What you probably won't hear

You probably won’t see this on the news so I thought I could at least offer some unbiased insight on the disaster relief and recovery process.

First I wanted to pass on that the reported gunfire at the helicopters trying to rescue victims in New Orleans are unfounded.

The President met with the Governors of Alabama and Mississippi here in Mobile this morning where those leading the rescue and recovery efforts debriefed them. The national media is reporting that little is being accomplished to relieve the suffering of the storm victims and I can only imagine this is demoralizing, to say the least, for those whose tireless efforts are achieving such amazing results in the face of this disaster.

The Coast Guard has already performed over 5,000 roof top rescues and have nearly completed efforts to reopen the intercoastal waterways, an astonishing feat to say the least and critical for supplying storm victims with the resources necessary to sustain life. Both Governors praised FEMA for performing every task they’ve been asked to do in Mississippi and Alabama. Food and water has been, and continues to be, distributed to nearly every affected community along the Mississippi and Alabama coastline and efforts are already underway to reach the smaller inland communities who, although not as devastated, are cut-off due to power outages and fuel shortages. The National Guard is already on the ground in every populated area handling food and water distribution. They’re clearing roadways into areas isolated by the storm, making it possible for utility crews to restore services to even the hardest hit locations. These are a few of the things already accomplished by our federal government.

In Alabama and Mississippi the Governors wasted no time in coordinating and leveraging the numerous resources available from the public and private sector. I think it’s safe to say no one in these two states need fear doing without the necessities of life and they can look forward to a fast and full recovery due in no small part to their Governors. I thank God for their leadership in this time of crisis.

As always the first source of relief has been from neighbors who’ve done everything from risking their own lives during the storm in order to rescue another in peril to watching out for the pets and property of others who had evacuated. What a blessing to see the attitude of so many of His people in action.

Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama said he was glad to see the President was in a “tail-kicking mood” as he left to survey the storm damage on the ground. The President made it clear he was going to see to the problems in Louisiana and that he would continue to support the leadership in Alabama and Mississippi.

I think it wise to keep in mind that the national media is often on the prowl for sensational stories but the reality of the incredible effort and spirit of so many devoted people should serve to make us thankful to be able live in such a blessed place and time.

Please pray that these people will not become discouraged by the negative attention of the national media.