Welcome to Johnson Bayou, Louisiana
We are grateful that you have chosen to participate in the work of MDS.
Rebuilding homes, lives and hope after disasters has its challenges but
also many joys. We pray that you will be stretched but also encouraged as
you join the MDS team to share God’s love by being His hands and feet to
those affected by disasters.
Johnson Bayou is located in southwest Louisiana, Cameron Parish.
Hurricane Rita hit this area hard in September of 2005. No one died in
Hurricane Rita, thanks to a vigorous evacuation plan, but the storm
destroyed or rendered structurally unsound about half of the 5,400 parish
homes and commercial buildings. In the lower part of the parish, as few as
20 of 1,000 residences may be inhabitable, according to the most dire estimates. Cameron’s industry (oil, gas
and fishing) is up and running and perhaps half of the commercial businesses are back. MDS has
started repairing and rebuilding homes in partnership with Faith Share, an ecumenical group that is working as
the Long Term Recovery Committee.
Prior to your arrival, here are a few helpful hints that we would like to share with you. If there are any further
questions, please contact the Johnson Bayou project office.
Project Accommodations
Your residence for your time of service will be at Ben’s Trailer Park/Trahan’s RV Park. Water, electricity, and
sewer hook-ups will be available.
Directions
From I-10 in Louisiana take Exit 20, LA-27 South.
Follow LA-27 South for 35.7 miles
Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto LA-82
Follow LA-82 14.3 miles, through Johnson Bayou town to the RV park
Physical Address
Ben’s Trailer Park/Trahan’s RV Park
6398 Gulf Beach Hwy
Cameron , LA 70631
Telephone/Email
Office: 337-569-2239
johnsonbayou@mds.mennonite.net
This address is in the Johnson Bayou community, although the postal address is Cameron. This
is important to note, because Cameron town is east of the intercoastal waterway, and Johnson
Bayou is west of it. A ferry allows vehicles to cross, but we don’t expect the RV program to need
to cross the ferry.
Bring along your sense of humor, a willingness to learn something new and to meet people you didn't know
before. We want you to leave with a satisfaction that you have used your God-given talents and helped some one
who had a need.
Remember that you are a representative of Jesus, the church and MDS. Let your conversation and behavior fit
the role of a volunteer ``to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need.''
“If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be
praised through Jesus Christ.”
–1 Peter 4:11