2008-07-02

Giving Children Hope’s second shipment of aid arrived Monday, June 30th, to the Church on Fire Christian Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The shipment, which contained generators, food and other necessities, was made possible by the help of Cottonwood Church of Los Alamitos, California.

The Church on Fire Christian Center has been open Monday through Friday to offer the aid to anyone affected by the floods. Pastor Brenton Hall, who oversees the distribution of the aid, said that they feel “so blessed” and are very appreciative of the support of Cottonwood Church.

Pastor Brenton Hall who helped distribute aid at the Iowa church sent a letter to Giving Children Hope:

We just received the second semi truck that you so graciously sent here to Cedar Rapids Iowa. It has been a difficult time for many people and local businesses but the generosity of others has been truly humbling. Through your efforts we have been able to supply many churches and organizations with much needed supplies. We have also been blessed to help the members of our church, seeing as how many of them have had severe damage to their homes and a few have even completely lost theirs. It is strange to see the local county and city offices take up residence in the nearby mall because there offices have been destroyed. Or seeing enormous lines to enter the post office parking lot because the local post offices in Cedar Rapids have been destroyed and all of the misplaced residence have to pick up their mail in 1 of 2 open post offices. As of now it looks as if about 4,000 homes and over 800 businesses were flooded; of which, 2,000 homes are said to be demolished. There are approximately 24,000 people affected by the floods and many of them not only lost their home but everything in it. I am saying all of this to let you know that all of your generosity and support have been much needed and greatly appreciated.

We have found the best way in distributing these items is assembling teams of people to deliver bulk items to specific areas in the community. Many shelters, churches, local aide organizations as well as individuals have been the very thankful recipients of the items you have sent us.

Please know that God sees your generosity not only with Iowa but in all of the areas you have your hand in. I know God has blessed you mightily and will continue to, just like I know He is faithful to turn this devastation around and make a way where we might not see one.

Thank you to all and may God richly bless you and your organization.

Pastor Brenton Hall
Church On Fire Christian Center

View more pictures of the disaster area and of the aid Giving Children Hope sent.

More than 11 million people in nine Midwestern states have been affected by the flooding disaster and extreme weather of recent weeks. Iowa has been hit the hardest: 83 of its 99 counties have been declared disaster areas.

It is through your donations that this relief shipment was possible.

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