Micah 6:8 Mission: Empowering Communities, Building Resilience
Micah 6:8 Mission is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities in Southwest Louisiana through education, outreach, and disaster preparedness. Rooted in a commitment to civic and environmental awareness, we provide essential resources and programs that address food insecurity, climate resilience, and community health.
Our work includes operating food pantries, disaster shelters, and community meeting spaces, as well as hosting events like our annual Earth Day celebration and the Health and Environment Summit. We also lead grassroots initiatives such as coterie groups in low-income neighborhoods, fostering unity and advocacy for safer, healthier communities.
Through partnerships, education, and direct action, Micah 6:8 Mission empowers residents to build a stronger, more sustainable future. Together, we are making Southwest Louisiana better, one step at a time.
Because we are so concerned about the quality of our environment, and the impact of the numerous refineries in the Southwest Louisiana area, we reached out to CreateLab to create a website, using some impressive technology, that makes it possible to see the areas impacted by all of the flaring that these refineries are doing on a regular basis. Their data makes it possible for locals to pay attention to the amount of flaring, and make sure the refineries are following EPA policies regarding flaring.
If you want to check it out and see for yourself, Click Here.
Biodiversity: The Lifeline of Our Wetlands
Biodiversity is the foundation of healthy, thriving wetlands. These ecosystems depend on a rich variety of plant, animal, and microbial life to maintain balance, filter water, control erosion, and provide habitat for countless species. Wetlands act as natural buffers against storms, reduce flooding, and store carbon, making them essential for climate resilience.
In Southwest Louisiana, wetland biodiversity is under threat from pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. The loss of key species can disrupt the entire ecosystem, weakening its ability to support wildlife and protect communities. Preserving biodiversity means safeguarding the wetlands’ ability to sustain fisheries, purify water, and defend against coastal erosion.
By protecting and restoring wetland biodiversity, we ensure that these critical ecosystems remain resilient, providing benefits for both nature and people for generations to come.
Water: The Lifeblood of Southwest Louisiana
Water is essential to life in Southwest Louisiana, shaping the region’s environment, economy, and culture. From the vast wetlands and bayous to the Gulf Coast, water sustains biodiversity, supports fisheries, and drives industries like shipping, agriculture, and tourism. It also serves as a natural barrier against storms and flooding, helping protect communities from extreme weather events.
However, this vital resource is under threat from pollution, saltwater intrusion, coastal erosion, and climate change. As wetlands disappear and water quality declines, both the environment and the livelihoods of residents are at risk.
Safeguarding Southwest Louisiana’s water means investing in conservation, sustainable management, and community-driven solutions. By protecting this precious resource, we ensure a resilient future for people, wildlife, and the ecosystems that depend on it.
PFAS Testing our Local Water Systems
Micah 6:8 Mission has taken an active role in addressing concerns about PFAS contamination in our local water system. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of human-made chemicals that have been linked to serious health risks, including cancer, liver damage, immune system issues, and developmental effects in children. Often referred to as “forever chemicals” because of how long they remain in the environment and the human body, PFAS are found in a variety of industrial and consumer products—and unfortunately, they’ve made their way into our drinking water.
In response to these growing concerns, Micah 6:8 Mission has begun independently testing water samples from homes, public buildings, and other key points in the community. By partnering with environmental experts and accredited laboratories, we’re gathering hard data to better understand the scope of PFAS contamination in our area. This community-led effort ensures transparency and keeps the public informed about potential health risks that may not yet be addressed by official agencies.
Our mission is rooted in justice and compassion, and we believe that safe, clean water is a basic human right. Through this testing initiative, we’re not only identifying risks but also holding polluters and decision-makers accountable. We’re working to raise awareness, push for stricter regulations, and demand action from state and federal agencies. Our hope is that this project not only protects our community today but also lays the foundation for a healthier, more sustainable future.
We conducted a PFAS test on our local water system, and those results can be found here.
Salt Dome Intrusion Test
We understand residents are concerned about water quality and so are we. We are posting the data report on our website as well as information from Dr. Wilma Subra, who interpreted the information for us.
The testing was done because members of the community were/are concerned about the possible impact of the collapsing Sulphur Salt Dome on our drinking water and the Chicot Aquifer. We wanted to establish a baseline sample, so next year we could test again to see if any changes had occurred.
We asked for the tests that Dr. Subra recommended. We tested for hydrocarbons, a test that is not usually done for drinking water. We got some concerning results. The test found 197 ug/l of Diesel Range Organics in the Houston River Waterworks sample.
Which means more testing needs to be done, first. As awful as the idea of diesel range organics in our water is, it may be we collected the sample from a source that was incidentally contaminated, we just don’t know. Which is why we are going to pull another set of water samples and test again.
On April 8, 2025, we conducted a second round of tests and found no Diesel Range Organic contaminants in any of the samples.
Test Results can be found here.