Faithful Endeavors Oct. 2008
November 11th, 2008
Dear ALERT friend,
Update on Hurricane Ike
On September 12, two of our instructors deployed with Texas Task Force One along with additional special rescue personnel from other states. Their goal: to be positioned at various locations on the coast ready to rescue those who refused to evacuate. As the hurricane passed through on the morning of September 13, they began rescuing people who were stranded on rooftops of homes and automobiles in the Orange and Bridge City areas.
Meanwhile, the International ALERT Academy campus was opened again to receive nearly 300 evacuees. On the third day of their stay, Lew Sterrett shared one of his special “Sermon on the Mount” messages while breaking a horse. Two of the evacuees raised their hands to trust the Lord in salvation at the end. Others who were already Christians were encouraged that anyone would go to this extra effort to do this for them.
As the floodwaters receded down south, there was need for additional manpower to begin the work of assessment and restoration. ALERT was given the call on September 19.
Arriving in Chambers County later that day, 22 men with chainsaws began clearing trees from homes and yards. On the second day an order came from the State Emergency Coordinator to send all of the ALERT resources to Bridge City where massive flooding had occurred and little help was on the scene. On Sunday afternoon half of the team moved to Bridge City while the other half remained two more days to complete some of the tree clearing commitments.
Arriving in Bridge City we were escorted to a meeting in the park where many residents were gathered to hear statements from their Mayor, their U.S. Congressman, state emergency personnel, and FEMA. They wanted us to be there so that we could gain an understanding of how the people were feeling since there was a lack of help coming to their community. We certainly heard the cries, grief, and anxiety of the residents as they searched for hope.
We were greeted with joy as we began helping people clean up the chaotic mess. More than 20 fathers and sons (ages 8 – 17) from our Cadet program joined us in the work. We were pleased to see these “soldiers of Christ” come alongside with the overwhelming challenge that faced us. House to house we removed flood soaked furniture, sheetrock, paneling, carpet, and flooring. Some of the piles of debris were as high as the house as it lay on the side of the road awaiting pickup. We worked in several neighborhoods and traveled through many other parts of the city, but we did not see a single home that had not been touched by the flooding.
On September 26, many other volunteer organizations began arriving and our mission was ending. We had shared the gospel with many of those with whom we had worked, and spread encouragement and hope to both Christians and non alike. Much seed of the gospel was planted and much joy was restored to many residents who previously felt there was little hope.
Please continue to pray for us as we faithfully endeavor to meet the challenges that lay ahead.
Strengthened through Christ and your prayers,
Colonel John Tanner, Director
International ALERT Academy
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