As Barry churned in the Gulf, emergency crews stood ready, residents of Louisiana prepared and prayed and weather reports predicted a grim outcome.

Reports were grim:  “The Current forecast (Hurricane Barry) doesn’t look comforting. The Comite River is slated to be near 2016 levels.”  Joey Stoltzfus, HFI Disaster Services Manager, checked in on one of the survivors that HFI served in the aftermath of the 2016 storm, and he expressed his deep concern.  That time, two feet of water devastated nearly 40,000 homes in and around Baton Rouge.

Residents in the community of Baker, Louisiana braced for the worst as they followed Barry’s updates. Repeated trauma can paralyze and overwhelm.  HFI’s partner in 2016, Bethany Church in Baker, LA, sandbagged their facilities and created a response plan to serve their community.

Gratefully, Barry passed by with minimal impact in Louisiana.  One church leader expressed relief...“We were prepared this time, unlike 2016, We dodged a bullet with Barry.”  Even meteorologists stood mystified.  "Why the forecast bust on rain so far today? Look at the deep tropical rains (yellows, oranges, reds) repeatedly develop offshore and fall apart as they move inland & encounter dry air. Nothing indicated the dry air impact would be THAT significant” tweeted Steve Caparotta of station WAFB.

As HFI has reached out to our contacts, it seems the flooding is localized and can be handled well at a local level. HFI will continue to monitor the situation, but all Reservists may “stand down” for now.  If the situation changes and the need for a response arises, we will be in touch again.

We acknowledge a merciful God in the midst of it all.  Thank you for your prayers and willing hearts to serve!