Hi Friends and Family!
We are leaving Georgia!! At least for a little bit!
I have had a lot of questions about what the World Race has looked like with Gap Year being here at the AIM campus doing the time of Covid-19. How are we doing ministry? Are you doing missions work? And many others.
I am in the process of writing an update about life here at AIM but I wanted to let you all know we have the amazing opportunity to partner with Samaritan’s Purse in Louisiana starting next week.
Here is the situation. Over the last few months, the State of Louisiana has taken a beating from the hurricane season. Hurricane Laura hit as a category 4, leaving over $14,000,000,000 in damages. It was one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit the United States with recorded wind speeds of 150MPH. There were massive storm surges, flooding, and so much more.
This is information that crossed most media screens but soon lost headlines. But the brokenness left behind in the aftermath of the storm is still present. And just this last few days, the state was hit again by Hurricane Delta only adding insult to injury in the affected area. I saw this morning that over half a million people were without power in the state. Once again waking up to flooded streets and carnage from the storm.
I think we can get lost in the numbers and the percentages and forget that thousands of people’s lives have been changed by these storms. I remember living in Texas when Hurricane Harvey hit Houston and the devastation that followed suit for months after it no longer made headlines. Friends whose homes were destroyed. It left that pit in my stomach.
That’s why when we had the opportunity to help out our community here in the states, our team lit up! Not because we finally get to leave campus but because we get to be the hands and feet of Jesus here at home.
So this coming week,my squad and another World Race Gap Year squad will be partnering with Samaritan’s Purse in Western Louisiana. My team will be spread between DeRidder and Lake Charles while another squad is partnering in DeQuincy.
For those who are not familiar with Samaritan’s Purse. They are a Christian Non-Profit who partners with communities everywhere in disaster-relief situations. We will be working with families and communities in disaster clean up with all that entails. These are families who are not covered or can not afford the repairs for themselves, so Samaritan’s Purse comes in and supports those that need the help to get back on their feet and I am excited that we get to work with an amazing organization!
Gap Year will partner with them throughout the fall, sending teams for a few weeks at a time to help in the relief. I know there might be concerns about the Covid-19 pandemic but without going into a full logistical breakdown, we have those covered! We don’t want that to get in the way of thousands of families and people who are in need now.
Please be praying for protection as we drive down tomorrow! Also that we can serve more than their physical and emotional needs but be the Love that Jesus calls us to be. That lives there would be healed and restored to the Father! Because ultimately our work is futile if the Lord is not in it. Also be praying for protection during Covid-19. We are taking a lot of precautions and safe measures going into this time but some extra covering is always needed!
Please also be praying that our Racers hearts are prepared to go into Louisiana. I know that it can be hard going into a situation like this so prayer that their hearts are ready for what is coming.
Love you all! Thank you for your continuing support of me and my journey!!
