Photo via crwrc.org

Hurricane cleanup in Texas still has a long way to go

The third most destructive hurricane to hit the United States in its entire history struck Galveston, Texas two years ago. Very soon, however, the public eye turned away. Amid the bustle of a presidential campaign and a large economic recession, most people who were not affected by the September 2008 storm simply forgot about it, reports MNN.

Unfortunately, the devastation Hurricane Ike created remains. Over 16,000 houses were severely damaged in the storm--5,000 of them owned by families below the poverty line. Financial disaster response was significantly lower to Hurricane Ike than to Hurricane Katrina (which hit the US August 29, 2005), leaving many without the proper insurance or funding to repair their homes. Consequently, many families have moved back into their homes without repairing them, now living in potentially dangerous situations due to a natural disaster they could not avoid.

Although most of the U.S. has forgotten about this catastrophe, the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee is still working to help the survivors of the storm. CRWRC now plans to open a two-year construction site in Galveston. Once open, trained teams will be sent down to help repair and rebuild homes for victims who cannot afford to take care of such large building projects on their own.

Such practical but needed help given when the rest of the world has seemingly turned its back will certainly raise questions. CRWRC will have the chance to speak of the hope of Christ as the reason behind their service and love. Pray that Christ would shine brightly through the team members that head down to provide life-changing care for victims of this storm.

New iPad POLL! VOTE NOW! Will you buy new iPad?

TAGS: USA hurricane Hurricane Ike Christian Reformed World Relief Committee hurricane victims relief work

[12/05/2009]

Print Version