Two Westchester churches go to the Gulf Coast to help rebuild

Dobbs Ferry Lutheran and Immanuel, Pleasantville, led an interfaith group of 53 people to the Gulf Coast in February to continue helping the area rebuild after Katrina. This was Dobbs Ferry Lutheran's second trip to the area. Pr. Chris Mietlowski, Dobbs Ferry, and Pr. Paul Egensteiner, Immanuel, Pleasantville, coordinated the church group.

"Our group provided a week of respite for the regional coordinator in Ocean Springs, Missouri, who gave us the work for both year."? said Pr. Mietlowski. " He has been working 12-18 hour days since the storm and is wiped out."

Pr. Mietlowski added: "Everyone came back so inspired and sore. There were lots of tears as the missionaries told their stories in church on Sunday.  They all want to go back next year and bring a friend. So who knows? This year 53 people, next year 103? We're very thankful to God for this experience."

The group raised money to cover expenses by having a "Nail-A-Thon"? fundraiser in Westchester County before they left.