When It Rains, It Pours

Seems like a good time to write that line, given the weather right now consists of a deluge of rain accompanied by thunder and lightning. But most of us would use that phrase to describe those times when circumstances in our life are already tough, and life serves up a double helping of misery. Toothache PLUS head cold. Car trouble AND dishwasher dies.

Well what about poverty AND losing the $12/day fleabag "home" you had, maybe along with everything you own?

The residents of the "blockhouse", also known as "Smitty's" suffered just that Saturday as a fire took what little "home" they had away. They were already living in the grimmest conditions I have ever seen. Now they have nothing. The Red Cross has put them up in local motels for a brief period, but what then?

Two of those residents in particular, in the short period of time we at New Hope have known them, have made an impression on our hearts. Richard and Rhonda were doing "the best we can" coping with Richard's medical issues (100% disabled) and Rhonda's pregnancy. But last week when Joe Stoy and Pam Roberts delivered the Wednesday meal and talked with them, they found out that someone had slashed the tires on their bikes - their only means of transportation. So Joe volunteered to come back and put new tires on Friday, as well as provide some more minutes for their cell phone. A pregnant Mom needs to be able to get help. Joe made sure she could.

We are trying to find out what we can do for our friends at the blockhouse through the Red Cross and folks involved with Suppers On Saturday. In the meantime, will you pray for them - for Richard and Rhonda, and their baby? They've already named her Graci.

Lord, in your mercy, show all of those displaced from the blockhouse your grace. Provide what they need. And show your people - New Hope and everyone else - what we can do for these and others in need. Help us pour out your love.