Missionaries from Africa Minister to Hurricane Victims
From Crystal, Ruth & Daniel,
Hurricane Katrina has ripped apart lives, and shattered hopes for 1000’s of souls that survived her wrath. Many escaped without even a pair of shoes on their feet. Blistered feet fled New Orleans, some having lived on their rooftops in the boiling sun waiting for rescue.
An atmosphere of hopelessness permeates the Astrodome in Houston, the new home for thousands of displaced Americans. Little did I know what was awaiting me when coming from my missionary work in Africa to visit a Family International base in New Orleans! Who could have imagined the devastation that was yet to unfold as I watched the daily reports on the news of what was happening? I was considering coming to New Orleans before my visit to my family in another state, but God changed my plans. He speaks! My flight was already booked, so I was rerouted to Houston so I could meet up with the team here to help with the relief effort.
I didn’t know what to expect when arriving as I knew that the missionary team based in New Orleans had to leave their base and flee. I was prepared for living in real tight quarters on the floor with other Family International volunteers in Texas. When I arrived at our location, I was absolutely taken aback at the Lord’s supply and love for this team. A dear woman they met at a shelter donated the use of her fully furnished house. This dear woman had been praying that day who to give the house to, and the team had prayed that same morning specifically for a house.
In New Orleans the Family International missionaries are presently ministering to the military and police officers. These men have been working non-stop, most having lost everything themselves to the hurricane. This Family International team is helping to provide hot meals for the police and military officers, and a team of young people, (Conchi, Karen, Jaz, and Claire) along with Caleb and Becky went to New Orleans to sing for the police, military, and FEMA workers.
Yesterday, we once again were ministering in the Astrodome — people wept in our arms, and we were able to pray with them and leave them with something to read. The children from the Family International in Houston performed at the Astrodome tent for children’s activities. Please continue to pray for our ministry to the evacuees —Jesus is their only hope and peace!