Since 2007, we have taken over 20 Mission Trips throughout the Central States. Our focus is providing rebuilding support to those in need. Rebuilding is more than structures, it includes assisting local Non-Profits and Outreach centers alike to get back on their feet, listening to individuals who have been impacted, praying with them, and providing HOPE to a community in need. |
Link into "Past Trips" to see a summary of what happened at each location we have gone to serve at. There are so many Natural Disasters that jump into the lives of people. This became even more evident as we began our Missions Organization. It is quite and eye opener as the need is there far after the news crews remove it from being the lead story.
Houston, Texas - Category 4 Hurricane Harvey made landfall the evening of August 25. This immediately set off a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Texas. Sustained winds of over 130 mph and rainfall in the Houston area of over the 3 days exceeded 24”. The storm impacted over 250 miles of the Texas coast. The need is vast, both along the gulf coast and far inland.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana On Friday, August 12, 2016 southern Louisiana was drenched for two days with up to 30” of rain, causing dangerous floods that killed at least 13 people, shut down major highways and forced people from over 100,000 homes. This happened right in the middle of the Rio Olympics and as a result it received very little news coverage. This, the 3rd largest flood in US History, quickly became known as the “Forgotten Flood.”
New Orleans, Louisiana Massive destruction to a degree we just can't imagine. Lives literally swept away. So many things were up close and personal due to the length of pre and post storm coverage in our living rooms every day. It became such a negative finger pointing issue of who should have done that and why didn't this happen, that the victims were overshadowed. Now NINE years later, there are still people who want to go back home. Our friends with the Chicago Area Ministry Partnership C.A.M.P. continues to serve there.ho should have and why did they
Cedar Rapids, Iowa a peaceful Midwest city nestled around a large but calm river, so calm that their courthouse was built on a small island in the middle of the river. This became what was an epic flood powered by several days of torrential rains to the north for several days. The people impacted were in working class older neighborhoods, many who lived above the 100 and 500 year flood plain. We formed some awesome partnerships there with people like, Daryl, the Schlee's and Ann to name just a few.
Joplin, the unbelievable rage this tornado must have had as it ripped through this town. Google maps brought it home as we researched this as a possible destination, at a high level it was like nothing had happened as these were old photos. As you zoomed in it was newer photos, revealing neighborhoods and schools completely missing. Here we built strong relationships with our fellow mission trip participants from Chicago and Texas as we worked side by side.
Correctionville, Iowa this was not a huge storm compared to the ones that hit urban settings but just as much impact to the people who lived in this rural area and found themselves in the path of this tornado. Many rural areas around the Sioux City area sustained damage from multiple tornadoes on the same night.
Moore and El Reno, Oklahoma, Tornadoes over the course of a couple days were springing up all around the Oklahoma City area, hitting several areas, Moore to the south and El Reno to the west. The needs were just as spread out and a challenge to try and help those with the greatest needs.
Omaha, Nebraska, Hand of Hope at Home, there are many opportunities to serve our neighbors and that includes our own community, in a non-disaster relief role. We have teamed up with two local Non-Profits to give them a lift in accomplishing their mission.