“GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”   Psalm 46:1

Glorious greetings to you in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

We are indeed grateful for the groundswell of PRAYERS, concern and support for the countless thousands who have been victims of Hurricane Harvey over the past five days. Southeastern Texas and now Southwestern Louisiana have been severely affected by this lingering tropical storm system.

Our COCHUSA members in Houston were not seriously impacted by the weather, except for may be two or three families that were removed from their homes. The two local churches in the area were not adversely affected. In addition, our membership and three local churches in Beaumont experienced very heavy rains and flooding. At this point, at least one of the churches has experienced roof damages and there has been minimal impact on the members living in the area. [See the account of District Chairman Tommie Florence below for additional information of Hurricane Harvey’s impact.]

What can you and your local congregations do? Of course, PLEASE continue to PRAY for all the victims of this catastrophic event. Also, we are urging you to consider sending donations via check or electronically as shown below.  In addition, First Church of Christ (Holiness) USA has agreed to serve as a relief center and  will be available to receive material support (i.e., water, personal hygiene items, non-perishable food supplies, linen, towels, etc.).

Finally, we are very thankful for your concern and support. We are also very appreciative for the assistance of our National President, Bishop Lindsay Jones for reaching out to our Diocese and
providing his spiritual, moral and material support to our relief efforts.

In His Service,
Bishop Vernon E. Kennebrew
Senior Bishop of the Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A.

HOW YOU CAN HELP?

MAIL: 

First Church of Christ (Hol.) USA
P.O. Box 330374
Houston, TX   77233-0374

PUSH PAY MOBILE GIVING

  1. Send text message to:  77977
  2. Enter the message: “1stcochusahoutx”
  3. You will receive a message back with a link:  (Steps 1-3 you only do the first time you give)
  4. “Click” on the link: (Click on the link for current and future giving)
  5. “Enter” the amount you wish to Give (no decimals or zeros) Example: 5,50, 500
  6. “Click” on MEMO and select “Other”
  7. In the MEMO area SPECIFY Harvey Relief

RELIEF SUPPLIES
Contact for shipping supplies:
Eld. Rodney Magee
(713) 725-5801
firstcochusa@aol.com

UPDATE:  DISTRICT CHAIRMEN TOMMIE FLORENCE

Greetings in the Mighty and Matchless Name of Jesus Christ!  The awesome power of God has played out right before our eyes here in the Houston and Beaumont areas over the last week.  The only conclusion is that God is sovereign… He is in  control in every situation.    Thank you COCHUSA for your prayers, phone calls and support from all across the country.

The flood conditions will continue over the next week or so but the constant rain has stopped… praise God!

There are five COCHUSA churches in the area; First Church and Second Church in Houston, and Christ Mission Temple, Holy Bible Faith Center, and Greater Faith Ministries in Beaumont.  While the full impact will not be known for a few more days, this is what can be reported as of today:

Minister Troy Castile and his family from Second Church had to be rescued from their home.  They are currently displaced.

Elder Willie Owens, pastor of Second Church, is displaced.  His whole community was evacuated.  He hasn’t been able to return in to assess the damage.

The roof of Greater Faith Ministries in Beaumont was damaged.  Impact on members is still being assessed.

The impact on Holy Bible Faith Center and Christ Mission Temple in Beaumont hasn’t fully been assessed since the storm just passed through.

First Church did not flood from rising water.   One tree on the property was struck by lighting and another one is leaning.  Both need to be removed.  Wind damage to the roof needs to be assessed.  All of the members sheltered in place and some still can’t leave their homes because of flooded streets and communities.  There were no flooded homes or reports of wind damage yet.

As you can see we have much to be thankful for.  Continue to pray for our whole area as we recover.