Christian publishers near the Gulf coast reported no structural damage from Hurricane Katrina but say it's too soon to know how business will be affected.

Melissa Teutsch, publicist at Howard Publishing, said the West Monroe, La.-based company is open and doing what it can to help victims from New Orleans and other nearby areas hit hard by the hurricane. Teutsch said there appeared to be no major damage to West Monroe, about 350 miles north of New Orleans. She added that long-distance phone service still is limited.

“We're just all volunteering, doing what we can to help out,” she said of the 50 employees who work at Howard. She also said many churches in the area have opened their doors to help victims.

A major concern of Howard's employees is for family and friends who didn't evacuate or for those in the National Guard. “Most of us know someone down there or (who) is still down there,” Teutsch said.

Shannon Walker, publicist for Integrity Music, said the Mobile, Ala.-based company is open but not operating at full speed yet.

“There was some roof damage but no major structural damage. Trees (are) down, but no flooding. It's a miracle,” she said.

Walker said about half of the company's nearly 150 employees still were out tending to their damaged homes or taking care of family and friends who had to evacuate from other areas. The hike in gas prices also has been a factor, she added.

“A lot of people are staying at home, trying to save gas,” she said. People in the area also have been concerned about looting and have decided to stay indoors.

Walker said the phones are working at Integrity, and customers can call to check on the status of orders.

Malaco Music Group, based in Jackson, Miss., sustained minor damage to its building but was forced to close for several days due to power outages. No employees were injured during the storm.

Burton Doss, director of information technology for Malaco, said the “city is traumatized. There is mayhem everywhere. Trees are down, most of the city is without power, and services are spotty. We are finally on a 'boil water' alert, and some cable lines are up again, but we still have no electricity.”

Christian Life Missions (CLM), the non-profit arm of Strang Communications, publisher of Christian Retailing, is accepting donations to provide immediate support with 100% of the money going to victims. Strang will cover all overhead costs.

“Those affected by the hurricane need an outpouring of support, not only from individuals, but also churches,” said Matt Fehrmann, a coordinator for CLM. “If your church wants to receive an offering for this cause, we will channel the money where it is most needed on your church's behalf.” Donations can be made online at www.christianlifemissions.org/giving.

Lakewood Church in Houston announced that it would join efforts with Feed the Children Ministries and Atlanta's Philips Arena to collect relief items for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Lakewood Pastor Joel Osteen is asking attendees to bring at least one item for victims during preaching sessions today and Friday at the Atlanta arena.

A full story will appear in the Oct. 3 issue of Christian Retailing.

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