kim lawton traveled to the louisiana bayous this week to talk with people in the fishing industry and with local religious leaders trying to give them material and spiritual support. >> reporter: it's sunrise over louisiana bayou country. normally, this is when the fishermen here set out in search of shrimp and oysters and crabs. but things aren't anywhere near normal. instead of fishing, these men have been hired by bp to look for spreading oil, to document damaged wildlife and to assist in the cleanup. there's a safety briefing before they head out, and pastor john dee jeffries opens the meeting with prayer. >> father god in heaven, i pray you will watch over these men, these women. protect them today. >> reporter: jeffries is pastor of the chalmette first baptist church. he's one of several local ministers who have been coming out to the docks every day to support the fishermen. >> can't solve all of the world's problems, but sometimes just knowing that there's someone who's there who cares is more than sufficient. >> reporter: jeffries is concerned that despair is growing across t