ReachGlobal Crisis Response

Crisis creates a mission field where we can share the love of Christ with those in need.

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Storm After Storm

A destroyed home in Lake Charles after two hurricanes
A destroyed home in Lake Charles after two hurricanes

"The sound of generators, the smell of mold, and the sight of tarps flapping in the wind cause sensory overload as I drive through Lake Charles today. Heavy hearts abound knowing that insurance won’t cover this damage." This was part of our staff's initial report from Lake Charles.

Lake Charles has now been hit directly by two hurricanes, only six weeks apart. Hurricane Laura's intense winds did tremendous damage: ripping off roofs and awnings, and bringing many trees down on homes and businesses. After that storm ReachGlobal Crisis Response staff went in to support Lake Charles Bible Church, assisting them as they responded to overwhelming destruction in their church building and in their community. Their roof was damaged in the main building causing extensive damage inside, and there were downed trees around the property that have only recently been removed. Also 100% of their church membership was personally impacted by the storm leaving the church hard pressed to look beyond their own needs.

But Hurricane Delta caused more damage still; the rain from this storm caused ground flooding. Flooding isn't covered by homeowners insurance, and many of Lake Charles homes won't have the flood insurance they need to cover this damage. The targeted gutting we did in the church from the roof down now also needs gutting from the ground up because of 6 inches of water inside the sanctuary. Their only building that didn't take damage in Laura has now flooded in Delta. The pastor said, "What do we do? We have to cover this one on our own."

What can we do in the face of so much damage and hurt? God has opened a mission field here and we are called to respond with the hope of the Gospel.

Pray - Pray for Lake Charles Bible Church, and for the communities impacted by not one but two hurricane only six weeks apart. Pray for wisdom and discernment for our staff as we seek to come alongside these communities. Pray for open doors for us to share the hope of the Gospel in this seemingly hopeless situation.

Give - Already Lake Charles has slipped from the news. We need people and churches to give now to support the ministry we will be doing in Lake Charles for a long time to come.

Serve - We will be able to take teams in Lake Charles eventually. But you can serve right now at any one of our other sites in Texas, Louisiana, and North Carolina. Please consider putting together a small team from your church for this year or 2021 to bring hope and help to the hurting. Email respond@efca.org for more information on how to bring a team, or to ask about our COVID-19 safety precautions. 

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