When Tropical Storm Lee passed through the Eastern United States last September, it caused record rainfalls and devastating floods in York County, Pennsylvania, home to one of our Somebody Cares chapters. Many families suffered severe loss to their homes in the wake of Lee, with flooding producing $2.9 million in damages in York County alone. The team at Somebody Cares York County (SCYC) immediately mobilized to bring relief to victims. As a result, they were asked to help provide key leadership in responding to the needs of four thousand affected families with the local Long Term Recovery Committee (LTRC).
As the rebuilding process began, 40-50 SCYC volunteers contacted affected families, asking how they were faring and about their needs. They also offered ministry, prayer, and shared the love of Christ as they listened. It has been a wonderful opportunity to bring the light and compassion of Jesus in times of trouble! As needs assessments reach the end; 25-50 families have been identified that need major aid to recover. SCYC is committed to walking with these families until they are back on their feet.
Jim Herbert, founder of SCYC, is quick to explain that the effectiveness of any work of compassion, like bringing relief to flood victims, is only possible because it is done on a foundation of prayer and discipleship. For several years participating churches have gathered and committed to pray for one another and for the wider community. In fact prayer is the key component of their long-term vision for transforming their county with the love of Jesus Christ.
To this end, Somebody Cares York also mobilizes prayer in their county by organizing 24-hour prayer events and by incorporating prayer outreach at community events, like the York County Fair. One woman named Katie saw the Somebody Cares booth at the county fair last fall and got so excited that she said, “I want to be somebody who cares too! How do I sign up and get a t-shirt?” Katie is just one of many people that Somebody Cares continues to see responding positively and with enthusiasm to their prayer initiatives.
SCYC has scheduled the next 24-hour prayer event for the 23rd of March. If you live in the area they would love to have you join in!
Find more information about SCYC at http://www.somebodycaresyork.org/, and please continue to keep Somebody Cares York County in your prayers!