Hurricane Harvey Recovery

Shalom Pillars,

It has been a week since Hurricane Harvey devastated Texas and Louisiana. My hope and prayer is that you and your family are safe, your home and/or business did not flood and if you did experience flooding that you are receiving the necessary resources and assistance to recover and restore what has been destroyed by the flood waters.

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

Isaiah 43:2 NLT

I was able to speak or text with many of you before, during and after the storm so I do know for sure that some have been affected by flooding. We all in some way or another have family or friends who have been affected. Some experienced minor flooding and others are still not able to enter their homes today because the waters still have not receded, which is why I am writing you today to encourage you to know and remember in whatever your situation may be today that the Lord is faithful. Even when we are weak and not faithful, He is always strong and faithful on our behalf. He will never leave you nor will He forsake you.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28

No matter how bad the devastation or destruction is that we may experience, as sons and daughters of God we have this promise from Him. He uses ‘all things’ for the good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. You might ask how? How will God do it and why would He allow something like this to happen? I know that many are prophesying judgment or blessing about the purpose of this storm. I don’t feel I am supposed to speak to that, but I do feel that I should encourage you who have been directly or indirectly affected by this hurricane to ALWAYS STAY ON GOD’S SIDE. No matter how much it may look like God is not involved in your situation, I promise you He is very involved and will use this to your good!

It has been amazing to see the people of Texas come together to search, rescue and shelter people without being told to because this is who Texas is, but not only Texas. The whole nation has come together to help the people of Texas and now Louisiana. People of every color have been affected and people of every color have come together to help with search, rescue and recovery efforts.

That being said, if you are able to help someone in need, please do. Whatever you do have to give, give that. Time, finances, food, clothing or just an encouraging word. There are still many who could use something as simple as a phone call from someone letting them know they are not forgotten.

Immediately after the storm passed and stores were open for business Smashing Pillars was able to help a small local church in Spring, Texas who had just started taking in evacuees for the first time ever. They were very short on supplies so I made a donation of $500.00 worth of blankets, towels, underclothes, socks, baby clothes, baby blankets, diapers, teething gel and rings for babies, toothpaste and tooth brushes to a The Pathway Church.

I was also able to get them connected with another local ministry, The Foundry, which was overwhelmed with an abundance of food and supplies and was looking for other shelters to share with. God is so good!

There are many ministries and government agencies doing great things to help and assist everyone in need right now. Get involved with helping others in some way, if you are able to. America and the Church needs us NOW.

Continue to for those who are still being affected by the storm and flooding. For the last few days I have had a heavy burden to pray and intercede for people contemplating suicide. It may seem to some a little extreme to want to commit suicide over being flooded, but I personally know some people who have been flooded 4 or 5 times. Pray for the families who lost loved ones in the storm. Pray for the first responders who have been working around the clock and pray for their families.

Pray for America and pray for Israel. Pray for President Trump, leaders in government and in the Church.

I am praying for you!

Shalom,

Samuel

Smashing Pillars...raising sons

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