AAC Katrina Update

AAC Press Release

March 24, 2006

The American Anglican Council (AAC) has committed a portion of its remaining Hurricane Katrina Relief donations toward helping fund a full-time missionary to the Gulf Coast region for the remainder of 2006.  Mr. Carl Snedaker, a member of Holy Cross Anglican Church (Loganville, Ga.), has been involved with Katrina relief efforts since the first week after the storm hit, and he is now living in the region a majority of the time, determining the greatest points of relief need, and overseeing a variety of relief operations. 

“Carl has put his whole life and job on hold to be a full-time missionary in the Gulf,” said AAC Affiliates Administrator Linda Newton, who has worked together with the AAC’s partners to coordinate distribution of Katrina funds since September. 

Ms. Newton says the AAC is providing funds to enable Mr. Snedaker to transport volunteers to and from the Gulf region every week, as well as maintain a storage area of relief supplies and equipment.  AAC funds have been used to purchase dozens of air mattresses (for volunteers and some needy Gulf residents); respirators, which are required to protect volunteers from mold toxins; and other items needed for specific relief projects in Louisiana and Mississippi.  Funding also provides for the use and maintenance of Mr. Snedaker’s two large passenger busses used for transportation as well as living and storage space. 

“I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the support from the AAC which allows me to be at the coast and help these people,” Mr. Snedaker said in one February report to the AAC. 

With a missionary in the Gulf region almost full-time, local needs can be pinpointed and projects coordinated with greater ease and precision.  In addition to making supplies and equipment readily available, Mr. Snedaker has established essential contacts in the area who can assist in organizing short-term volunteer groups, identify specific work projects, and arrange housing for volunteers.  He has coordinated the visits of volunteer crews from various U.S. states, especially during the months of March and April when numerous schools are sending students on spring break to help clean up and rebuild.  Mr. Snedaker is also already helping groups coordinate summer mission trips to the region. 

Mr. Snedaker plans to remain on the Gulf coast indefinitely and sees his mission there as offering physical relief aid as well as glorifying Jesus Christ.  He says cleanup and rebuilding efforts will take years to complete, and volunteers and donations are still needed. 

“The average person cannot imagine the depth of this disaster,” he said.  “You cannot comprehend this by being told about it, or by seeing any number of pictures of it.  You have to come and see it for yourself.” 

“Please send any amount you can spare to the American Anglican Council, which is sponsoring me and several other missionaries to aid the victims of this storm in any and every way possible,” he continued.  “Any time that you have available, come and volunteer, please come and help us!” 

To volunteer, call or email Mr. Snedaker at: 678-729-8800 or carl@hcanglican.org.  He can accommodate groups of one to 200 individuals. 

To support Carl Snedaker’s work in the Gulf, send your donations to the AAC office, with the designation “Hurricane Relief Effort Fund” indicated on the check, or send a check directly to: Holy Cross Anglican Church, P.O. Box 776, Loganville, GA 30052.

Date: 3/24/2006