On Saturday Margaret (volunteer from California) and I went on s mission to meet people where they are at. We left church with a van full of water and coolers to ice it down. We headed for Galveston and just went into the neighborhoods.
Our first stop we met two woman who were moving things out of an apartment. It turned out to be two sisters, one helping the other move out the things left that were not destroyed buy the 5 feet of water that went in. Not only did this woman lose everything on the first level of her home but it was in the projects and the landlord gave all the tenants a week to remove their things so the buildings could be demolished. We were told that some of the people just were not coming to go through their things because it was too stressful. We prayed with them left them water to drink and went on to the next home. This lady was attempting to sort through her things with her sickly husband on the second level of their house. She was in her sixties, you know you do what you need to do. Ike did not spare the old or the young, he simply created a path of destruction over 800 miles wide. Again we were able to pray with here and amazing as God is, a visual gleam of hope was seen! He is so good!
Margaret and I continued to several homes repeating the same extension of love to every home we stopped at. Then came a young man.... we were so moved by his reaction that we were all brought to tears. He cried because he wanted to fix his home so his children and wife could come back. He missed them so much tears came again as he spoke of them. He was lost for what to do first! We were able to guide him in what to do and his desire was to have the tools and materials to rebuild. He did not have insurance so he felt that it may be months before he would see his babies again! It was heart breaking. When we prayed with him, he lost control again, this time praising God for what he saw as a miracle that we came to him like two angels. I pray that he sees God working through all he has ahead.
At one of our stops we were told that the Post Office of Galveston was completely lost and the people from there needed to go another city to pick up their mail...wait in line in 90 degree weather for 1-2 hours... That is where we went with the rest of the water.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
3 Down, Thousands To Go
On Thursday and Friday it was time to get back into what was very familiar in the aftermath of Katrina and Rita... 'gutting houses'. For those of you unfamiliar with the term it means removing damaged/wet items and tearing out the trim molding, sheet rock, paneling,insulation, flooring and carpeting. The mold grows at a very fast rate here because of the humid weather so if we get to the walls quickly all that needs to be pulled out is the bottom four feet unless the water line was higher than that.
The team from Ohio and I went out on Thursday to a plant nursery business which also housed 2 families. We were able to gut both homes so these 2 families can get on the road to recovery. On Friday we went to the home of a 74 year old woman and were again able to clear out her home. All three families felt very blessed for the help we were able to give them.
It's just a start.... thousands of homes need the same thing and sometimes more. All we can do for now is gut out the homes because there are no finances or people ready for the rebuild to begin. The great thing is that we are at least able to get them out of the danger of living in mold infested homes.
We are praying for more teams of people to come from all over the country to help! If you read this and have a desire to help out, please contact a local Vineyard Church and ask about Mercy Response!
The team from Ohio and I went out on Thursday to a plant nursery business which also housed 2 families. We were able to gut both homes so these 2 families can get on the road to recovery. On Friday we went to the home of a 74 year old woman and were again able to clear out her home. All three families felt very blessed for the help we were able to give them.
It's just a start.... thousands of homes need the same thing and sometimes more. All we can do for now is gut out the homes because there are no finances or people ready for the rebuild to begin. The great thing is that we are at least able to get them out of the danger of living in mold infested homes.
We are praying for more teams of people to come from all over the country to help! If you read this and have a desire to help out, please contact a local Vineyard Church and ask about Mercy Response!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Hurricane Ike
Day 1 of Travel
Answering your call doesn't always go smoothly but one thing it does is give you perspective on all the things that can get in your way. As with all the times I have set out in the name of His Kingdom aimed to help people devastated by disaster, leaving today was full of set backs. I won't share all the details but know that the two hour delay and some particulars were not enough to stop me from getting on the road to Houston, Texas. The anticipation of what's to come out-weighs any delays. As I look back on the first time doing first response I recall the looks on the faces, the tears of loss and the overwhelming dis-belief. We all wonder what would happen if it happened to us..... these people are beginning to know the answer to that now. What we don't know is how God can show His love through all of it. One thing I learned 3 years ago was that I was attaching my self-worth to more material things than I care to admit. Just like those who lived through the wrath of the hurricanes I was brought down to the realization that things are just things, it's the lives spared that make the difference. The lives that through the ugly head of a disaster are shown what really matters is that God is always reaching out and that all we need to know is, open our hearts to him and turn it all over. Trust in Him to lead us in the right direction, starve to know what He has ahead of us, live our lives in a way that is pleasing to him and guess what...Salvation is to come!
As I travel tomorrow the anticipation will be building as the miles mount behind me. I long fore the chance to be the eyes, ears,hands and feet, blessed by God, to reach out to any and all who are in my presence. I pray that I speak through him, listen with compassion, touch those who need to be touched and walk in His footsteps letting the victims know that there is a community of people hopeful to help in whatever way possible.
Organized Acts of Kindness and Sacrifice (OAKS) is committed to reaching out to the needs of others. I will be reporting those needs to CTR once I arrive in Houston. I am very anxious to get on site to start reaching out to all those in need! Please keep them in all your thoughts and prayers!
Day 2... Still Traveling
Again the day was filled with trains, planes, and automobiles. No, I did not take a train or a plane but there were plenty of them in site. The other vehicles that in abundance were semi-trailers! Industries must to be booming if I were to gage them on the amount of trucks on the road. Also there were several convoys of commercial electrical maintenance trucks heading north. The power throughout the Coast must be getting back to normal. As with other hurricanes that I have responded to, electricians from all over the country respond immediately and work endless hours to get the affected areas up and running. These workers are to be commended for their commitment!
Driving for 13 hours gave me more time to spend with God. I always feel like he is in the passenger seat so there are many deep conversations that happen. Many prayers said and worship songs to fill in the non-talk times. As I look back on the day, it flew by as if only a few hours passed. Spending time with those you love is always that way. Isn't it? I will have another 4-5 hours to go yet tomorrow before I reach Christian Temple Church in Houston. I spoke with the office director today and am excited to hit the ground running once I arrive at around noon tomorrow.
Internet service is not as accessible as what I would have like which did not surprise me, so as you read these it may have three days grouped together.
One of the things that the CTR Church body may have some interest in is that the family in Black Creek, WI are very close to having their home project completed. The foundation has been completed and wheels are in motion to set the home and seal it up. Allen and Crystal are praising God for all the help that all the volunteers have done to get their home completed. In my absence, I had to turn it over to some other hands while I am in the South but again, confident that it will be only be a matter of weeks until it gets done. Praise The Lord!
Until tomorrow, God Bless you all! Your prayers are so appreciated!
Day 3.... Almost There
After about 5 more hours of driving I was nearing Christian Temple Church and guess what... God had other plans... The need was greater for me to go to The Vineyard Church in Webster, Texas which is only about a half an hour from Christian Temple. So mid-way between Houston and Galveston I was eagerly met but The Mercy Project leader and the Pastor of the Church. A team from one of their other operations on New Orleans was due to arrive within a short time. The Church did not suffer any damages other than loosing power for five days but are blessed to be located near a lot of the damage and additionally blessed to have warehouse space to set up a volunteer camp. It was said that getting the "camp" ready would be one of the tasks we would undertake. The first thing on the agenda though was to feed the hungry. We loaded up the vans and trailer with all the supplies needed to have a good old cookout.
Found a spot in a neighborhood that looked in need and started cooking burgers. there was lemonade, water, burgers a cold veggies salad, cookies and a lot of love. People started coming, and the word spread. We were there for just a couple of hours and were able to bless over 500 people with meals. How great God is! He knew just where we needed to set up. t us out be we he mosquitoes were trying to drive out but we were not leaving until the food was gone. There were a few meals left when it was pretty dark so we decided to bring them to the Fire Fighters at the station next to our outreach spot. They were thrilled!!!
Once back at the church we were able to fellowship a bit and get to know each other. The volunteer team from Columbus, Ohio has some really wonderful people with huge hearts. It is always great to get to know the members of the teams. It was about 11:00 when lights went out. Another day of great things!
Answering your call doesn't always go smoothly but one thing it does is give you perspective on all the things that can get in your way. As with all the times I have set out in the name of His Kingdom aimed to help people devastated by disaster, leaving today was full of set backs. I won't share all the details but know that the two hour delay and some particulars were not enough to stop me from getting on the road to Houston, Texas. The anticipation of what's to come out-weighs any delays. As I look back on the first time doing first response I recall the looks on the faces, the tears of loss and the overwhelming dis-belief. We all wonder what would happen if it happened to us..... these people are beginning to know the answer to that now. What we don't know is how God can show His love through all of it. One thing I learned 3 years ago was that I was attaching my self-worth to more material things than I care to admit. Just like those who lived through the wrath of the hurricanes I was brought down to the realization that things are just things, it's the lives spared that make the difference. The lives that through the ugly head of a disaster are shown what really matters is that God is always reaching out and that all we need to know is, open our hearts to him and turn it all over. Trust in Him to lead us in the right direction, starve to know what He has ahead of us, live our lives in a way that is pleasing to him and guess what...Salvation is to come!
As I travel tomorrow the anticipation will be building as the miles mount behind me. I long fore the chance to be the eyes, ears,hands and feet, blessed by God, to reach out to any and all who are in my presence. I pray that I speak through him, listen with compassion, touch those who need to be touched and walk in His footsteps letting the victims know that there is a community of people hopeful to help in whatever way possible.
Organized Acts of Kindness and Sacrifice (OAKS) is committed to reaching out to the needs of others. I will be reporting those needs to CTR once I arrive in Houston. I am very anxious to get on site to start reaching out to all those in need! Please keep them in all your thoughts and prayers!
Day 2... Still Traveling
Again the day was filled with trains, planes, and automobiles. No, I did not take a train or a plane but there were plenty of them in site. The other vehicles that in abundance were semi-trailers! Industries must to be booming if I were to gage them on the amount of trucks on the road. Also there were several convoys of commercial electrical maintenance trucks heading north. The power throughout the Coast must be getting back to normal. As with other hurricanes that I have responded to, electricians from all over the country respond immediately and work endless hours to get the affected areas up and running. These workers are to be commended for their commitment!
Driving for 13 hours gave me more time to spend with God. I always feel like he is in the passenger seat so there are many deep conversations that happen. Many prayers said and worship songs to fill in the non-talk times. As I look back on the day, it flew by as if only a few hours passed. Spending time with those you love is always that way. Isn't it? I will have another 4-5 hours to go yet tomorrow before I reach Christian Temple Church in Houston. I spoke with the office director today and am excited to hit the ground running once I arrive at around noon tomorrow.
Internet service is not as accessible as what I would have like which did not surprise me, so as you read these it may have three days grouped together.
One of the things that the CTR Church body may have some interest in is that the family in Black Creek, WI are very close to having their home project completed. The foundation has been completed and wheels are in motion to set the home and seal it up. Allen and Crystal are praising God for all the help that all the volunteers have done to get their home completed. In my absence, I had to turn it over to some other hands while I am in the South but again, confident that it will be only be a matter of weeks until it gets done. Praise The Lord!
Until tomorrow, God Bless you all! Your prayers are so appreciated!
Day 3.... Almost There
After about 5 more hours of driving I was nearing Christian Temple Church and guess what... God had other plans... The need was greater for me to go to The Vineyard Church in Webster, Texas which is only about a half an hour from Christian Temple. So mid-way between Houston and Galveston I was eagerly met but The Mercy Project leader and the Pastor of the Church. A team from one of their other operations on New Orleans was due to arrive within a short time. The Church did not suffer any damages other than loosing power for five days but are blessed to be located near a lot of the damage and additionally blessed to have warehouse space to set up a volunteer camp. It was said that getting the "camp" ready would be one of the tasks we would undertake. The first thing on the agenda though was to feed the hungry. We loaded up the vans and trailer with all the supplies needed to have a good old cookout.
Found a spot in a neighborhood that looked in need and started cooking burgers. there was lemonade, water, burgers a cold veggies salad, cookies and a lot of love. People started coming, and the word spread. We were there for just a couple of hours and were able to bless over 500 people with meals. How great God is! He knew just where we needed to set up. t us out be we he mosquitoes were trying to drive out but we were not leaving until the food was gone. There were a few meals left when it was pretty dark so we decided to bring them to the Fire Fighters at the station next to our outreach spot. They were thrilled!!!
Once back at the church we were able to fellowship a bit and get to know each other. The volunteer team from Columbus, Ohio has some really wonderful people with huge hearts. It is always great to get to know the members of the teams. It was about 11:00 when lights went out. Another day of great things!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Thank You!
Because of you, and the generosity of our corporate partners, Convoy of Hope has delivered $1.9 million in aid to victims in the Gulf following Hurricane Ike.
More than 50 corporate manufacturers like Allen's, Coca-Cola North America, Culligan, and Niagara Bottling Co. work with Convoy of Hope throughout the year. These groups also contribute significantly during disasters.
There is still a lot to do, and you can help! Donate Now!
"We are extremely grateful to our corporate partners for their generosity. Through their contributions of supplies and hundreds of thousands of Gulf and Caribbean residents are getting real help," said Convoy of Hope President Hal Donaldson. "For corporations to give during these difficult economic times, it demonstrates what they're about."
"Allen's was one of our first donors — they've been consistent, always ready to give, whether it's a disaster or not," said Erick Meier, Convoy of Hope Procurement Director. "Coke has always been interested in ensuring that people have clean water — their products are invaluable on the field during disaster. And Niagara has partnered with us for years, helping out during disasters."
These corporate partnerships enable Convoy of Hope to multiply every donated dollar into about $7 of actual relief product. But it takes people like you, providing that donated dollar to complete the process.
Many people want to help during a disaster. Cash and credit card donations are particularly important because they enable Convoy of Hope to get the most essential products to those with the greatest need. A case of bottled water would cost a consumer more than $5, but that same $5 in cash can be converted into $35 of relief supplies.
To date, Convoy of Hope has:
• Distributed relief supplies: 66 truckloads, 1.5 million lbs., valued at $1.9 million
• Helped Texas communities: Cleveland, Houston, Humble, Port Arthur, and San Antonio
You can be a part of this ongoing relief effort! Your secure online donation will have an immediate impact on hurting families along the gulf coast. Thank you!
More than 50 corporate manufacturers like Allen's, Coca-Cola North America, Culligan, and Niagara Bottling Co. work with Convoy of Hope throughout the year. These groups also contribute significantly during disasters.
There is still a lot to do, and you can help! Donate Now!
"We are extremely grateful to our corporate partners for their generosity. Through their contributions of supplies and hundreds of thousands of Gulf and Caribbean residents are getting real help," said Convoy of Hope President Hal Donaldson. "For corporations to give during these difficult economic times, it demonstrates what they're about."
"Allen's was one of our first donors — they've been consistent, always ready to give, whether it's a disaster or not," said Erick Meier, Convoy of Hope Procurement Director. "Coke has always been interested in ensuring that people have clean water — their products are invaluable on the field during disaster. And Niagara has partnered with us for years, helping out during disasters."
These corporate partnerships enable Convoy of Hope to multiply every donated dollar into about $7 of actual relief product. But it takes people like you, providing that donated dollar to complete the process.
Many people want to help during a disaster. Cash and credit card donations are particularly important because they enable Convoy of Hope to get the most essential products to those with the greatest need. A case of bottled water would cost a consumer more than $5, but that same $5 in cash can be converted into $35 of relief supplies.
To date, Convoy of Hope has:
• Distributed relief supplies: 66 truckloads, 1.5 million lbs., valued at $1.9 million
• Helped Texas communities: Cleveland, Houston, Humble, Port Arthur, and San Antonio
You can be a part of this ongoing relief effort! Your secure online donation will have an immediate impact on hurting families along the gulf coast. Thank you!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
More From Convoy of Hope
Although Hurricane Ike's winds have stopped blowing, the impact on the lives of Gulf Coast residents remains. Hundreds of thousands of evacuees remain displaced. Leaders in San Antonio are endeavoring to arrange long-term living accommodations for 10,000 Galveston/Houston residents that may be there for up to five months. More than 2 million remain without power, others have lost everything they own.
Convoy of Hope is currently addressing multiple disasters and working to meet a wide range of needs. You can help!
Donate Now!
Though the public may not have seen the immediate devastation that was visible post-Katrina, the recovery will be as long-term and demanding. The hurricane delivered a wallop to the Texas and Louisiana coastlines, leaving Galveston totally unlivable and crippling the fourth-largest population center in the United States. With long-term power outages, flooding, and large debris throughout the state, search and recovery continues as emergency responders slowly move into a relief effort.
With your help, Convoy of Hope is making an impact:
• Relief supplies distributed: 34 truckloads, 1.2 million lbs., valued at $1.7 million
• Texas communities helped: Cleveland, Houston, Humble Port Arthur, and San Antonio
At our Port Arthur Point of Distribution (POD), a victim who had lost her home said, "I just don't have anything. You have no idea how much the food, water and ice has helped me." After the volunteer gave her water and ice, she prayed for her to have peace and hope. The woman said, "This little bit of hope is gonna get me a long ways."
Your gifts are having an impact!
"We anticipate distributing food, water, ice and other life essential supplies for weeks to come — as people return to their homes and try to put their lives back together," said Convoy of Hope President Hal Donaldson. "The needs will still be there even after the media has moved on to another story."
Convoy of Hope's response to both Gustav and Ike includes 57 loads of relief supplies with a value of more than $1.5 million.
We need your help! Will you donate to this long-term relief effort. With the distribution of relief supplies in Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica and the United States, cash donations are a tremendous help in assisting with Convoy of Hope's efforts here in the United States and around the world.
Corporate and private partnerships enable Convoy of Hope to multiply every donated dollar to about $7 of actual relief product; $6,000 can fill an eighteen-wheeler with relief product, serving upwards of 7,000 people. Your secure online donation of $25 will provide $175 of relief supplies. Your $100 gift will place $700 of water, ice, and food in the hands of needy families.
Thank you for your compassion and for your willingness to have an impact on the lives of hurting people!
Convoy of Hope is currently addressing multiple disasters and working to meet a wide range of needs. You can help!
Donate Now!
Though the public may not have seen the immediate devastation that was visible post-Katrina, the recovery will be as long-term and demanding. The hurricane delivered a wallop to the Texas and Louisiana coastlines, leaving Galveston totally unlivable and crippling the fourth-largest population center in the United States. With long-term power outages, flooding, and large debris throughout the state, search and recovery continues as emergency responders slowly move into a relief effort.
With your help, Convoy of Hope is making an impact:
• Relief supplies distributed: 34 truckloads, 1.2 million lbs., valued at $1.7 million
• Texas communities helped: Cleveland, Houston, Humble Port Arthur, and San Antonio
At our Port Arthur Point of Distribution (POD), a victim who had lost her home said, "I just don't have anything. You have no idea how much the food, water and ice has helped me." After the volunteer gave her water and ice, she prayed for her to have peace and hope. The woman said, "This little bit of hope is gonna get me a long ways."
Your gifts are having an impact!
"We anticipate distributing food, water, ice and other life essential supplies for weeks to come — as people return to their homes and try to put their lives back together," said Convoy of Hope President Hal Donaldson. "The needs will still be there even after the media has moved on to another story."
Convoy of Hope's response to both Gustav and Ike includes 57 loads of relief supplies with a value of more than $1.5 million.
We need your help! Will you donate to this long-term relief effort. With the distribution of relief supplies in Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica and the United States, cash donations are a tremendous help in assisting with Convoy of Hope's efforts here in the United States and around the world.
Corporate and private partnerships enable Convoy of Hope to multiply every donated dollar to about $7 of actual relief product; $6,000 can fill an eighteen-wheeler with relief product, serving upwards of 7,000 people. Your secure online donation of $25 will provide $175 of relief supplies. Your $100 gift will place $700 of water, ice, and food in the hands of needy families.
Thank you for your compassion and for your willingness to have an impact on the lives of hurting people!
Words From the Texas Coast
Several days after Hurricane Ike's landfall, Convoy of Hope is actively working to help meet the needs of victims in locations such as Cleveland, Houston and Port Arthur, Texas, after the 500-mile wide storm tore through the state this weekend.
Convoy of Hope established its first Point of Distribution (POD) in the Port Arthur area. Opening at noon, Sunday, more than 500 vehicles and another 300 walk-ups were served by 4 p.m.
Another POD will open in Houston on Wednesday. Today, Convoy of Hope is working with local partners and actively assessing damage in Beaumont and Orange, Texas. Requests for help are also coming from Houma, Louisiana and nearby communities. We anticipate providing additional relief supplies to affected parts of Louisiana as well.
Donate Now!
More than 2.2 million homes remain without power. Some areas are predicted to remain without power for up to eight weeks. The strain and the pressure this puts on families is beyond measure. President Bush has declared 29 Texas counties major disaster areas. Hurricane Ike's area of impact is being compared to the size of New York State, affecting the fourth largest population center in the United States.
Your gifts, large or small, are what enable Convoy of Hope to respond.
To date, Convoy of Hope's Hurricane Ike response in Texas is as follows:
• Relief supplies distributed: 12 truckloads, 469,000 lbs., valued at $396,000
• Communities helped: Port Arthur, Houston
"Convoy of Hope relief teams are also on the ground in Haiti and Cuba, where thousands are receiving help," said Hal Donaldson, President of Convoy of Hope. "This is all being done on the heels of distributing $1 million worth of aid in Louisiana following Hurricane Gustav."
With ongoing hurricane relief efforts in Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica and the United States, you can best help by making cash donations to assist with our efforts here in the United States and around the world. Won't you extend your compassion to desperate people in the United States and around the world? By making a secure online donation,you are having a seven-fold impact on desperate, hurting families.
Corporate and private partnerships allow Convoy of Hope to multiply every donated dollar to about $7 of actual relief product; $6,000 can fill a tractor-trailer with relief product, serving upwards of 7,000 people.
Thank you for your compassion! Thank you for your efforts in helping hurting people around the world! Your donation will have an impact!
Convoy of Hope established its first Point of Distribution (POD) in the Port Arthur area. Opening at noon, Sunday, more than 500 vehicles and another 300 walk-ups were served by 4 p.m.
Another POD will open in Houston on Wednesday. Today, Convoy of Hope is working with local partners and actively assessing damage in Beaumont and Orange, Texas. Requests for help are also coming from Houma, Louisiana and nearby communities. We anticipate providing additional relief supplies to affected parts of Louisiana as well.
Donate Now!
More than 2.2 million homes remain without power. Some areas are predicted to remain without power for up to eight weeks. The strain and the pressure this puts on families is beyond measure. President Bush has declared 29 Texas counties major disaster areas. Hurricane Ike's area of impact is being compared to the size of New York State, affecting the fourth largest population center in the United States.
Your gifts, large or small, are what enable Convoy of Hope to respond.
To date, Convoy of Hope's Hurricane Ike response in Texas is as follows:
• Relief supplies distributed: 12 truckloads, 469,000 lbs., valued at $396,000
• Communities helped: Port Arthur, Houston
"Convoy of Hope relief teams are also on the ground in Haiti and Cuba, where thousands are receiving help," said Hal Donaldson, President of Convoy of Hope. "This is all being done on the heels of distributing $1 million worth of aid in Louisiana following Hurricane Gustav."
With ongoing hurricane relief efforts in Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica and the United States, you can best help by making cash donations to assist with our efforts here in the United States and around the world. Won't you extend your compassion to desperate people in the United States and around the world? By making a secure online donation,you are having a seven-fold impact on desperate, hurting families.
Corporate and private partnerships allow Convoy of Hope to multiply every donated dollar to about $7 of actual relief product; $6,000 can fill a tractor-trailer with relief product, serving upwards of 7,000 people.
Thank you for your compassion! Thank you for your efforts in helping hurting people around the world! Your donation will have an impact!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Leaving for Texas... "Ike" Has Hit Hard
Diane Jacobson
OAKS Ministry
Christ the Rock Community Church
W6254 Hwy 10-114
Menasha, WI 54952
Once again the devastation of a hurricane (Ike) has affected countless lives in the Gulf Coast Region. As with hurricanes Katrina and Rita, I am being called through faith to assist in whatever way necessary. In my role as the National Disaster Relief Responder for Organized Acts of Kindness and Sacrifice (OAKS), I will be leaving for Texas within the week seeking to assist with the physical clean-up efforts and to minister to any and all victims that may be placed in my path. I will also be the eyes and ears for CTR OAKS Ministry leaders here in Menasha, WI. I am asked to discern how we as a church body and a community can come along side the victims and their community to aide in their recovery. Restoring hope is the beginning of restoring their lives.
I prayerfully ask for your support, be that with prayer and/or financial assistance. Please include me in your daily thoughts and prayers and if your feel called to support me financially, a tax deductible donation can be sent to CTR for my support. Gas gift cards are also welcome provided that they are able to be used throughout the country.
You may also know individuals who wish to help in some way, please share this letter with them.
I first and foremost appreciate your prayers for my health and safety and for all those in the Texas and Gulf Coast Region affected by this disaster. I thank you for you kindness and consideration.
God Bless!
OAKS Ministry
Christ the Rock Community Church
W6254 Hwy 10-114
Menasha, WI 54952
Once again the devastation of a hurricane (Ike) has affected countless lives in the Gulf Coast Region. As with hurricanes Katrina and Rita, I am being called through faith to assist in whatever way necessary. In my role as the National Disaster Relief Responder for Organized Acts of Kindness and Sacrifice (OAKS), I will be leaving for Texas within the week seeking to assist with the physical clean-up efforts and to minister to any and all victims that may be placed in my path. I will also be the eyes and ears for CTR OAKS Ministry leaders here in Menasha, WI. I am asked to discern how we as a church body and a community can come along side the victims and their community to aide in their recovery. Restoring hope is the beginning of restoring their lives.
I prayerfully ask for your support, be that with prayer and/or financial assistance. Please include me in your daily thoughts and prayers and if your feel called to support me financially, a tax deductible donation can be sent to CTR for my support. Gas gift cards are also welcome provided that they are able to be used throughout the country.
You may also know individuals who wish to help in some way, please share this letter with them.
I first and foremost appreciate your prayers for my health and safety and for all those in the Texas and Gulf Coast Region affected by this disaster. I thank you for you kindness and consideration.
God Bless!
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