed down at the end of a very tired day and pray for the strength to wake up and serve another day.

The stories are amazing the people; all people white and black are in great need of home. Families displaced, loved ones refusing to leave their homes. Where will they all go, no one knows…Temporary housing till they are forgotten. We're so tired we're all sick of blaming and just focus on saving lives and reuniting families.

I can speak for myself and say I'm doing what God has called me to do and that is to serve. Serve all the time and not just in disaster.

Love,
Nefty