Many of you know that my parents live in Houston, and you have been asking for updates. Here is the latest:

Addicks Reservoir Flooding

As the rain continues, the Addicks Reservoir will continue to over-flow. My parents live directly on the north edge of the reservoir, which means as the water backs up their neighborhood will flood. They left their house yesterday, and are praying that the water levels won’t rise much more. For inquiring minds, here’s a clear explanation of the flooding situation related to the reservoirs.

Christ Community Church

My dad serves as the lead pastor of Christ Community Church (C3) in West Houston. As of this morning, the church hasn’t flooded.  Even so, they have a growing list of families in their church and community who have been flooded out of their homes. We cannot overstate the degree of devastation to the city of Houston. We need to pray that the body of Christ would rally together to care for our brothers and sisters and then show love to the lost around them. This is a tremendous challenge and opportunity for the church to shine.

Possible Relief Mission Trip

The families who have been flooded out will need help cleaning out flood damage from their homes. Working with C3, we have the opportunity to send a team to help some of these families start to clean up. As the flood waters recede, this will be an immense practical demonstration of love to a city in crisis.

If you are interested in traveling to Houston for 5-7 days to help with this clean up effort, please contact me as soon as possible. We are hoping to send a team this weekend or perhaps leaving Sunday after church. The type of work will be pulling out carpet, disposing of ruined furniture, taking out damaged drywall, etc. We will also have opportunities to encourage these hurting families.

Why Would People from New Jersey Help People in Texas?

Why would we bother to engage and help the people of Houston? Because of the love of Jesus Christ.

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” -John 13:35

The eternal Word of God became flesh for us, and he calls us to this same kind of love. We can’t solve the problems of Houston, but the people of Houston are hurting, and we are in a position to do something about it. So let’s do it, and demonstrate the love of God to those in need.

PS- Our friend Gunner recently became the pastor of a church in the same part of Houston. Gunner has spoken at our Winter Retreat the last few years.  Check out his website for helpful thoughts from someone in the midst of the crisis.