In just five hours, 30 inches of rain flooded several homes in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, on June 18. Over 30 Texans on Mission volunteers deployed to the area on Monday and are working hard to help struggling residents move forward.
Several Louisianans — like Cottonport resident Yolanda Griffin — could do nothing but watch terrified as raging floodwaters from Tropical Storm Arthur tore through homes they’ve spent decades in.
Griffin said she had to wade through water and darkness, feeling her way out of the driveway to leave the neighborhood. She couldn’t determine the road from the ditch as she tried to make it to her brother’s house for safety.
“The water was so high. I was scared,” Griffin said. “I had never seen that much water in the bayou before.
In total, Griffin lost her car, water heater, washer and dryer, stove and fridge, mattresses and some of her clothing. Near her home, piles of furniture, appliances and other belongings that were lost to the flood sat along the road.
“I’m going to have to start all over,” she said.
Some residents have spent decades in these homes. It’s where they grew up. Now, floodwaters have ruined furniture, walls and keepsakes, leaving those who live there with only memories of what once was.
Jaln Lonzo said his grandmother grew up in her house and has owned it for over 20 years. When she found out flooding was headed their way, Lonzo said she was inconsolable. His uncle, who lives in the home, said the water came up to his knees.
TXM came to assist Lonzo and his family in the aftermath of the flood. Volunteers removed soaked and ruined furniture, impacted drywall and cabinets. Then, they sprayed a mold-prevention chemical.
Upon receiving TXM’s flood recovery assistance, Lonzo said he was extremely appreciative.
“It’s a big help,” Lonzo said. “It would take forever just for one or two people to do it by themselves. It’s a big help for somebody to step in.”
Team leader Mike Pedigo said teams began working in homes on Tuesday morning, removing wet insulation and paneling and spraying walls with a mold-prevention disinfectant. Volunteers have also left dehumidifiers in some homes to ensure moisture isn’t trapped, he said.
“We’re able to help them get back to some normalcy, because once you’ve had water in your home, it’s hard to get out,” Pedigo said.
In addition to providing flood recovery assistance, TXM volunteer Gregory Lattier said his main goal during the deployment is to connect deeply with homeowners, sharing the hope of salvation in Christ that transcends all disasters.
“We’re the hands and feet of Jesus,” Lattier said. “We’re opening their hearts to accepting the Gospel and Jesus Christ.”
Yolanda Griffin said volunteers lifted a major weight off her shoulders simply by being there for her.
“They came and did a good job,” Griffin said. “I see them as part of my family now … We were strangers, but somehow we connected like we were a family.”
When Griffin looks to the future, she sees hope, though the road to recovery is long. She’s even positive, she said.
“The good Lord giveth and he also can taketh,” Griffin said. “I see it as being a blessing. He closed one door but he’s going to open up another door for me.”
How you can help
Please pray for families in Louisiana as they begin to move forward, and for the endurance of volunteers helping impacted residents recover. Your generous donation enables our volunteers to bring relief, supplies and the support families need to begin rebuilding their lives.
Together, we can remind our neighbors in Louisiana that they are not facing this hardship alone.