Mrs. Edwards talks of hope, faith in visit following flooding

Donna Edwards grabbed the microphone and talked about hope and faith with those inside the Ville Platte Civic Center.
The first lady of Louisiana told the story about a man she recently met, a man who despite experiencing horrific pain and suffering, that his faith in God remained strong as ever.
“There was this man in a hospital in Baton Rouge,” Edwards said. “He was burned all over his body and he had no arms but that had happened to him before the flooding. He couldn’t really see and he could barely breathe. Yet, he remained hopeful. He told me ‘God is going to get us through this.’”
Edwards stopped in Ville Platte on Friday as part of a three city tour of areas ravaged by the historic flooding that engulfed the state . Edwards visited Opelousas, Ville Platte, and then Crowley.
“Please let us know what we can do to help,” Edwards told the crowd of more than 100 people. “Thank you for everything you are doing.”
The theme of faith carried through the entire event on Friday, that featured several local leaders such as Evangeline Parish School Board Superintendent Toni Hamlin, Judge John D. Saunders and Rep. Bernard LeBas.
Rev. Fr. Thomas Voorhies and Rev. Darwan Lazard both said prayers at the event, and there was an inspirational song sung by Carlene Bellard, which inspired loud applause from the crowd numerous times.
Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine, who got emotional while thanking Edwards for coming to Ville Platte, expressed just how grateful she and other civic leaders were to have the First Lady of Louisiana come to town.
“It is monumental,” Vidrine said. “Especially because the First Lady came out of her way to visit with us. She cares and the governor cares. Today we want to tell them thank you for their caring and support.”
LeBas echoed that sentiment as well.
“I think it very important,” LeBas said. “This is who John Bel and his wife Donna are. They are good people who care about this state. Anytime there is something important they deal with it.
“It gives people in the community a sense of assurance. It lets the people know that someone in Baton Rouge cares about them and is doing something for them.”
There was plenty of caring and support inside the center prior to Edwards’ arrival.
Dozens upon dozens of people were waiting to fill out the necessary paperwork for either disaster food stamps, FEMA aid or there to receive donated goods.
From Wednesday, when the center opened, until noon Friday, a total of 687 residents came to the center for either disaster food stamps, FEMA aid or to receive donated clothing, food or cleaning supplies.
“We are going to stay here until all of our people have been taken care of,” Vidrine said. “This is a one stop shop for flood relief.”
Rev. Fr. Voorhies spent time walking around talking to those affected by the flooding, even praying with a few.
“Whenever there is a disaster people truly come together and support one another,” said Rev. Fr. Voorhies, who also serves as priest at St. Joseph. “I went and checked on some of our people earlier this week in the Belaire Cove area, with those who attend our chapel there, and those who were affected here at Sacred Heart.
“The biggest thing is that we have been praying together. We prayed for FEMA to declare the parish a disaster area and it happened.”
Even though many goods had already been passed out in the past few days, there were still bottles and cans of Ensure, Pedialyte and nutritional bars and stacks of clothing for men, women and children.
Miss Ville Platte Lynee West was there trying to do her part for the community.
“There are so many people that lost so much in the flood,” West said. “Why not give my time? It is the least I can do to help.”
Vidrine said on Friday that if people are still interested in helping out those affected by the flooding that the center is still accepting donations. Also, if one wants to make a monetary donation then they can make out checks to City of Ville Platte Relief Fund, which will go directly to those residents here in Ville Platte.
Also, if residents still have wet and soggy carpets inside their homes they can call the City of Ville Platte and someone will come and help remove the carpet.
Before she stopped speaking, and started introducing herself to everyone in attendance, Edwards made a comparison from this most recent flooding to another infamous natural disaster.
“Hurricane Katrina was so terrible and it washed everything away,” Edwards said. “With this storm we are having to go through our things on the sidewalk outside of our home.”
Edwards added, “I just want to thank you all for reaching out and helping one another.”