Vol. 6: Special Edition 4
September 4, 2017

Photo by Mark Ralston - AFP - Getty Images (Google images)

Hurricane Harvey: Volunteers Needed

by David Nakhla

But Moses' hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
Exodus 17:12 (ESV)

We can thank the Lord that although twelve or so OPC families had to evacuate their homes during Hurricane Harvey, most of them returned to find that the Lord had spared their homes from flooding. This was a great mercy. 

But, there are 4 or 5 families who did suffer some flooding and loss. Some of them had flood insurance. Others, living outside the 100-year flood plain, did not. So, this is an opportunity for us to come alongside these brothers and sisters and help them recover.

The financial gifts which have begun to be received by the OPC will aid in their recovery. These gifts will be used to purchase tools and supplies needed to remove the flood damage and debris  from their homes, and also for the rebuilding of those homes. Financial gifts may also go towards other expenses such as temporary housing for the displaced families or helping to replace lost food, furniture, or clothing.

Recovery will also be provided by the volunteers travelling to Houston to help. Peggy Sumpter, wife of the Regional Home Missionary of the Presbytery of the Southwest, Mark Sumpter, has agreed to serve as the Volunteer Coordinator. 

If you would like to travel to Texas to provide either skilled or non-skilled labor, please send an email to Peggy.Sumpter@opc.org.  Peggy will send you an Application Form on which you can indicate your abilities and the dates you are available.

Please do continue to pray for all those involved – the church, the officers, and especially the affected families whose lives have been severely impacted by this turn of events.

Photos: USA Today; ErieNewsNow.com; John Shapley, Houston Chronicle