Houston Hurricane Alert
Many of you know that Houston was directly hit by Hurricane Ike.  Many homes, businesses and churches were devastated by the double devastation of wind and water. 

The CSM housing site was not spared Ike’s fury.  Thank God that no one was home at the time of the hurricane, but the hurricane winds did peel off the roof of the gym building where teams shower and eat and where our seasonal staff are housed.  Water came through windows and the roof, drenching rooms, furniture and floors.  The church’s insurance adjuster estimates about a million dollars damage for the whole property. Because of the evacuation, when our city leader Paul Randall could finally inspect the site, he discovered that mold had already developed. CSM helps ministries in need, but right now, CSM Houston needs your help.
 
In order to continue helping the city during the crises of Hurricane Ike's aftermath, we will need to make extensive repairs to the CSM site. We will need to replace all of the furniture and appliances in the staff housing as well as make construction repairs and replace flooring, carpeting and paint the entire facility.  Though insurance will cover the structural damage to the roof it will not cover our damage and loss.

Please be in prayer for the Houston team as they begin the clean up.  Pray, too, that teams will come to Houston to assist with the clean up.  Ask God to bring hope and encouragement to the congregation that shares their facility so generously with us.

We’d also like to ask you consider giving a special gift now to help us rebuild our housing and assist our host congregation.  CSM Houston has an immediate, critical need where you can make a significant impact. Please send your gift to CSM, P.O. 900, Dana Point, CA 92629-0900 or you can donate online at www.CSM.org.  Look under “Opportunities” and designate your gift in the note box. Your gift today will enable CSM to continue supporting our ministry partners in the city as they rebuild.We want to thank you for all of your heartfelt care and partnership with us at CSM as together we bring hope and transformation to often forgotten people for God’s sake.