Thursday Afternoon from Lake Charles:

Despair is setting in for many here in Lake Charles. Four are now confirmed dead and the community is reeling from this latest hit.

It's heartbreaking to see many of the same families we helped last year who are now once again struggling to pick up the pieces.

The rain has been worse this week than during either of last year's hurricanes, and the flooding has been exacerbated by the fact that debris from the hurricanes was still clogging the city's drainage system. With no money from FEMA, city officials couldn't get all of the debris removed, which has created massive flooding here. 

+ + We are serving meals TODAY

Mercy Chefs is here to help. We served our first meals yesterday evening and just finished lunch. Our team immediately began preparations for dinner this evening. It's non-stop. The need is great.

Can you help? Expenses are mounting and we need support so we can keep this lifeline of hope going! Please prayerfully consider how you can help. Then, go here to help sponsor 10, 20, 50, or even 100 meals as we served this hard-hit community and continue other vital efforts:

Lake Charles has been decimated three times in less than a year. With no help from FEMA, very little has changed from when we were here late last year. The streets are lined with piles of debris and everywhere you turn there are houses covered with blue tarps as families deal with yet another major blow.

The next 24-48 hours are critical. Please help. Go here and thanks for your prayers.

God bless,

Gary LeBlanc