Welcome to a very special series of the Louisiana NOW podcast, Hope Beyond the Storm. Ten episodes that tell the stories of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in South Louisiana. Twenty years after the storms, the recovery isn't just history—it's still shaping lives, churches, and communities across South Louisiana. This series shares first‑hand stories of resilience, hard choices, and pastoring from pastors, lay leaders, volunteers, and neighbors who rebuilt together.

Rev. Martha Orphe played a central role in creating "Mission Zones" to keep ministry alive when congregations were displaced. She explains how cooperation and creativity shaped this new model for serving communities. The episode reveals how thoughtful structure can sustain hope after disaster.