C&MA Southwestern District Superintendent Mark Searing 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.
Houston 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.
More Rain to Come
Already devastated by more than two feet of rain, Houston and some of the Gulf Coast communities could receive another two feet by the end of the week as the storm cycles in and out of the Gulf. Rivers are expected to crest later this week; to prevent uncontrolled overflow, officials have made the decision to release water from two major reservoirs into streams that run toward the Gulf. Communities along these streams are expected to be especially at risk of major flooding in the days ahead.
How You Can Help
Volunteers are needed to assist families once they return to their homes. Three 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.
If you or your church would like to volunteer to come and assist devastated families, please contact Mark or Joy at the C&MA Southwestern District Office at [email protected] or (817)561-0879.
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
Volunteer In Texas
Local churches in Texas need willing hands and feet to help rebuild their communities.