Greetings to one and all.  This will be one of my shortest letters due to urgent circumstances.  I write this as I am leaving for our 911 outreach in Greensburg Kansas.  We will construct a 14,000 sq ft steel building for the community and the local 4-H chapter. 

We are looking for one of our largest volunteer turnouts, estimated at 300 people in addition to the local townspeople and the excitement is contagious.  We will have two days of hard intense work as well as two nights of hospitality in the form of a team rodeo and street dance.  Let me tell you this, watching my dear New Yorker friends, being the city folk that they are, compete in these events is entertainment at it's finest.  Can't wait to show the photo's in next months letter. 

Sunday September 7^th I will conduct our annual 911 Memorial Service for those who lost their lives on that fateful day as well as those who lost their lives in the communities we have previously visited.  We are expecting 1,000 for the service.  We  have “family” participation from California, New York, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and now Kansas.  Our family is rapidly growing and the friendships strengthen as time goes on.  I can't wait to give all the details. 

Kansas will not be my last stop, however.  My beloved friends in the gulf have been hit hard again by Hurricane Gustuv with more on the way.  Gustav swept through the region and most of Louisiana is without electrical power.  In many places the water supply is shut down or very limited to emergency only.  Sewer systems are not working in many places.  Phone systems are overloaded and reception is inconsistent.  Gasoline, ice, batteries, generators, chain saws, and many other needed items are either not available or in short supply. 

I have been in contact with officials in both states since a week before the storm and will leave immediately after the 911 Memorial Service and drive to the gulf.  It is at this time that I covet your prayers and support more than ever.  Quite honestly I do not know how long it will be before I return home. 

We are asking for your generous offerings to continue our work.  Please check our website www.usecc.net for updates as events unfold.  If you have never given now would be a perfect time to begin. We believe the people there are worth it and hope you will agree.  My Blessings to you, and until we meet again, I'll be ..............................

Responding to the Call................Chaplain Steve