Calvary Church in Longmont, Colorado, sent a group of six to Ingleside, Texas, to assist Calvary Relief in clean-up from Hurricane Harvey, for one week in November 2017. This area between Rockport and Corpus Christi, Texas was in the center of the eye of the hurricane and sustained substantial damage and are still trying to recuperate. Not only was there damage from the winds of the hurricane, but over 70 tornados hit the area during the hurricane. Many homes and businesses were totally destroyed. Some structures were so damaged that when the rains came, they were unprotected and then the interiors were damaged as well. Even now, over three months later there are still huge piles of debris to be cleaned up and many structures to be repaired.
The group from Longmont spend the week replacing a roof for Jerry, who is a disabled Vietnam veteran and his son. Clean-up was done in his yard and several other homes to pick up debris from the hurricane. There are many areas of service needed when responding to a disaster. There are no unimportant jobs or unimportant people; it is a team effort. There is always something for everyone to do. Over the week in Texas, relationships were developed, and there was the opportunity to share the gospel and invite those who were helped to the local church on Sunday. The community was so grateful for the work that is being done to help them.
Calvary Relief is a non-denominational ministry that responds to areas that have been hit by natural disasters. Pastor Curt Hencye and his wife Mary Jo aim to assist the elderly and those lacking resources for repairs to their homes. Calvary Church became connected with Calvary Relief when Curt and Mary Jo came in the area to help in the Lyons and Longmont area after the floods in the fall of 2014. This ministry stays in disaster areas for months at a time to develop long-term relationships and especially to reach unbelievers through their work. They are always in need of volunteers and donations for their ministry. If your church is interested in helping, please check the Calvary Relief website (www.calvaryrelief.com) for more information.