Rebuilding after the flood
In January, we had the opportunity to do a small and mighty project in the town of Hickory. Weeks before that, there had been so much rain that downstream it created massive flash flooding. The flooding came upon the town so quickly that the water rushed against this family’s house like a wall of water coming down the road. I could not even imagine how frightening that must be.
The water came with such force that it picked up their trailer and were pinned against the tree. Inside were four family members: grandma, grandpa and their two grandchildren age 6 and 2 months. Grandma and the older child held onto each other as the made their way out. Grandpa held the youngest as tight as he could trying to get to drier ground. Unexpectedly, a hard current came up and caused grandpa to lose his footing and his grip. Without the ability to save him, their 2 month old grandchild drowned and was carried off. Incredibly heartbreaking, crushing - please pause to pray for him now. For weeks, he has only been able to sleep [at most] two hours a day. Please pray for this man as he mourns, as he grieves, and that he can be released from this heavy burden finding rest in the Lord who comforts all.
Despite this incredible loss of life, a tragedy, God has surrounded this elderly couple with a church family who has tended to them, cared for them, counseled them daily, and poured into them. The gates of heaven have been opened up to love on this precious couple. They have been taking care of their grandchildren ever since their daughter, the mother of the children, has been incarcerated for crimes committed while chasing her addiction to drugs. She has been in and out of jail and prison their whole life.
As the crew was working to gut the family’s home, volunteers were blessed to be able to speak into the family’s life. Johnny Wildes, Waycross, GA, whom many of you may know and have served with on previous trips, had a pressing of the Spirit to share hope with this family. On his way to NC, Johnny kept feeling like he was supposed to share about a wonderful Christ-centered drug rehab program in his hometown. As only God would line this up…it just so happened that their daughter was released from prison while they were serving. Johnny was able to speak with her and her parents sharing about this amazing program in Georgia. Within days, their daughter signed up and will be going to not only work to be free from drugs, but to be introduced to the Savior of this world! Please pray for her as the Lord leads you.
Thankfully, the amazing team from Gods Pit Crew were able to gut the home and in the next week completely rebuild it so this family could move back into their house and begin to rebuild their life.