As was predicted, Hurricane Ike hit the shores of North America bringing with him devastation to many as it made landfall in the Galveston Bay area. This storm relentlessly made its way through a wide area bringing with it damaging results of high winds, torrential rain and flooding. Once again, people have lost their homes, belongings and, in some cases, loss of lives.
We are receiving inquiries in the North America Presbyter’s Office as to the extent of the damage and loss that our members have experienced. As we understand from the media, it will be days before power is restored and people can actually return to their residences in the bay area to assess the damages and losses there. Without electricity and lack of communications lines, it is difficult at this time to give a thorough report of how members and friends of the Church of God of Prophecy have been affected. Preliminary reports are beginning to reach our office and we want to give you the information just as we have it today.
| In speaking with both previous and present overseers of Texas, we have learned that the state parsonage and office is most likely a total loss. The Ortiz’ personal belongings are probably a total loss as well. Bishop Ortiz reported that two large trees fell onto the parsonage causing major structural damage. The initial damage was followed by at least eight hours of torrential rain causing major water damage inside the home. Additionally, the state office incurred extensive damage by a large tree that fell on it. It is quite possible that everything was a loss there as well. It will be days before the trees can be removed so that they can fully assess the damage. |  |
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Texas State Parsonage |
Thankfully, preliminary reports informed us that some of our churches in the Houston area received only minimal damage. However, one Houston pastor mentioned that it is not possible to make contact with many of our people in the Galveston/Bay Cliff area. This area was evacuated and the residents have not been allowed to return to their homes to assess the damage. He did mention that it seems our church buildings faired pretty well and sustained only minimal damage. For this we are so thankful! His words regarding the damage at the state parsonage: “It is just awful.” Please remember former overseer, Dr. Hector and Sister Dolly Ortiz, as they attempt to salvage some of their personal belongings.
- Additional reports we have received:
- Bishop Wallace Pratt, overseer of the IOU Region, sent an e-mail informing us that he had a sister-in-law and her daughter who has lost their home and most of their belongings. They were taken to an evacuation center where they will remain for an indefinite period.
- The Oak Glen Church, in Houston, pastored by Randy Tolman has lost both their church building and parsonage.
- The Texas Church State Campground was opened to accommodate evacuees and presently is housing approximately 150 people. This is providing them with a place to sleep and three meals a day.
We are sure the needs will be greater as more information is received. It is our understanding that some of our members were hit very hard. We will endeavor to keep this website updated so all of us will know how to focus our praying and direct our giving.
The thoughts and prayers of this church body are certainly with the victims of Hurricane Ike. Presently, it has not been possible to speak with or receive information from, some of our pastors who live in these devastated areas to know how they and their congregations were affected and to know what losses they have endured.
The question comes, "How do we send help?"
For your convenience, and in order to process and send immediate relief, individuals and local churches can donate online at our Disaster Relief Donation Form. Donations can also be mailed to the following address. On the memo line please indicate Disaster Relief, Hurricane Ike. All funds will be sent from the North America Presbyter’s Office directly to the Texas State Office unless otherwise specified.
P. O. Box 2910,
Cleveland, TN 37320
I want to personally thank you for your prayers for this devastated area and encourage you to continue to pray for our people.
Sincerely, Sam N. ClementsNorth America General Presbyter