SLIDELL, La. — When the Church's clean-up efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina were mentioned at a mayor's breakfast here, spontaneous applause broke out among those attending, said President Terry Donahue of the Slidell Louisiana Stake.
More than 200 people attended the Oct. 28 breakfast, sponsored by the Slidell Chamber of Commerce, for city officials and others.
Mayor Ben Morris began his remarks by thanking the faith-based groups who had helped the City of Slidell during the previous eight weeks. He thanked the organization known as Operation Blessing, a Christian conglomerate of many churches who diverted their efforts to Slidell where they have been ever since.
He then said that there is another group. "They are very quiet about their efforts and you know them as the Mormons — the guys with the 'Mormon Helping Hands' shirts.
"They have brought literally thousands of workers into our city on a consistent basis, weekend after weekend. Without any fanfare, they have supported us by clearing debris, cutting trees, tarping roofs and gutting houses. They have fed those in need by giving food to our residents as well as school supplies to our children."
At that moment a woman on the far right of the room began to clap by herself and then another person joined her. The mayor responded as the room broke into loud applause.
"As the only Latter-day Saint in the room, I was overcome with emotion and a feeling that I had spiritually been joined by thousands of fellow saints who gave their best to help rebuild my community," said President Donahue.
The mayor asked if there were any Church members present.
"I raised my hand when he said, 'Thank you!' He went on to say that the Church had done everything he asked except for bringing in our choir.
"He explained that he once had the occasion to hear the choir and remarked what beautiful music they make.
"It was an event that bore a testimony of pure religion," President Donahue said. "I was a witness that the Lord can truly soften and change men's hearts."