wfn.org | Texas flood relief flows as water subsides

["Curt Miller"<wshuffit@oc.disciples.org>]

Date: November 3, 1998
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Curt Miller
Email: CMiller@oc.disciples.org
on the Web: http://www.disciples.org

98c-67

	INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- As Texas dries out after nearly a quarter of 
the state was flooded by overflowing creeks, lakes and rivers, 
Disciples are responding with aid. 

	Some 17 Disciples families lost their homes and eight church 
buildings had some water damage. The Disciples Conference Center, a 
camp facility co-owned by the Coastal Plains and Bluebonnet areas had 
minor water damage in the kitchen. South Shore Christian Church in 
Corpus Christi had started major roof repairs prior to the rains. The 
plastic sheeting covering the sanctuary blew away and the 
congregation suffered significant loss to interior walls, flooring 
and furnishings.

	Week of Compassion, the relief and recovery fund of the Christian 
Church (Disciples of Christ), has responded with emergency grants 
totaling $6,250 to assist the affected families. A gift of $2,000 has 
been forward to Church World Service for their work with interfaith 
partners. As the damage assessment increases, additional funds will 
be sent, according to the Rev. Johnny Wray, Week of Compassion, 
director.

	In San Marcos, Texas, just northeast of San Antonio, about a dozen 
parishioners' homes were destroyed or damaged. Many members of the 
First Christian Church there had water in their homes, even those who 
live outside the flood plain. Members Tim and Rose Tempfer opened 
their Woodcreek Lodge to flood victims. The lodge also served as a 
depot for Red Cross emergency provisions.

	"Week of Compassion was one the first phone calls we received," said 
the Rev. Amy Elder, First Church associate pastor. "They responded 
with cash help."

	The following churches sustained water. University Church, Hyde Park 
Church and Central Church, Austin; and Central Church, Alamo Heights 
Church, Rolling Oaks Church and Mexican Church, San Antonio. 

                                                       -- end--

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