Ike Day 1

Day 1 of Ike has been another day of preparation. Our team wrapped up a great week of ministry in Houma on Friday, and at the same time the team was packing up, water was over topping the levees south of Houma.

Several of us were up late Friday night tracking Ike amd mapping the locations of the EFCA churches in the Hoston/Galveston area with respect to damage reports from the news. We decided ealry Saturday to send an assessment/response team to both TX and to Southern Terrebone Parish. Kevin Watterson and I are driving through the night tonight to TX, while John Horst and Jack Symmons are heading to Houma in the morning.

Some of the guys spent today repairing, sharpening and then reloading saws into trailers, and adding in tarps and gutting kits.

We prayed this morning for and felt God answer our request for guidance on where to respond. We now are seeking His wisdom as to how to respond.

How do we best serve those EFCA churches in TX that have been affected, including Galveston Bible Church, Bridge Community Church, Trinity in Friendsville, and we have other calls out awaiting return to fully assess the impacts.

How do engage what we hope will be a swell of volunteers? (We know many will be needed).
How do we show the love of Christ in the wake of crisis. Pray for us for wisodm in these areas.

We have seen images of the affected areas in TX and heard first hand reports from the bayou country, and we know it is bad. Consider giving as well. I feel this is going to be a long haul for us and for those who have been affected in TX and LA.

Ps... As we drive we are seeing gas prices ranging from $3.65 to $4.29 per gallon. We are hearing reports from TX of over $5 a gallon gas. We are glad that we serve a God who works all things together for His Glory. ml