Gustav

I'm sure you all are tired of seeing this image on the tv. However, I bet a lot of you know someone that was affected by Rita or Katrina and is in the path of Gustav. My entire family is bracing for the blow of this storm. They live in the Beaumont area and are having flashbacks to 3 years ago when Rita ripped their towns and homes apart. My grandparents had to rebuild the entire front part of their house because trees demolished it. Fortunately (and surprisingly), my parents' home had minor roof and fence damage. I could go on for days naming close friends and family whose lives were changed in a matter of days. And it could happen again.

My family is coming today to stay with us. My parents will be at our house and my grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousins will be staying in hotels. The storm isn't predicted to hit until late Monday or Tuesday, but they are getting out now. They know how chaotic it will be when people decide at the last minute to evacuate.

I remember when Rita came, our church became an evacuee shelter. My parents were here and were technically "evacuees" themselves, but were working alongside our church body to set up beds for weary travelers. It was quite humorous putting them to work, but such a blessing. If needed, I hope our church is able to open our doors again this time.

So the point of my post..please be in prayer for the gulf coast. Not only because I know and love so many people in that area, but because there are so many people that we don't know that may lose everything. Pray that the storm takes a turn and won't even hit land. I know that the forcasters don't think that's possible..but all things are possible with God. I can't even imagine what is going through the minds of the citizens of New Orleans. "Not Again."

I am so thankful that I live here and can offer my family a safe haven away from the storm. I wish we had room for more people!