Photo Credit: Weather.com
Hurricane Harvey surprised many of us. The flooding in Houston and in surrounding areas has been unprecedented. It has broken previous flooding records. In La Grange, TX the Colorado river rose from 8 ft to 48 ft! And it's not over. More rain is expected to fall through this week.
On Sunday morning the water was rising fast in my cousin Kelsey's home. By mid-day she, her husband DeAndre, their two kids Natalie and Henry, and their entire neighborhood were surrounded by water. As the water continued to rise they were trapped and could not escape. Fortunately they had enough food and water and by God's grace were rescued Sunday afternoon. This hurricane has hit close to home for many Texans. It has affected friends and family of almost everyone I know. This week I wanted to send out my blog early and connect anyone who is interested in sending help to Houston to some great resources that are currently providing rescue for South Texas. Just today The Austin Stone sent a team with supplies to help down South. If you would like to help relief efforts you can provide monetary and/or physical relief through any of these organizations. Below is some super helpful information that our Church has sent out:
From the Austin Stone:
GIVE: If you would like to give to the Austin Stone For the City disaster relief efforts, you can by clicking on our secure site HERE.
SUPPLY: The Austin Disaster Relief Network (website here) is coordinating efforts to supply shelters across the city for evacuees. They are asking for donations of the following items:
- New undergarments (all sizes, children and adult)
- New socks (all sizes, children and adult)
- Toiletries (i.e. shampoo, face wash, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.)
- New bed pillows
- New blankets
- Cleanup supplies
- Black trash bags
- Mops and buckets
- Utility knives
- Leather work gloves
- Inflatable mattresses
- Hand sanitizer
- Box fans
DROP OFF at Hope Family Thrift Store (1122 E. 51st St.)
Mon - Sat 10AM - 5PM
SERVE: The Red Cross is in need of more volunteers to operate shelters in the city. You can apply to become a volunteer online HERE.
PRAY
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace! (Psalm 29:10-11)
- Pray that God would cause this storm to relent and not drop more rain on top of flooded areas.
- Pray for those who have been displaced and lost their homes, that they would find comfort in the kindness of neighbors and the goodness of God.
- Pray for emergency teams and responders as they are actively working in harm’s way to rescue and protect others.
Let's continue to pray for South Texas and the people affected by this hurricane. Let's continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus and meet the physical and spiritual needs of Houston and the surrounding areas. Their needs will extend far beyond this week and next. If you are not able to help currently, continue to ask God what you can do in the coming days. I know that even a month from now people will be blessed by any help they receive!
