Harvey was a Category 4 hurricane that made landfall first in parts of the Caribbean, Latin America, and then struck the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coasts. The storm hit Rockport, Texas on August 26, 2017. It’s initial impact carried winds of 130 mph.

After striking land, Harvey’s speed weakened to a crawl as it moved up the coast toward Houston and Beaumont. Moving back over the Gulf of Mexico, it picked up more water and dumped more than 50 inches of rain in our area over the next five days. 

Some of our leaders (deacons, elders and others) at Dowlen Road church organized crews of men and women to assess the damage, and to begin the work of clean up and rebuilding. In our congregation alone, about 50 homes had taken on water. Some had only a few inches of flooding; most had four to six feet of water. 

Brethren came from all over the country to assist us–from at least ten different states. Some could stay only a few days–but the value of their help was beyond measure. Others stayed for weeks; one couple from Washington state stayed for months. We treasure the fellowship and friendship of all those beloved saints of God. 

Additionally, churches and individuals from across America sent funds to help us rebuild. The generosity of God’s people was overwhelming. Christians are the most generous people on earth. 

Our congregation will never forget all the help that was extended to us. We will never cease to be thankful to God for what He did through His people. 

Matthew Bassford (a former member of the Dowlen Road family, now preaching in Columbia, Tennessee) wrote a song for us to commemorate God’s help in our recovery. It is entitled, “Lord, We Come in Celebration.” 

Two weeks ago, our last family that was displaced from their home finally moved back into their residence. It was a time of celebration for them.

It is time now to close the books on Hurricane Harvey–but never the memories.