Local church works to feed relief workers and volunteers

While residents of Ville Platte and Evangeline Parish continue to pick up the pieces following last Sunday’s three confirmed tornadoes, membaers of Ninth Baptist Church in Ville Platte took time to give back to those volunteering in the recovery efforts.
The church’s pastor Reverend Darwan Lazard said the church is “partnering with National Baptist Convention of America and Louisiana Home and Foreign Missions Baptist Convention. We have come together to feed city workers and volunteers who are helping to restore the Ville Platte and Evangeline Parish community.”
The Louisiana Home and Foreign Missions Baptist Convention has also lent a helping hand to those affected by bringing supplies such as food, water, and clothing. “We’ve been helping in every way we can think possible,” said President Reverend S.C. Dixon.
For Reverend Dixon, helping here in Evangeline Parish is important because “it’s very important to our organization that we live up to our name.” He added, “It’s important for us to be here to help those who are in need.”
As Reverend Lazard explained, the help from both conventions was a blessing. “They stepped up to the plate, and we didn’t have to ask them for anything,” he said. “They heard about what was going on, and they immediately started responding.”
He continued, “I’m so glad to be able to be a distribution center through Ninth Baptist Church’s M.L. Thomas Mission Center where we will redistribute things to persons of Ville Platte, Mamou, and the other affected areas.”
Also on hand Wednesday, while city workers and volunteers were being fed, was Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine who commended everyone involved.
“I just want to say a great big thank you to the Ninth Baptist Church and Louisiana Home and Foreign Mission State Convention for coming to our aid,” she exclaimed. “Looking at the things they helped us with is Christianity at work. It’s people helping people and Christians helping Christians.”
She concluded, “The abundance of assistance they are giving to us is by tree cutting, clearing debris, and bringing supplies. They are here for the duration as long as we need them.”