Out of Sight...Out of Mind...NOT!!!

When Hurricane Ike was stirring its fury in the Gulf of Mexico, residents all along the Texas coastline from Port Arthur to Brownsville, were uncertain of their safety. We know that Ike struck our Texas coast with its greatest destruction from Galveston Island to Port Arthur. Do you remember? If you live in the greater Houston and southeast Texas areas you do remember...and are still recovering!

The Texas District, Lutheran Social Service of the South (LSSS) and LINC Houston began the race to restoration within hours of the storm’s passing. People were fed, water was distributed and the Gospel message of hope in Jesus Christ was shared. LINC Houston, LSSS and church members of Texas District LC-MS churches remain active participants in the restoration effort.

LINC Houston is now recognized as one of the top 10 agencies in Houston for their food bank and food distribution. Four distribution centers were set up throughout Houston and over 20,000 supplies of food and water have been given out. Vicar Lincon Guerra coordinated food distribution at the LINC office at Beautiful Savior. Robert & Betty Stephenson represent two of countless volunteers who helped distribute food.

LINC Houston has also received high praise from the city of Houston and FEMA for their work in helping people. Families have called the helpers their “LINC Angels.” Clients and employees of FEMA are including LINC in their prayers. What a testament to God’s hand at work in bringing hope through devastation.

The need for home repair has brought an entirely new system of volunteers to the ministry of LINC Houston. Gwen Franke now serves as Volunteer Director. Case Managers Michelle Gil, Noemi Guerra and Mary Behnken assist families in completing Case Applications for repair work. Frank & Pauline McKinley and Tom Behnken serve as Project Managers who plan construction projects that have been approved. Dan & Rose Laugavits (Reed City, Michigan) serve as Construction Supervisors. Edward Gil, Saul Orozco and Steven Berlanga serve as Site Foreman. Countless volunteers show up to work!

Rev. Mark Junkans, LINC Executive Director, reports that LINC staff and volunteers have done work at over 260 homes (tree removal, tarps, clean up, repair work). The list continues to grow! Pastor Junkans is amazed at how God is using His people to share Christ’s love with others.