Paul's report from Brenham

As the aftermath of the hurricane is still unfolding, we see many families that have been displaced, without power and those who have to take an immediate vacation from work and normal life. This leaves many of us asking how we can get involved in helping and serving those who have felt the pressure of Ike, but not be overwhelmed with the whole of the situation.

Yesterday (Thursday, September 18), I had the opportunity to do a small part of service to help families who have been most affected by the storm of last week. On Thursday mornings, I meet with other youth workers from around Austin County (Young Life, other area youth ministers) for prayer.

This week after our time of prayer we headed to Brenham to serve families as they signed up for FEMA support. The families that I met with have been either displaced from their homes that were in the path of the storm or have been continuing to live in a home without electricity for the majority of the last week (five days as of Thursday). Some of the families appeared "shell shocked" because life has been changed so radically in such a short amount of time, but most were taking the situation in stride and were still in good spirits.

If you know anyone who needs some help in signing up for FEMA relief or any other aid, please head over to Faith Mission, 500 E. Academy in Brenham, and they can direct those who are in need to the proper authorities. Also if you would like to help those who have been affected by the hurricane without having to bite off more than you can chew, head to Brenham and help out the efforts that are going on at Faith Mission.

Blessings,
Paul Steurnagel
BUMC director of student ministries