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La Villa (TX) Relief Efforts Under WayLA VILLA, TX (July 29, 2008) – Relief efforts are being organized to assist the IglesiaEvangelica Misionera church an members of the congregation whose property suffered damage when Hurricane Dolly swept through the area last week. The church, which is the oldest Spanish-speaking church in the Evangelical Covenant Church (nearly 60 years old), as well as many homes in La Villa were pounded by the hurricane, reports Midsouth Conference Superintendent Garth Bolinder. To see additional photos, visit Hurricane Dolly.  “When Hurricane Dolly ran through the Rio Grande Valley of Texas last week, it seemed to stall almost directly over La Villa,” says Bolinder. “Furthermore, with temperatures over 100 degrees and almost 100 percent humidity, our friends down there have had nopower since the hurricane.” That prompted the relief project. “They are working heroically to take care of their own needs, as well as to help their community,” Bolinder notes. “Pastor Allan Serrano has been a special encouragement, going throughout the town to listen to people, pray with people and help them figure out some next steps. Allan sees this tragedy as an opportunity to serve the community and to be a witness for Christ in the process. His optimism, trust in the Lord and his servant's heart are contagious.” The relief effort is in what Bolinder describes as a fact-finding stage “as we try to sort out what will be covered by insurance, what help the government will provide, and where opportunities exist for Midsouth Covenant churches (as well as Covenant churches from around the country) to help.” Some on-site relief work is already under way under the guidance of Dale Lusk and his team from Merge Ministries, which is also located in the Valley. Midsouth Conference staff and churches will be working with Lusk and Merge Ministries in a coordinated relief effort, Bolinder says, noting the possibility of some Covenant World Relief assistance as well. “In the next several weeks you will be hearing from us regarding ways we can partner together to help our friends in La Villa,” Bolinder notes, citing three opportunities: • Pray for our La Villa friends as they recover from the hurricane and reach out to their community in Jesus' name. Also pray for Pastor Allan Serrano, his family and the leaders of Iglesia Evangelica Misionera as they encourage the congregation and community during this difficult time. • There will be significant financial needs to help our friends, many of whom are low-income, and to help rebuild the church building. • There will be opportunities for work teams from Covenant churches to go down to help in the rebuilding process. “Thanks in advance for your prayers and for your partnership as we stand with our friends in La Villa,” Bolinder concludes. Copyright © 2008 The Evangelical Covenant Church. |
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