Already devastated by more than two feet of rain from Hurricane Harvey, Houston and other Gulf Coast communities could receive another two feet by the end of the week as the storm continues to cycle.
Houston, the fourth largest city in America, is now isolated. The only ways in and out are by boat or helicopter. Both airports have been flooded and have suspended all flights indefinitely. All roads and interstates in and out of the city are impassable. At this time only emergency responders can provide assistance.
Alliance Family Impacted
CAMA President Mike Sohm has been in close contact with Mark Searing, Alliance Southwestern District Superintendent. Mark reports that, as of Monday, August 28 at 10:30 a.m. CDT, only one Alliance church in the greater Houston area is reporting significant flood damage. The Iglesia Casa de Vida in Pasadena, Texas, suffered 1–1.5 feet of water in its facility. The Alliance Bible Church in Baytown also sustained minimal moisture damage. Only three evacuations of Alliance families have been reported so far, but more are expected.
Phil Lohmeyer, Coordinator of Disaster Response Ministries for the Alliance Central District, assists CAMA with disaster response in the USA. He will travel to Texas this week to assist and consult Texas Alliance churches.
How You Can Help
Volunteers are needed to assist families once they return to their homes. Alliance churches in the Dallas/Ft. Worth vicinity are being set up as staging areas for those wishing to volunteer. Once Houston becomes accessible, volunteers will be deployed from one of these staging churches into the devastated communities. Only those with boats are able to offer immediate on-site assistance.
Teams or individuals interested in volunteering in the Houston area for three to five days may contact the Southwestern District at reliefhouston@swdcma.org. In your email, please list any tools you have available and skills that may be helpful.Volunteers must be able to work in heat (around 90 degrees and 70-percent humidity).
Please Pray
- For the rain to stop quickly
- For safety for evacuees and first responders
- For strength for pastors and the Texas Alliance family in the next days and weeks
- For wisdom for district and CAMA leaders as they assess the damage and formulate a relief plan
- That Alliance churches and individuals will seize any opportunity to demonstrate Christ’s love to those devastated by this catastrophe
You can also give today to help local Alliance churches reach out to victims of Hurricane Harvey.
