SE Jurisdiction Agency for Native American Ministry Helps to Rebuild Communities Destroyed by Hurricanes

Lake Junaluska, NC: A 10-member team of Native American denominational members from the Southeastern Jurisdiction traveled to Mississippi and Dulac, Louisiana December 29 through January 4. This is the third trip that the team has made to Mississippi and Dulac.

Concerned about the native communities in the gulf region, the Southeastern Jurisdictional Agency for Native American Ministry (SEJANAM), sought to form a Native American Disaster Relief Team to minister to those Native Americans affected by the brutal storms in Mississippi.

“It was a God thing,” said Rev. Kirby Verret, a local pastor who continues to spend a lot of time ministering to his community after hurricanes Katrina and Rita left their ferocious mark in Dulac, Louisiana.

Team members hung drywall, built cabinets and installed insulation. “This is such a true blessing,” said Donna and Jr. Naquin whose home was destroyed by the hurricanes.

“Without their ministering to the community and to our family, we would not be able to move into our home.”

The team not only participated in a volunteer mission experience to improve living conditions but they also took the lead with holding a spiritual revival for the community at the only Native American church, Clanton Chapel UMC.

“We need help in every way, but we don’t need to forget our focus and Creator, and that is God! They came back again, not only to work but also to hold a spiritual revival in our community. This has not happened before and we were thrilled,” said Rev. Verret.

Chief, Brenda Dar Dar Robichaux, has publicly acknowledged the ministry of SEJANAM and their presence in the community.

“The SEJANAM mission team has impacted the lives of our community greatly by doing a tremendous amount of work, contributing to the programs of our Community Center, showing love and concern about people’s physical and spiritual well-being and contributing to the Houma tribe financially,” she said.

“Many Native Americans live in poverty, and it has been my experience that we need to be intentional in ministering to our native brothers and sisters because many times they get overlooked when crisis of this magnitude occurs. We went to the community to help, but there is the added blessing of meeting wonderful people, mission teams and forming lifelong relationships,” Darlene Jacobs, SEJANAM Director, said.

For additional information, contact Darlene Jacobs at (888) 825-6316 or send e-mail to djacobs@sejumc.org.