More than 1,250 students from 25 academies and colleges converged on Mississippi to help in the massive relief effort at Bass Memorial Academy in Lumberton , and the towns of Pervis and Waveland. 

“They have been superb coordinators for that effort. As a result of that, all the work is getting done,” said David Miller, Gulf States Conference community services director.

Senior Mandy Missal, who was part of the first group from Forest Lake Academy to volunteer, said, “We came back to school the following week with a new perspective. We matured into greater, deeper, Christ-like students who took the stand and went to a place of need before the Red Cross had a chance to show up. People enjoyed the experience immensely, and we will never regret that we went.”

One grateful Mississippian wrote, “ Forest Lake students-words cannot adequately express my deep appreciation for what you have done for the community. Your gift of time, kindness, and friendship has meant for much. Thank you for being angels in human form.”

Because of such volunteers, ACTS overhead remains low allowing contributions and energies to be directed to the field. Thus, ACTS two years statistics:

•  484,000 Hot Meals

•  41 Million dollars of in kind donated goods sorted and distributed in field

•  11,400 Volunteers

•  Medical Triage Semi Trailers and Medical Team provided 2700 inoculations and 457 patients treated

•  794 Yards Cleaned

•  89 Homes Gutted

•  3040 Tarps distributed or installed

•  655 decisions for Christ