Decontamination, Frustration, & Oration

Wednesday our gulf coast prayer journey took us down to Grand Isle, LA. This is located to the southeast of New Orleans and has been a placed of much activity these last 59 days.

Once there, we first went to Grand Isle State Park where much oil has been spotted. We walked by a camp where many of the cleanup workers were gathered on our way to the beach. What we saw upon arriving was disheartening. Booms stretched as far as the eye could see in each direction. A look beyond the boom revealed that the shores were blackened by the oil. Looking closer you could see not just the globs of oil but some very large chunks as well. As we walked out along the pier small patches of oil were visible floating across the top of the water.

But what made it worse was watching the sea life that was swimming near and through the oil. A stone’s throw from the water’s edge swam shrimp, schools of fish, and dolphins. Additionally, birds were diving into that same water to catch those fish which may well have been contaminated.

I have been reading about how many of the animals have been forced closer to shore to avoid the oil. However, they do not seem to be safe there either. It seems that for many there is nowhere to run.

We also learned that where there used to be a countless supply of crabs running on the shore (to the point that you had to be careful not to have your toes pinched), they are no longer there. “The crabs are all gone,” said one resident.

Now, unless you have special clearance it is illegal to go beyond the boom. But I watched as two people (without permission) crossed the boom to take samples on the shore. Security quickly showed up to make them leave. Not only did they threaten to have them arrested but they were forced to be decontaminated. Apparently they were fortunate because it only took 5 or 10 minutes to scrub off their shoes. I was later told by a BP spokesman that it could take up to 3 hours.

As we worked our way around the island we later hit another part of the Grand Isle beach. Within 5 minutes of reaching the beach, we were approached by no fewer than 3 or 4 security guards. We were sternly (but kindly) warned not to cross the boom. Again, boom 3 layers thick stretched across the shoreline. As I looked at the tar balls before me and the numerous oil rigs in the background I couldn’t help but wonder, “was it just a matter of time before this happened?”

Frustrations ran very high across the island. Economic difficulties are rising. The jobs of many have been called into question. It’s not just about the short term. If you are a fisherman, it could possibly be years and years before being able to resume work in the area. Even those who may not be directly affected feel the trickle down effect of it all. These challenges and the apparent lack of progress in the local cleanup have many frustrated and angry. Some described the people who live there as “depressed.” One woman has been so stressed out about the situation that she has lost 16 pounds as a result. Protests are not unknown, though outside of the passive one pictured below, protests seem to have been replaced with less public anger and frustration. Perhaps that reveals something of their mindset as well.

Everywhere you go people are talking about the spill –  about amount of oil, locations, frustrations, economics, science, and more. There are now even snow balls and mixed drinks with names like “tar ball” and “oil spill.” There is no escaping it.

Some who went down to spend the summer on the beach are flat out of luck. Even grandparents have turned their grandchildren away because the beaches and water are no longer available. Life on the island is now changed.

I was also able to spend a few minutes with a BP spokesperson at the local community center which has been taken over by people offering assistance, loans, and answers to questions. Instead of expressing anger (which has been well covered by many others – locally and globally), I chose to hear the positive things they are doing to help this community.

Much of what they are doing in Grand Isle focuses on the needs of the youth. They will create a youth jobs program, sponsor a fireworks display, and build a volleyball court (since there is no longer a beach to play on). They have tried to take ideas originating from the community itself. When asked how people might pray for BP, the spokesperson demonstrated his concern for the community by asking for prayer for the residents first, BP second. While these and other efforts in no way make up for the damage, it is good to know that there are at least a few positive things like this taking place. [More about approaches to BP in the future.]

The last thing we did was to join the members of First Baptist Church, Grand Isle for a Bible study and prayer meeting for the oil spill. The Bible study was a meaningful time where residents, missionaries, a member of the Coast Guard just in from Washington state, and ourselves shared testimonies. We also had an opportunity to hear their concerns, frustrations, and needs.

After the study, we were able to lead a prayer meeting. Before we began in prayer I shared a few thoughts on how God is with us even in these difficult times. Then we – young and old, local and stranger, but all children of God – joined together for a very meaningful time of prayer. This was the most impactful time of the whole day for me. To stand together and express our faith and confidence in the Lord with those who find themselves right in the thick of this tragedy was incredibly powerful.

I cannot put this post up without mentioning the great help of Becca Knight and Katie Newman – two young missionaries who have given their summer to help out First Baptist Church. They gave up their entire day to guide us around the island, make arrangements, and pray with us. We were greatly blessed by the hospitality of these two, their friend Dillon, and the rest of First Baptist Church.

Through the night the following thoughts resounded: God is with us, God is in control, and God is faithful.

More on our prayer journey:

Choppers, Marinas, & Shelters

Let the Prayers Flow

Praying Confidently in the Midst of Disaster

Oil Spill Prayer – Update & Prayer Journey

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