Yesterday we took some volunteers to Baytown to help in a difficult situation. There was a low-income apartment complex that had been damaged by the storm and all the residents (mostly elderly and disabled) had to vacate their apartments before yesterday at 4 pm. Whatever things weren't out by that time would be lost. We showed up and spoke to the manager who sounded pretty desperate on the phone and she directed us to apartment 211 where an elderly woman stood amidst boxes and bags that took up every square inch of the floor space. She was an avid collector of what seemed like everything. There were bags of old Christmas decorations, cards, knick knacks, crafts and best of all, an Elvis collection that was the subject of a Houston Chronicle article.
We started moving boxes and bags and stuff out to our vehicles and after one load to the storage didn't see much progress. After several more hours of moving these things and furniture we got to the end. As we stuffed and stacked the bags of things into every nook and cranny at the storage space, it looked like Elvis might have to spend the night on the street. By the grace of God and the expertise of three volunteers from Epiphany Lutheran Church, Pastor Mario Casillas and His Wife and some LINC staff, we packed every item in and closed the door.
The best part of the move for me was when we moved her piano into the storage unit, set up a chair and invited her to play a song. We sat and listened to a rendition of "Earth Angel" played by her arthritis stricken hands. It was probably the only time in my life that I enjoyed listening to an Oldie's song. I thank God for the opportunity to serve one individual whom God loves dearly. We prayed together for her that God would protect all of her belongings while she waits to get her life back out of storage.
UPDATE:
A few weeks back, we were blessed to assist several people who lived in the same housing complex as Jan with their moves into new apartments. Following is a very nice letter we received from one of those people:
Dear Edith:
I just wanted to drop a line to say thank you and God bless you to you and all the others to whom I spoke and some, which I didn’t get to speak with, but nonetheless, were instrumental in bringing the group together that, moved my things for me.
Please pass on my thanks and blessings to: Mr. Mark Junkans (Exec. Dir.), Gwen, Ruanne, Debbie and the one who I believe got the ball rolling, Julie Reid! You are all greatly appreciated and prayers have been going your way since I've known of you all.
The people from the Woodlands,(The Living Word Lutheran Church & 1st Baptist Church of Tomball) Couldn't have been nicer. I am enjoying my new apartment and am still in the process of unpacking.
God bless all of you and
Thanks again,
Patrick Wood (Woody)
P.S. Call me if I can ever help in any way!
