Dr. Jun Vencer, pastor of The Alliance International Church in Pearland, writes,
“Yesterday we delivered relief goods to help the affected members of the Iglesia Alianza Vida church in Houston (pastored by Herman Sanchez). We left the bulk for the church to distribute to other needy members and neighbors. Our church relief team continues to raise funds and collect goods to be turned over to our district relief team.
“Our members are contacting family networks and friends giving them opportunity to help. Thus far, we have received responses from Manila, Philippines, from Winnipeg, Canada, and from other U.S. states. Prayer is being generated. A good beginning, but much more needs to be done. What we do is but a drop in the ocean of need; but at least we contribute a drop to the ocean. What is important is that it is done in the name of Jesus (Matt. 25:40).”
Fishermen Join Rescue Efforts
On Monday, Hector Villanueva, the associate pastor at Rio Life Community Church in Mercedes, Texas, texted his brother, Roel, asking if he would be willing to take some boats down to Houston to help in the rescue efforts. “I want to use this disaster to just love on people,” Hector says. Roel, an avid fisherman and licensed boatman, asked his fishing buddies to join them.
Hector, Roel, and four other men made the five-hour trek to Houston on Monday afternoon with three boats in tow. Over the next two days, these six men saved nine people from homes that were up to their chests in water. They saved some pets too, including a potbelly pig. The six have since arrived back home and are holding a food drive to take to Houston next week.
“We didn’t do this for any glory,” Roel says. “We did it because Christ first loved us.”
Volunteer In Texas
Local churches in Texas need willing hands and feet to help rebuild their communities.