The recent flooding in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas of Louisiana have been devastating. Homes, churches, business have been damaged or destroyed. Some families have even lost loved ones in this historic flooding. Flooding is a terrible natural disaster that claims so much and leaves behind destruction that takes so long to clean up. I can’t imagine how difficult times must be for the people of Southeast Louisiana. Many are left without a place to stay and a long and difficult road ahead to rebuild and recover.
With so much damage it is difficult to even know where to begin to help. Christian Dornhorst wanted to help, but was not quite sure how. That is when he decided to take his wife, his smoker and drive across the Mississippi River to Baton Rouge to share his BBQ talent with the over 2000 evacuees who were living in the Celtic Media Center. One their way, Christian and Amanda stopped off at Sam’s Club and purchased $1,840.00 of brisket, sausage and chicken. The Dornhorsts served food until late that evening. It was so well received that the returned the next day to feed the police, military and emergency workers.
Christian took a day off of work to travel and provide BBQ to those who were affected by the flooding. He told reporters that he was at work that morning when, “The Lord put it on his heart at 7am. By 9am I was at Sam’s Club. By 11am my wife had the meat seasoned.” When Christian’s employers, Dow Chemical, found out what he had been up to, they offered to reimburse the Dornhorsts for their purchase. They were impressed by his compassionate action.
In difficult times, like the floods in Louisiana, or the storms that so often affect Oklahoma, it is hard to know where to help. The Dornhorsts have demonstrated that combining our talents, passions and kindness often make a great difference, even in the midst of overwhelming loss. When we offer kindness in the face of misfortune it provides hope to those affected.
Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
