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. Ellen Alston recounts leading her congregation through the uncertainty of evacuation, the shock of loss, and the challenges of ministering in a scattered city. She reflects on the pastoral role as both spiritual guide and community anchor during a prolonged crisis. Her journey reveals the depth of care and adaptability required when shepherding through disaster.