DISASTER RELIEF UPDATE: HOPE ALONG THE GUADALUPE

Over the past week, Feed the Need Missions has been on the ground in Kerrville and across central Texas, responding to the devastating flooding that began on July 4th. As floodwaters rose, lives were turned upside down. Entire communities were affected—some losing their homes, others still searching for missing loved ones. The need was immediate, and the Lord made it clear: it was time to respond.

By the next morning, July 5th, we mobilized a team of volunteers and equipment and set up in the Kerrville area. Our first location was at the Center Point Volunteer Fire Department, where we served first responders and families desperately searching for people—some they knew, some they didn’t—holding on to hope in the face of heartbreak.

Since then, we’ve continued to show up with a hot meal, a listening ear, a prayer, and the hope we have in Christ Jesus. To date, over 2,000 meals have been served. But more importantly, every meal has been a doorway to ministry—a chance to see people, hear their stories, and meet them in their moment of need with love and compassion.

This Is the Church—Not in a Building, But in the Field

We’ve seen people come in from all over the country to help. Some are sleeping in their vehicles with nowhere else to go. Some have lost everything. Some are still waiting for answers.

The temperatures are high. Emotions are higher. The exhaustion is real. And yet, every day, people are showing up to help and to heal.

We’ve been honored to witness glimpses of God’s power and presence through it all. One man, John, lost everything—including his trailer—but escaped with his dog (which he jokingly says he never even liked). In the process, John surrendered his life to Jesus. Now he’s on fire with a joy that’s contagious, telling others about what God has done and how real His presence is.

Others are mourning the loss of family members. Some have joined the search with fear in their hearts and hope in their hands. Through it all, we are reminded of the beauty of simply being present—to listen, to pray, to serve, and to love.

A Consistent Presence of Hope

God provided a beautiful spot for us to serve in front of the local Walmart, shaded by large trees—a small but needed reprieve from the Texas sun. More importantly, people have begun returning not just for food, but for connection. They tell us they feel different when they step into this space. They can’t always name it, but we know what it is: the presence of God, flowing through His people.

One man from Arizona felt compelled to come, bringing only his guitar and a willingness to serve. His voice now fills the space with songs of hope and healing—reminders that God has not forgotten His people, and that Jesus is still the answer.

Our Mission Remains the Same

Feed the Need Missions has always been about three core things:

  • Serving the community
  • Meeting physical and spiritual needs
  • Discipling one another along the way

Whether at our weekly sites or in the wake of disaster, our goal is the same: to see people in relationship with Jesus—pursuing God with their whole selves, day in and day out. We serve hot meals with no strings attached and offer hope as the Spirit leads. It’s not forced. It’s not about proselytizing. It’s about showing people the love of Christ—because of the love He’s shown us.

How You Can Help

We ask that you continue to lift us up in prayer as we serve in the days ahead.

Please pray for:

  • Strength and endurance for our volunteers
  • Eyes to see and ears to hear the needs of those around us
  • Open hearts ready to receive the love of Christ
  • Divine appointments with every person we encounter

And if you’re able, please continue to support the work financially. Your generosity fuels the mission—allowing us to serve not only meals, but hope that lasts.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9


Thank you for standing with us—through the heat, the heartache, and the healing. We’re honored to be part of what God is doing, one hot meal at a time.

– The Feed the Need Missions Team

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DEEP WATERS AND DEEPER WORDS— A STORY FROM KERRVILLE

This week in Kerrville, we’ve been setting up our trailer in the Walmart parking lot—serving meals, praying with folks, and simply being present in the aftermath of the flooding. The physical needs are real, but what we’ve witnessed again and again is how deeply spiritual the need runs too.

A man walked up looking frustrated—shoulders tense, expression tight.
“How are you doing?” I asked.
“Not good. Not good,” he said.

Then he surprised me:
“I actually came here to tell y’all to leave.”

I paused, unsure how to respond.
“Are you with the city?”
“No,” he said. “I just don’t want any Christians out here.”

We could’ve parted ways then. But instead, something shifted.
“Okay… let’s talk about that,” I said.

And he did.
He opened up about wounds from the church. About years ago—how he and his wife were involved in youth camps and mission trips. About how he used to be the one helping and leading. And how now, he wasn’t.

He’d heard the same worship songs we were singing—How Great Is Our God—back then. And when he heard them again out here in this parking lot, something hit deep.
He said, “You hear those words? They mean something. They go deep.”

What followed was raw and real. He shared how ashamed he felt… how angry. That before he even came over to us, he was in such a dark place that he thought about ending his life.

That moment was heavy. He wasn’t just dealing with a flood outside—he was drowning inside.

We hugged.
And in that hug, he hesitated:
“Are you sure this is okay?”
“Yeah,” I told him. “It’s more than okay.”

He wasn’t looking for a handout. He just needed a safe place. A warm meal. A listening ear. A reminder that God sees him—even in his pain. Especially in his pain.

⸻

This is why we go.
To feed people physically and spiritually.
To show up even when someone says they don’t want Christians out there—because sometimes, they just need someone to stay.

Please continue to pray for those affected by the floods—and for people like this man, who are still fighting storms of the heart long after the waters go down.

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Presence in the Mud

The devastation along the Guadalupe River this weekend is hard to put into words. Entire homes swept away. Families torn apart. Dozens of lives lost—and still, dozens more unaccounted for.

The weight of it all was everywhere. In the faces of those searching. In the silence between conversations. In the thick mud left behind by a river that surged without warning, swallowing campsites, RV parks, and neighborhoods in minutes. The smell of dirty, muddy river water hung in the hot, humid air. And through it all, people kept showing up—some local, many not. Some knew someone missing. Others just knew in their hearts they had to be there. That God had put this in front of them. As the tragedy unfolded, our team from Feed the Need Missions felt that same pull. We didn’t know what we’d be walking into. We just knew we needed to go.

A small crew mobilized early Saturday—volunteers who serve faithfully with us week in and week out, along with others who were ready to step in. We loaded up a trailer with supplies and made our way into the Hill Country, hoping to listen and serve however we could.

In the surrounding towns of Kerrville and Ingram, response teams and volunteers were everywhere—search crews, donated supplies, people helping in any way they could. But downstream, in the small community of Center Point, we heard there was still a need. The fire department had been underwater the day before, buried in nearly eight feet of floodwaters. Power was still out in parts of the area. The weight of what had happened—and what still hadn’t been uncovered—was crushing. We arrived to find the department caked in mud. Volunteers were power-washing the floors, organizing supplies, and preparing for another long night. The building had become a kind of base camp—muddy, chaotic, but full of people doing their best to bring order to heartbreak.

So we set up.

We weren’t sure what kind of role we’d play. We had food and a willing crew. But the need felt less about the meal itself and more about simply being there. The ministry of presence.

Throughout the day, we met people from all over. Some had been searching the riverbanks since sunrise. Others were coordinating cleanup, logistics, and communication. The emotional toll was written all over their faces—exhaustion, despair, shock. Not loud. Not dramatic. Just a kind of quiet, heavy numbness. Right out in front of where we served, search crews recovered multiple bodies throughout the day. That reality never left the air. Even as more volunteers arrived to help, there was a shared understanding that another loss might be discovered at any moment. And often was. These weren’t just names or numbers. They were mothers, fathers, children—some of whom had come to this area for a weekend of rest and celebration.

Many of those still missing weren’t even from this part of Texas. That added to the confusion and the helplessness. People didn’t know exactly who they were searching for. But they kept going. Wading through mud. Soaked in sweat. Taking food only when someone placed it in their hands.

As the dinner hour came around, our role became clearer. The smell of onions on the griddle drifted through the air. People who hadn’t realized they were hungry started to gather. One man said the smell was calling his name. Another quietly admitted he hadn’t eaten all day. The food was simple—burgers, chips, drinks—but something about it changed the atmosphere.

Tables were set out. People sat. They talked. Or didn’t. Some just needed a break. Others needed prayer. Many just needed to know someone saw them. Harry and Sheila, helping organize the cleanup and coordination efforts for the fire department, were a quiet force all day. Harry’s brother, the fire chief, was leading search crews while they worked in the background—sorting donations, directing volunteers, keeping the base running. Late in the evening, they circled back around. Their gratitude wasn’t about the food—it was about the presence. The willingness to just show up and be there.

As night fell, people kept working. Volunteers swept floors, restocked tables, and began preparing for the next day. No one really talked about being tired, though everyone was. The need was just too real. The loss too close.

We didn’t serve thousands of meals. We didn’t fix the heartache. But we were there. And sometimes, that’s what matters most.

Being present in the mud.

In the grief.

In the moments when people can’t find words.

We’re thankful for everyone who helped make that possible—for those who went, those who prayed, those who supported from afar. There’s more work ahead. There are still people missing. Families shattered. Hearts broken. But we know the same God who moved us to show up is still moving in the middle of the pain.

And we’ll continue to be available. Because sometimes the most powerful thing we can offer isn’t a plan. It’s presence.

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Fire Safety: Protecting Your Home and Family

This week is National Fire Prevention Week. This is observed annually during the week of October 9th and commemorates the devastating Great Chicago Fire of 1871. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the critical need for fire safety awareness and preparation.

Back in 2011, Feed the Need Missions provided disaster relief during a massive fire right in our own community in Bastrop. Thousands of our neighbors, including our staff members and many of our long-time donors, were evacuated and many homes were lost. It was a devastating time for our community, but we had the opportunity to jump into action and provide a hot meal and listening ear to our neighbors in need.

We served over 18,000 meals in the first two weeks and Feed the Need Missions was forever changed by that experience. It unfortunately was not the only widespread fire we have responded to in our communities over the years, but it taught us a lot about how impactful disaster relief can be to communities in need because we experienced it first hand, especially when you come prepared.

Fire prevention is a shared responsibility, and taking proactive steps to protect your home and family can make a significant difference in the event of a fire emergency.

In honor of this week, let’s explore essential fire safety practices, including maintaining fire and carbon monoxide detectors, creating a thorough escape plan, and emphasizing the importance of educating your family on fire safety.

Regular Maintenance of Detectors:

Fire and carbon monoxide detectors are essential tools for early detection of potential dangers. Regularly test and maintain these devices to ensure they function correctly. Change batteries as needed and promptly address any malfunction or low battery alerts. Remember, these detectors can save lives by providing crucial early warnings.

Creating an Escape Plan:

Developing a detailed escape plan for your household is crucial. Involve all family members in the planning process and ensure everyone understands the plan thoroughly. Identify primary and secondary escape routes from each room in the house. Designate a safe meeting point outside the home where everyone can gather after evacuating.

Educating Your Family:

Knowledge is power when it comes to fire safety. Educate your family, especially children, about the importance of fire safety and the actions to take during a fire emergency. Teach them how to identify the sound of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and what to do if they hear these alarms.

Emergency Contacts and Resources:

Keep emergency numbers, such as the local fire department and poison control center, easily accessible. Additionally, familiarize yourself and your family with fire safety resources provided by organizations like NFP.org. These resources offer valuable information on fire prevention, safety measures, and creating a fire-safe environment.

Regular Fire Drills:

Conduct fire drills at home to reinforce the escape plan and ensure that everyone knows what to do in a fire emergency. Practice different scenarios, including escaping from various parts of the house and meeting at the designated safe spot. Repetition helps to instill a sense of preparedness and calmness during stressful situations.
By regularly maintaining detectors, creating a comprehensive escape plan, educating your family, and staying informed through reputable resources, you can significantly reduce the risk of fire-related emergencies.

Let’s prioritize fire safety and work together to protect our homes and loved ones.

To learn more about fire safety, visit the National Fire Protection Association’s website [here].

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National Disaster Awareness Month

tornado destruction

Did you know that September is National Disaster Relief Awareness Month? It’s a time when we all come together to recognize the importance of being prepared for the unexpected.

At Feed the Need Missions, we’ve been on the frontlines of serving our communities on a weekly basis since 2010, offering more than just a hot meal. We provide a listening ear, meeting both physical and spiritual needs, and extending a helping hand to those who need it most.

Over the past 13 years, we’ve responded to over two dozen disasters, thanks to our dedicated volunteers, essential equipment, and available resources. Our experience has taught us that while there are some steps we can take to be prepared, each disaster is uniquely different. The best way to navigate these challenging times is by seeking wisdom and discernment from Jesus.

In recent years, it may have seemed relatively quiet on the disaster response front within our ministry. However, God has continued to nudge us and remind us of the importance of being ready. This is where we need your help.

Will you join us in prayer, seeking resources and wisdom for the preparations we need to make? Being a volunteer-heavy organization, it can be incredibly challenging to respond at a moment’s notice when our communities are in dire need.

We’re actively working on developing a solid plan, but we require volunteer leadership that shares a heart for disaster relief and understands Feed the Need Missions’ mission and vision. Additionally, we need support in retrofitting and upgrading our aging equipment to ensure we’re ready to respond swiftly when disaster strikes.

By joining our disaster relief efforts, you’re not just volunteering your time; you’re becoming a vital part of a mission that has the power to transform lives in times of crisis. Your prayers, your resources, and your commitment can make a significant difference. Together, we can ensure that when disaster strikes, we’re prepared, and our response is swift, effective, and filled with hope.

Thank you for considering how you can play a crucial role in our mission to provide relief, serve our communities, and be a beacon of light during moments of darkness. Your partnership means the world to us, and together, we can make a lasting impact.

DONATE NOW
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Disaster in My Own Backyard

Unfamiliar Territory

My family moved to Texas a little over seven months ago when I came on staff at Feed the Need Missions. Hailing from the Northwest, we’ve seen little in the way of natural disasters. It wasn’t until a few weeks ago that I could grasp some of what happens when catastrophe strikes.  

We were just closing on the sale of our home in Elgin, Texas when the tornado warnings began. By mid-afternoon, these escalated to shelter-in-place orders. I will never forget the eerie feeling I got when instructed to “hide in the center of my home and brace for possibility of impact.” What a jarring reality to be faced with for the first time.

Fortunately, nothing happened to our new home. But news quickly began to circulate about possible touchdowns. My mind raced. Were my neighbors and friends safe? How could we help? What should we do next? Just as I started to panic, the reassuring Spirit of the Lord showed up and Isaiah 41:13, which I had committed to memory, echoed in my mind:

“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
Help resonated with me. God was reminding me that He is the helper I need. It was scary, but I wasn’t alone. I remembered what was most important in those moments. I felt immediate relief in being reminded that I have all I need in Him, and He would surely guide me in what steps to take next.

Blessed to be a Blessing

It didn’t take long for those steps to be made clear. In the wake of the tornadoes, Feed the Need Missions was asked to deploy our Disaster Relief ministry arm to aid in the cleanup efforts. So, a small contingent of  faithful volunteers graciously came out the next Saturday to help. We set out to cook meals for those cleaning up.

That morning, a woman showed up and began to tell me the story of how her family had been impacted (I realized over the course of the day that when tragedy strikes, one of the biggest things needed is a listen ear and open heart). I listened as she shared, through tears of gratitude, how thankful she was that her sister and family was spared from the impact. What a clarifying experience disasters can be. They certainly remind us of what is most important.

She asked if I would like to join her in delivering food to her family and those impacted by the destruction. I realized that what this woman needed most wasn’t food—but to feel like she wasn’t alone. I smiled, recalling how just days earlier, I felt that same need, and the Lord filled it with His presence. Now, He was allowing me to be an extension of Him, by being present and bringing comfort to someone else in need.

You Gain When You Give

Nothing could have prepared my for the physical destruction I witnessed first hand. Homes lifted from foundations, structures obliterated into thousands of pieces. I witnessed a 20-foot beam from a home pierce through a garage, a car, a concrete slab and imbed itself four feet into the ground like a javelin. 

There were stories of fear, hurt, emptiness and pain. But even in this, God was providing hope and perspective. As I stood over the rubble of a 87-year-old man’s home, he said tearfully, “None of this stuff matters. What matters is what we choose to do with what God gives us!” His words continue to echo in my mind. It was incredible to see that as I poured out, my heart was softened, encouraged, and recentered. 

Get Involved in Disaster Relief

There’s an expression that I heard once that says,

“Crisis is opportunity dressed up in work clothes.”
When God is in the forefront of our lives, we have every reason to view challenges we face as opportunities to experience—and extend— the love of Christ. 

So here’s my question: Are you ready to see God move in lives across our communities? Are you ready to be an ambassador of God’s hope, peace and provision in the wake of crises? At Feed the Need Missions, we prepare all year long in the event that disaster strikes. Consider this your invitation to get involved with our Disaster Relief Team or as a volunteer at our weekly sites. I am confident you’ll find, as I did, that you’re just as blessed by the people you serve as they are by you. 
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Tips for Disaster Preparedness

On average, nearly 7,000 natural disasters, such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis or fires— occur worldwide each year. That isn’t including those caused by humans, like explosions, chemical fires or terrorism. Though unpleasant to think about, the reality is that disaster could strike at any moment. And because of the unpredictable nature of such events, preparedness is key. Yet in a recent survey of the American public, only 41% felt that they were adequately prepared for an unexpected crisis.

What is Disaster Preparedness Month?

Solving this problem was the impetus behind the institution of Disaster Preparedness Month, a government observance sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The campaign takes place each September. During this time, the government works to raise awareness about the importance of disaster preparation, and shares helpful resources to the public.

Disaster Preparedness Tips

In light of Disaster Preparedness Month, and because disaster relief is an important part of what we do at Feed the Need Missions, we’ve provided a short list of tips and resources for preparing your home and family for the unthinkable.

Be in the Know

Not all disasters require the same preparation. Arm yourself with information and be sure you understand the different types of disasters to which you might be vulnerable, so you can best prepare for anything that comes your way. You can check out the Red Cross’s helpful guide for more information.

Make a Plan

Discuss evacuation plans, meeting locations, preferred hospitals and emergency contacts as a family. If you’re not sure where to start, check out FEMA’s helpful Basic Preparedness guide. It will guide you in creating your own customized plan.

Build Up Your Stockpile of Supplies

Instead of making a mad dash when a disaster is imminent, work to make a stockpile of necessities in advance. Batteries, gas, flashlights, sandbags, chargers, bottled water, plywood for windows, non-perishable foods and gas are just a few items you can get little by little at your weekly grocery store visit. For essentials and ideas, check out this helpful video.

Get the Kids Involved

Talk to you children about preparing for disaster. Make sure you do drills to help allay any fear or panic if you find yourself responding to an emergency. You can also access the CDC’s kid-friendly guide to disaster preparedness for more ideas.

Feed the Need Missions Disaster Relief

Feed the Need Missions is a faith-based 501 (c)3 non-profit organization based in Bastrop, Texas. Operating since 2010, we serve weekly, free hot meals in communities across Texas each week. We also dispatch volunteer teams equipped with trailers full of supplies to help respond to communities nationwide in the wake of disasters. Our goal is to help bring order to the chaos that disasters create by providing a hot meal, listening ear, and by sharing the hope of Jesus. To request disaster relief assistance for your community, contact us here. To help Feed the Need Missions stay ready to serve when disaster strikes, visit our Disaster Relief page.

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Hurricane Laura aftermath from Jennings, Louisiana

tornado destruction

Disaster brings a whirlwind of emotion, physical challenges, and perspective. Whether you’re a resident of the town that just went through a disaster, or a volunteer that traveled hundreds of miles to come and help; one thing is always obvious, God is moving and at work no matter what the circumstances.

We’ve had the privilege of serving Jennings, LA in response to Laura, the Category 4 Hurricane that ripped through Southwest Louisiana. Our purpose in serving is not only to provide a hot meal and lend a listening ear, but to instill hope to the community by bringing people from all walks of life together with one common purpose. This week people have served with us that own large businesses, work at grocery stores, are homeless on the street, and everything in between. What makes this special? The way Jesus uses all of us as the body to provide hope to a community devastated physically, but also spiritually.

Take for example a resident named Royce. Because of his appearance and where he lives, one might assume Royce to be experiencing extreme poverty. But when you give him a spatula and he gets to flip burgers for people in his community, that impoverished spirit quickly dissipates and he brings joy to all of those around him!

A middle school girl named Zyla, showed all of us what boldness looks like. If you had the chance to partner with her while serving, this is what you would’ve witnessed: With a calm and quiet voice she would gently proclaim that her name is Zyla and she is so thankful that you’re here today. Then she would almost robotically go down the checklist…ask for the guests name, fill in the order sheet with the food the family desires, and note what kind of vehicle they are in to make sure the food got back to them. But what happened next is profound. This little girl would reach her hand inside the car and grab the hand of the person she was talking to. She would then look the adult in the eye and say, “now I’m going to pray for you.” I watched an adult male start crying as she just poured words of encouragement over him.

THIS, my friends is why we do what we do. It’s not so that Feed the Need Missions can come and be heroes in a town that we’ve never heard of before. It’s to be a vessel that allows local people to minister to those in their own communities! When we follow Jesus, He often leads us to do things that have greater impacts on those around us than us ourselves. Be encouraged, and encourage others and let His love shine through you ALWAYS!!

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Disaster Preparedness: Hurricane

While we may be aware of an approaching hurricane, it can still be difficult to pinpoint its exact path as it approaches the mainland. Fortunately, the National Weather Service sends out alerts and notifications as a hurricane progresses.

Follow the approach of the hurricane on TV, online, or on your battery-powered emergency weather radio. These emergency radios are ideal during severe weather since they will still operate even if the power’s out. As the storm gets closer, the knowledge you gather from your resources will help you know if and when you should evacuate, as well as other information as to how to act.

Here are some great tips on Hurricane Preparedness:

Planning

Planning makes perfect. By creating an emergency plan well before any hint of a hurricane is discovered, you will have time to go over it plenty of times before one actually arrives and practice any CPR/first aid training that you may have learnt from somewhere like Coast2Coast First Aid and Aquatics in case there is a medical emergency. This way, your chances of remembering that crucial information won’t slip your mind when things start to get hectic; you’ll always know what needs to be done.

Likewise, your plan will also help you get started and continue preparing. Take a look at what you need: water, food, alternate power, items to provide warmth, and other things as your situation dictates. Write down what you have so you can refer back to it, ensuring you don’t forget anything important. If you have pets, make sure you have a place for them while you weather out the storm in a shelter. Many hurricane shelters do not allow animals, so knowing what you’ll do with your pets ahead of time will make your life – and your pet’s – that much easier.

Get Prepared

Now that you have a plan, it’s time to start following it. Store water, food, and gear so when a hurricane does come, you’ll have everything you need close by. Collect emergency contact numbers, know your evacuation routes, and keep up-to-date on your preparations.

Also important is preparing your home to deal with the buffeting winds of hurricanes. To do so, flood insurance is a good place to start. You may also consider keeping your gutters clear, trimming your bushes, trees, and shrubs, as well as having the proper equipment to properly secure property in and around your home, such as ropes and bungee cords.

Take Action

Once the first sign of a hurricane shows up, it’s time to take action. Gather your gear and other emergency preparations you’ve collected. As the storm comes closer, board up your windows, strap down your property, and take care of any other last minute preparations.

Stay tuned to your emergency radio or local TV news network. If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately. This is where knowing your evacuation routes comes into play. And remember, if you have pets, don’t leave them at home! Take them with you.

Recover

Hurricanes are powerful and can leave you, your home, and your neighborhood in a big mess. Take a step back and examine yourself and your family members. Patch up any scrapes, cuts, or other injuries with your first aid kit. Only go into your home once it is deemed safe to do so by authorities, as downed power lines, gas leaks, and other hazards could pose a threat to your safety.

It’s possible that you will have some extra work to do following a hurricane. If you do, don’t try and do too much at once. Pace yourself, get adequate rest, and drink plenty of clean water. When working with debris, wear gloves and boots, and make sure to wash your hands thoroughly and often. Recovery will take time, but by preparing ahead of time, you can alleviate many post-hurricane problems.

Check out more of Disaster Preparedness here.

 

Help us be prepared for the unthinkable today.

Did you know September is National Preparedness Month? Since 2011 Feed the Need Missions has served communities hit with devastating floods, tornadoes, fires, and hurricanes with a hot meal, listening ear, and encouragement.

Can you help us be prepared to respond to the next disaster and make a donation today? Your gift of $10, $25, or $50 will help us respond quicker and serve more people when disaster strikes.

While we never hope for a disaster, we know your support will help us be even more prepared to respond when disaster does come our way.


 

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Hurricane Harvey: Still Rebuilding

Hurricane Harvey was a Category 4 storm that hit Texas on August 25, 2017. It caused billions of dollars in damage according to the National Hurricane Center. That’s more than other natural disaster in U.S. history except Hurricane Katrina. In comparison, Hurricane Katrina dropped five to twenty inches of rain in 48 hours. Most of its flooding came from storm surges that overwhelmed the levee system.

Harvey made landfall three times in six days. At its peak on September 1, 2017, one-third of Houston was underwater. Two feet of rain fell in the first 24 hours. The flooding forced 39,000 people out of their homes and into shelters. Dallas even created a mega shelter for 5,000 evacuees out of its main convention center. Harvey’s impact was due to its power and its location. The Houston metro area is the nation’s fourth largest city with 6.6 million residents. If it were a country, it would be the world’s 23rd largest economy, larger than Poland or Sweden.

Feed the Need Missions was on the ground the next day once the Hurricane passed. A rescue boat headed to Katy, Texas, while we were feeding in Smithville, Texas at a shelter for victims. Southside Market and Barbeque helped relieve some of our efforts in LaGrange where we fed three meals a day.

Second Baptist Church reached out for help from the community and we responded with our disaster relief trailer that was set up in their parking lot. We sent out teams to feed in other communities, while we were set up at the site to feed people who needed it. So many hands and feet of Christ came to the aide for Houston and surrounding cities as well as the smaller towns in Central Texas.

Still today people are building their homes or are living with friends or family in order to get back on their feet. Please continue to pray for those affected. And for this new hurricane season. We also thank all of you for your helping during this time of devastation and need.

 

Help us be prepared for the unthinkable today.

Did you know September is National Preparedness Month? Since 2011 Feed the Need Missions has served communities hit with devastating floods, tornadoes, fires, and hurricanes with a hot meal, listening ear, and encouragement.

Can you help us be prepared to respond to the next disaster and make a donation today? Your gift of $10, $25, or $50 will help us respond quicker and serve more people when disaster strikes.

While we never hope for a disaster, we know your support will help us be even more prepared to respond when disaster does come our way.


 

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