Pastor's Weekly Word

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. (Psalm 46:1-3)

These are the words that have been rolling around in my head the past few days. So many people have been affected by Hurricane Harvey, and the water is still rising in places as the rain keeps falling. My brother and his family are among the fortunate. They live in Houston and finally left their home with water pouring in. They walked to their car, which they had moved to higher ground earlier just in case, and they made it a few blocks to a hotel that still had rooms. They are safe.

He finally called me in all the chaos to let me know how they were. “I’m good,” he said. “Rachel is good. The kids are good. We made it. We are safe.” And then he broke down. I knew why. When you stare death in the face and miraculously come out on the other side, you immediately think of everyone else. So many others are not safe. What about them?

I’m sure you received the email yesterday outlining the initial recovery efforts Canyon Creek is part of. There will be more to come. As we respond, I simply have three phrases for you to remember, and they are these. Keep helping. Keep giving. Keep praying. We want them all safe, for God is our refuge, a very present help in times of trouble.