Even as the nation mourned over the tragic Fourth of July flood that took the lives of children and unsuspecting campers in the Kerrville area of Texas, damage from floodwaters went far beyond the Texas Hill Country.
Just over 150 miles away, in the community of San Angelo, over 6,000 homes were damaged or destroyed.
As SOMEBODY CARES AMERICA was responding immediately to assist in Kerrville, Doug received a call from friend Walt Landers, pastor of The Life Church in San Angelo. “They were clearing debris and mucking out houses, and they were pretty overwhelmed,” Doug recalls.
San Angelo has many lower income families with no or inadequate insurance. Many rental properties were left abandoned, causing additional hardship on the landlords.
SCA directed multiple truckloads of building supplies to church, coming from network partner HEART RESPONSE in Minneapolis and SOMEBODY CARES BALTIMORE, along with significant financial donations to equip the church to care for their community.
HEART RESPONSE also deployed a team of 15 skilled volunteers who are on the ground in San Angelo this week, restoring homes and bringing hope to families on the long road to recovery.
“Your compassion and support have played a vital role in helping us muck homes, clean debris, rebuild homes, provide for the physical needs, and give spiritual support to flood victims during this difficult time,” Pastor Walt said.
He continued: “Your generosity exemplifies the heart of Christ and is making a real difference in the lives of those who are struggling to rebuild and recover. We are truly blessed to have faithful supporters like you partnering with us in our mission to serve the community in both word and deed.”
In Jamaica, our local church partners and international response partner CRI continue to bring hope in the midst of great devastation.
This week teams on the ground in Orange and Montego Bay distributed tarps, hygiene kits, water filters, building supplies, solar lights, solar-powered audio Bibles from Renew World Outreach, and gifts for children.
Even as the news moves on, the needs remain great. And we are not only meeting urgent physical needs but also sharing the love of Christ to those who have lost hope.
From Kerrville to San Angelo to Jamaica, your generous support is not only rebuilding homes but restoring lives!
Please pray for ongoing work in Jamaica and San Angelo as well as Kerrville / Hunt / Ingram, where we are preparing for a COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING MEAL on November 22.