Hurricane Harvey Updates from Texas
Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie, Presiding Prelate, 10thEpiscopal District
To God be the glory! Second Thessalonians 1:3 says, “We must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.”
Courageonce was a common thread woven into the fabric of our character, called upon “every now and then.” Today, “every now and then” has become every day. There is an increasing need for spiritual, physical, moral, mental, and creative courage. Daily, our faith is under fire and our sensibilities are assaulted. We must have the courage of our convictions or become silent witnesses to the normalization of negative biases. We must have the courage to rise up out of our trials with testimonies of triumph.
Supervisor Stan and I praise God daily for the courageous outreach of the 10th Episcopal District! Presiding elders, pastors, preachers, congregations, and the many other generous people banded together to provide relief and resources during and after Hurricane Harvey that devastated the southern region of the state of Texas. Our churches were official refuge centers supplying water, diapers, blankets, and other resources to those impacted by this unprecedented storm.
Our local congregations in the disaster region estimated damages totaling $1,028,000, $98,158 in an initial loss in offerings, 116 families displaced, and 55 families evacuated. Twelve churches in the North Houston District, 19 churches in the South Houston District, and two churches, Brooks AME Worship Center in Corpus Christ and Salters Chapel in Victoria were impacted by the storm.
We received $286,582 in donations, $25,101 in gifts cards, and thousands of bottles of water, blankets, and other resources within and outside of the state. To date, $38,145 has been dispersed in money and $20,198 in gift cards with a balance of $248,437 in money and $4,902 in gift cards.
We are eternally grateful to our Episcopal colleagues, Episcopal districts, and friends who sent help to the 10th District and directly to local churches. Special gratitude to Dr. Shirley Cason Reed, Connectional President of the Women’s Missionary Society. She joined us on our tour of the devastated areas from Houston to Galveston, giving out $5,000 cash to churches and families.
During the tour, the 10th District also gave gift cards and financial help to local congregations and families in preparation for restoration. The Texas Conference WMS blessed affected members with generous gift baskets during the 2017 Annual Conference cycle.
Advent Services were held in three different locations in December 2017 in Waco, Houston, and Galveston, giving out $12,200 in cash and $22,198 in gift cards to affected widows and families in need. St. Paul AME Church in Greenspoint, where the Rev. Roderick Dawson is the pastor, Wesley Chapel AME Church in Houston, where the Rev. Leo Griffin is pastor, and Shiloh AME Church in Galveston, where the Rev. Kevin Hodge is the pastor gave additional support and resources to church members and community residents during the Advent services as well.
Thirty-three churches sustained damages during Hurricane Harvey. Two churches, Carroll Chapel AME Church in Willis and Bethlehem AME Church on the Old Ocean Circuit were a total loss. Three churches were forced out of their sanctuaries after the storm including Green Chapel AME Church in Houston, Jones Chapel AME Church in Houston, and Greater Ward AME Church in Houston. All three churches were back in their sanctuaries by Easter.
The initial estimate to repair our churches was $743,764 but with the assistance of Mr. Arnold A. Williams, Aquvair Corporation and the Bishop and Mother Preston W. Williams Foundation, the figure was negotiated down to $254,024. A combination of insurance, disaster relief funds, and the generosity of the Williams Family made the renovations possible for our churches. In addition to the remediation expenses, there are additional costs for the replacement of damaged organs, pianos, pews, and other damaged items.
We’ve only just begun! There are several churches still working towards remediation, mold removal, repair, and renovation following this devastating experience. We look forward to completing the work this year. Thank you for your prayers and support. We give God the glory, praise, and credit.
