“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!” (1 Chronicles 16:34). This has been a great week to reflect on the goodness of the Lord and to give Him thanks for his steadfast love. We had a very blessed Thanksgiving celebration, with many volunteers and even though the turn out for meals was slightly disappointing, we know lives were touched and hearts were changed.
Much to our surprise, once a full Thanksgiving dinner was prepared with all the trimmings, very few were coming to eat. Rather than getting discouraged though, we decided to load up meals and take them out to those who may not have a hot meal on this holiday. This is where my story this week begins…
We pray Thanksgiving Day 2008 will be a day John will never forget, as it is the beginning of his rebirth and coming to know Jesus Christ as his lord and savior. As volunteers walked throughout the city handing out Thanksgiving dinners, they hit the beach with turkey and stuffing filled styrofoam containers. When they happened upon John, he broke down and began to sob. Sure, he could use the hot meal being offered, but even greater was his need to have someone to listen so he could pour his heart out, and even far greater than that was having someone point him to the cross and show him his need for a savior.
John shared how he was suicidal and had hit rock bottom in his life. He had given up on himself for one more time, after having fought his family for many years of trying to help him help himself. Now, he had a choice to make, and was ready to do whatever it was going to take to turn his life around.
After a full hour of pouring out his heart, John was ready to accept Christ as his savior and prayed a sinner’s prayer as volunteers stood by witnessing this incredible transformation. His life changed and we pray it will never be the same again.
John has since accepted our assistance in getting him into a men’s recovery program where he will commit to cleaning up his life and accountability. He was so relieved when he arrived at the house in Houston on Saturday where he will make his home for the next six months of his life. We pray this is just the beginning of the transformation God is preparing to do in His life.
Even though we had some disappointment in the number of people we were able to serve on Thanksgiving Day, we know that it is more than worth all our efforts, for even just one. Our hearts rejoice with the salvation of John.
We have been so blessed this week with so many volunteers it will be difficult to mention every one of them. Let me just share briefly with you that we had a team from Colorado University (Boulder, CO); Gwen, Stuart, and Olivia (Oklahoma); Karen and Ken (Tomball, TX); Roberta, Diana, and Aidan (Houston); Shannon and her family (Houston); Melissa and the Cook family (Houston); and Meryl and her family (Houston); Mary and her daughters (Caruthers, TX); Diane and Taylor (Long View, TX); Pam Castello (Tiki Island, TX); Blayne and a team from Grace Community Church (Houston); and a team of volunteers from Times Square Church (New York City). Each and every one of you have been a great encouragement and blessing to all of us and the local people who you have touched.
Gwen and Olivia served with us several times in MS, with Katrina efforts. Many of our staff referred to them as “the lady and team with the horse trailer.” When Gwen would arrive, announcing she had made the trip from OK but could not back the horse trailer into the parking spot, excitement would fill the air, as they seemed like a ray of sunshine with eagerness to serve. And, what a horse trailer it was! Needless to say, it worked great for the young adults Olivia would bring with her, and Gwen had her little private suite.
As a result of those trips, we have been so blessed with quite a few wonderful volunteers on a regular basis. Having roots here in TX, Gwen and Olivia have served as a great resource for volunteers and supplies here in Galveston. Olivia’s sister, Meryl lives in Houston, and Gwen’s sister, Melinda is from here in Galveston. With their help, many have found our ministry as a place to serve their fellow Texans during this time of recovery here in Galveston.
There are no words to express the impact they made on the coast this past week. The team from Times Square Church in New York City was asked by local resident, Sonya, to read the following passage when they found a family Bible that had been salvaged in her home, which they gutted down to the bare studs. “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” (Psalm 91:14-16)
The question of the week happens to be, “Really, how BIG are the possums in Texas?” Only Charles and the New York City team from Times Square Church may know the exact answer, but many of us can tell you how bad they can scare a grown man. The Times Square team was amazing in the kitchen, cleaning up debris, and gutting out homes!
Help us get the word out. We need volunteers, and everyone can do something to help! In the city of Galveston, there are around 60,000 year-round residents, and over 2/3 of that population were in an income bracket prior to Ike where they qualified for some form of government assistance, so it was not just the tourist beach where everyone came to vacation and full of second homes as many believe. Then, after Ike, of those 60,000 homes, over 75% were damaged to where the families are not able to live in them, and over 2,000 homes have already been condemned and will have to be completely rebuilt from the ground up. There are significant needs, and even though you are not seeing it on national news, people are living in tents and have nowhere to live. People need our help! Together we can make a difference!
As I said in last week’s newsletter, everyone can do something, and we just ask that you consider what part you can play. This is not for us, but for the people who need our prayers and support.
Please let us know if you will intercede for this city and the ministry we are doing here in Galveston. If you would like to volunteer, whether for a day, weeks, or months, please contact me to be scheduled. And, if you are one who is able to support the efforts by sending financial support, we need your help.
We believe that as we enter this holiday season in the very near future, God has a great opportunity to use His church to touch those who are broken and hurting. We are seeing lives changed. TOGETHER, WITH CHRIST’S HELP, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Thank you for your continuous prayers and support. It is such a privilege and so exciting to be here and a part of the relief and recovery.