Inglewood Baptist Church volunteers help hurricane victims
By Tammi Ledbetter
PORT ARTHUR—Thirty-four volunteers from Inglewood Baptist Church transformed two hurricane-damaged homes June 1-6 for southeast Texas residents.
“We wanted to make this a family mission trip because we believe in doing ministry together,” explained Pastor Shawn Barnard. “We wanted to teach our children what it means to love God, serve him, and do it together.” Six other families brought children along who pitched in wherever needed, baking cookies and delivering Bibles and food to area residents, as well as doing manual labor.
"We have been amazed at how God has blessed our efforts," shared field foreman Jeffrey Hazleton of Nehemiah’s Vision. "Since the storm, more than 4,000 volunteers have logged over 100,000 hours in the rebuild effort.” To date, over $4 million worth of material has been nailed, brushed, and installed in order to repair and rebuild over 500 homes and churches.
“They showed up here, out of the blue, and I was so overwhelmed,” stated Linda Hailey, who had attempted to clear the debris from the land where her parents lived. “We said a prayer and they started working, helping me out.”
“We came down here not really knowing what to expect,” added Youth Minister Joel Owen. “While Nehemiah’s Vision was prepared to offer an assortment of tools, the job could not be completed without provisions that came as a direct answer to prayer. “It’s been amazing to watch God work and we’ve been blessed to see how much work has been accomplished.”
In addition to painting a home in Fannett, Texas, Inglewood volunteers built the decking and ceilings for two porches, explained Inglewood member Harry Miller, a 25-year veteran of similar construction projects.
Individuals and groups can volunteer or donate to assist for a variety of projects at www.nehemiahsvision.com or 409-769-1616.
