I was in Granbury on 16-17 May assessing the situation following the devastating tornado, checking with N TX PCA churches on any members/regular attendees who live in that area. We didn’t have any who had any damage. On 18 and 20-21 May, I ran the Assistance Center on behalf of the TX Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) at the Church of Christ together with the Red Cross rep. The PCA is a member of the National VOAD as well as a member in a number of states. Those affected by the tornadoes could come to the Center to get city permits to get into the area, get temporary financial assistance, food, and other services from many VOAD and local agencies. Granbury was very well organized compared to many other communities. The 48 member Ministerial Alliance has been very active and is taking the lead on meeting unmet needs. Mission Granbury and the Christian Service Center have had on going programs to assist people. Hood County and Granbury are developing a Long-Term Recovery Committee (LTRC) to determine unmet needs and there have been thousands of volunteers helping..  There may be some opportunities there to volunteer in the LTRC. Grace Community PCA sent a team to work cleaning up debris one day and I’m encouraging other churches to do likewise. If someone is interested I can plug them into where ever the volunteer center is currently located. Habitat had built 60 homes, 57 of which sustained damage some total destruction so they are taking the lead to rebuild so that might also be a place where a PCA team could go.

Finished the last of the 27 Sheds of Hope we built in Spicewood TX.   Many thanks to all who donated and participated to build the storage sheds for wildfire victims.  What a great example of cooperation – PCA churches in N TX and S TX as well as local churches and organizations working together!  Give God the glory!

In Dallas on Saturday, Nov 26th, 75 people from 8 N TX Presbytery churches partially built 14 storage sheds for victims of the TX wildfires. These sheds and 6 more kits will be sent to Spicewood, TX, where S TX Presbytery churches have built 7 sheds.  The sheds give the homeowners assurance that they are on the road to recovery and it’s a great way to spread God’s love.  MNA have built over 650 Sheds of Hope across the nation since Katrina. Thanks to the volunteers and the churches and individuals who provided the funds to purchase the sheds.

We can ask volunteers to toil in the muck, dust, and soot but they deserve a hot shower at the end of the day. The region now has a shower trailer thanks to generous donations by individuals and churches!  Once a site is set up to house volunteers following a disaster, we can send the shower trailer if no shower facilities exist on site.  If you’d like to volunteer to deliver and return the shower trailer to Dallas, please let me know.

The warehouse in Bastrop is full; they cannot take anything else right now.    A warehouse has been established to amass donations at 610 North Austin, Georgetown, TX.  Call 512-331-2200 for a list of what is needed before collecting and delivering donations.  They will tell you what is needed and how it must be packaged. They are not taking any clothes! 

The TX wildfires continue to grow. The situation in Bastrop is very fluid. Over 1300 homes have been destroyed. About 50% did not
have insurance. Volunteers have only been allowed into a small area until the firefighters have the fire under control. As soon as we get word when and where volunteers are needed, we’ll let you know.  There is also hotline for volunteers and updates: 512-331-2600. 

Just got back from week in Joplin with team of 13 from N TX – great trip!  The team painted, sided, built, shingled, sheetrocked, and cleaned up – had to be flexible!  Lots of cleaning and rebuilding going on but much remains.  Hopefully we can take several more N TX Presbytery teams to support the rebuilding and Christ the King PCA’s outreach. Thanks to all who prayed for us and supported the trip.