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LAUREL - Twenty members of St. Matthews UMC in Bowie and Mt. Zion UMC in Laurel were among the hundreds of mission teams that have helped restore homes along the Gulf coast over the past 18 months. Yet, they found their considerable efforts in mid-January left a very small dent in the massive recovery need that still prevails from the hurricane destruction.

Faith-based teams are working throughout the area, said Sandra Wheeler, a member of Mt. Zion. 'We could look out the window (of the house they were working on) and see Lutherans around the corner and Baptists down the street.'

The joint VIM team worked on four houses in the Biloxi, Miss., area.

'I certainly got a sense of frustration at how long things are taking,' said John Carns, leader of the Mt. Zion group. 'But also incredible gratitude.'