A picture from our All Church Retreat in June includes some of our friends from Brazos Pointe who came to serve our church by providing a Kids Ministry tract at the retreat
Katrina, Sandy, Harvey, Tuscaloosa, Joplin, Nepal, Indonesia, Oso, etc. When you hear these names, quickly memories from news reel footage of natural disasters comes to mind. For some of us, broadcasted pictures and videos were our experience. For others of us, we were there; maybe we didn’t lose material possessions as so many have, but we have seen first-hand the devastation these natural disasters leave in their wake. We have driven through a forest only to round a corner and see every house, tree, telephone poll leveled in a path of destruction a mile wide and as far as the eye can see. We have picked through the rubble of the home of a close friend, and then helped him rebuild. We have driven into flood-ravaged neighborhoods that are desolate places years after the flood waters of Katrina receded and built storage pods for people to wash clothes or store what belongings they could salvage. And we have consoled families who lost homes, livelihoods, and family members.
Last week, Hurricane Harvey made landfall in the Houston area, and remained there dumping up to 5 ft of rain in some places. What brings this hurricane close to home for The Hallows Church, is its partnership with Brazos Pointe Fellowship, which is located between Houston and the Gulf Coast. Brazos Pointe, has been one of our most faithful partners in the gospel work Jesus is doing in our city and through our church. They have supported two church wide retreats, Party in the Park, and other community related events. They pray for us and with us. Pastor Andrew has also enjoyed being able to proclaim God’s Word in their worship gatherings. They have become very near and dear to the heart of The Hallows Church.
Now we see our brothers and sisters in pain. They are experiencing a disaster that affects many of their families and all of their surrounding community. As of August 31st flood waters were beginning to cover their worship gathering’s parking lot, but were not expected to reach the building. Today, new areas have been flooded days later from the rising rivers.
Brazos is planning long term to do mud out and construction in the area once the flood waters recede and the recovery phase is entered. We have the opportunity to partner with them in these efforts through prayer, as well as financially. We can give directly to Brazos Pointe’s disaster relief fund by texting “bpf Harvey” to 73256 or following this link and selecting “Disaster Relief” as the fund you are giving toward. The Hallows Church is sending $2500 in support of their efforts and we encourage you to partner individually with them as well.
We will also have the opportunity to partner with Brazos Pointe by sending a team to serve alongside them as they work in their community. If you have any interest in going please send me, (Wes), an email to make you interest known. Please consider supporting their efforts as they bring hope and love to a community ravaged by disaster.