Destination Houston this friday to help with cleanup efforts

[EagerBeaver]

This is so out of my element but I feel God telling me to do this, and I have to obey. Read on (this is all cut and paste from a post I just made on my website):

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Last week, I received an email from my friend Mark Hobson who lives in League City, Texas — a community between Houston and Galveston — making a plea for people to help him and his friends assist their community in cleaning up the mess that Hurricane Ike left behind, in any way possible, even if it meant coming down to help out with manual labor.

After reading it, I initially thought I would donate some money to help the good people down there, until I read the message again. Something somewhere inside my brain got this crazy idea that Houston is only a day’s drive from Springfield, and I could actually go there and help out myself. Even though I am not a fan of manual labor, what if I could head down there and do some good to help some folks who are going through the worst time of their lives?

It’s been a week since Ike blew through Galveston and Houston and left a ton of damage in its wake. Mark told me the areas affected still look like a war zone in many instances, and that the cleanup is a bit overwhelming. It’s gonna take time to clean up.

After a bit of praying about it, I decided that I am going to head down to Houston this Friday for three full days (that’s about all I can afford to do with my vacation time) to lend my support in whatever way possible. If I am needed to haul damaged goods from houses all day, then I’ll do it. If I need to give people rides to where they need to go, I’ll run a free shuttle. And so forth, and so forth — folks need help and I’m willing to lend a hand.

I’ve never felt really compelled to do anything like this, so to say this is new territory for me is an understatement. I just feel it’s something I have to do. So Friday to next Monday, I will be down in the Houston-Galveston area doing what I’ll be asked to do to help out. I know I’m only one person, but I’m one more than they had helping before. That’s the way I look at it.

I also plan to bring my camera, blog from my iPhone and send up photos as well to inform everyone what is going on. I’m sure it’ll be a life-changing experience and if I can pass along a glimpse of that to others, that is another way I can help out.

Mark also just texted me, coincidentally, asking for me to pass the word along that they need donations of school supplies, school clothes, and backpacks for the kids in his school district. If anyone reading this feels compelled to donate, please get in touch with me (chris -at- chris-brewer -dot- com) and I will bring the donated materials with me on my trip to Houston.

Please be in prayer for me — as I said before, this is something totally new but I am stepping out in faith as I believe the Lord has put this on my heart to help however I am needed, and that I can be a blessing to someone in a dark time.

Expect more details about the trip soon! Also if any of you Springfieldians could please pass the word about donations needed, I’d like to pack whatever areas my car could fit with the supplies for Mark’s school district he works in. Thanks a ton!

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Also as a sidenote, if any Jude2'ers wish to help out in any way possible, please let me know and I'll see what I can do.

[Jennifer Smith]

Chris,

Make sure you bring bug repellent and sunscreen...it can be ugly working out there after a hurricane but it will be very rewarding!
Do you have a place to stay when you get there.. it can be difficult to try to find a place when there is so much damage and so many people in from out of town.

I think it is wonderful and I know you won't be the same after helping. God will bless you and use you immensely... If you go as salt and light with prayer and spiritual preparation you will find opportunities to share God's love and the good news and I know you will find many hurting and open hearts.

Praying it will work out really well!

[EagerBeaver]

Yes I do have a place Jennifer -- my friend Mark is providing me with floor space in his apartment living room. All I gotta do is bring the sleeping bag!

I think this will be a great experience and I look forward to it.

[KBevangelist]

Eager,

We have church people down there now working to restore electricty.

praying for you

KB

[EagerBeaver]

Eager,

We have church people down there now working to restore electricty.

praying for you

KB

Are they staying through the weekend? If so let me know so I can get in touch with them and possibly give 'em a hand.

[KBevangelist]

Eager,

We have church people down there now working to restore electricty.

praying for you

KB

Are they staying through the weekend? If so let me know so I can get in touch with them and possibly give 'em a hand.

Not sure. They work with Progress energy and I will find out and let you know tomorrow

KB

[TW]

Beav,
I am proud of you. You continue to demonstrate qualities that are fine examples of what "Christians" should be about. You are a fine young man, a credit to your parents upbringing, and your Christian heritage. May God bless you in these efforts.


TW