Their Story:

Two weeks ago several of us involved in the continuing effort to help rebuild after the hurricane were visiting Mississippi on a scouting mission for family assistance projects. On May 15th, I had the pleasure of meeting The Barbosin Family including Beau, Margie and their children Andrew [12] and Alexie [16]. They reside in the area of Bay St. Louis, in the incorporated city of Waveland, Mississippi.

The Barbosin’s had their home destroyed when a 30 ft. wave crushed it during the hurricane, wiping out a lifetime of effort and memories in seconds. The family was very blessed that they escaped unhurt. Like many rural homeowners in the Gulf States, they had no insurance on their destroyed home.

The Barbosin Family now lives in a 276 sq. ft. FEMA trailer, except for their 16 year old daughter, because the trailer is too small for the entire family.

Alexie lives in a cramped tar paper and wood shack next to the trailer. And this is America?

The family has applied for help through different grant and aid programs but was rejected because the guidelines give preference to single parents and the unemployed. Mr. Barbosin has pride and a strong work ethic. He drives 76 miles each way to a job in New Orleans every day.

Margie, the mother, is having a real tough time adjusting to all this. However, her 14 yr. old son Andrew built the family a garden from fencing and materials found in the area around their property.

After spending a little time talking with Alexie, their daughter, I found out that she is going to graduate this next year from senior high school with A’s & B’s at the age of 16. I asked Alexie what she is going to do after she graduates. Her response was that she would love to go to college but, with things being the way they are, she doesn’t think her family can afford it.

The Adopt a Church mission of Communities of Faith Ministries need to raise $35,000 to build the Barbosin Family a new home. We also want to give Alexie a $4,000 scholarship for junior college. We believe this family has not given up on each other, or on America. They are all working hard to survive and prosper. They just need some help, from people like you and me.

Here is a photo of the Barbosin Family reading the letter from Adopt A Church the day we decided to build them a home & viewing the floor plan of their new home.

For those that haven't yet made a contribution to this very important cause, now is your chance. Your contribution is tax deductible. Please use the reply envelope enclosed with this letter.

For those that have already given, please donate again, dig deep, I need your help, the hurricane survivors need your help. It could just as easily been you or I who needed this help.

If you feel that I’m asking too much….Well maybe I am...But just remember that the people were helping are still sleeping nightly in tar paper shacks, tents and FEMA trailers.

If you know of any skilled contractors, Electrician’s, Plumber’s, Dry Waller’s, that are willing to give there time to this needed mission, Please let me know, We need them.

Please, let’s show good and needy people like the Barbosin Family, they have not been forgotten and that the people of this country, with the Good Lord’s help and grace, will assist them. Thank you!

Here is a photo
of the Barbosin
Family reading
the letter from
Adopt A Church
the day we
decided to build
them a home
& viewing the
floor plan of their
new home.