BY MICHAEL KUNZELMAN

WAVELAND, Miss. — In a city reduced to rubble by Hurricane Katrina, John King and Chris Johnson have formed an unlikely friendship at the uneasy intersection of church and state.

King led Pennsylvania Amish volunteers to Mississippi just days after the storm hit to help clear debris. Johnson, the city’s parks and recreation director, was one of the first people he met in Waveland.

Now, with the parks in ruins and little time for recreation, Johnson spends his days working alongside King and his fellow Amish, who are gutting and rebuilding hundreds of homes. “It has changed our lives,” said Johnson, 47. “If it weren’t for the faith-based groups helping out, the city of Waveland would be half the size it is now.”

It continues - a fantastic read.