Editor's Note: As people in South Texas dealt with Hurricane Harvey, it created some amazing stories of survivors leaning into their communities for help. As youth leaders, OUR community is #youthmin, and this story is a dramatic example of how people rallied to help rescue a youth ministry consultant and resident of Katy, Texas: Stephanie Caro and her family.
Don't let the headline mislead you! "The internet" didn't rescue the Caros; people who love them did. People in whom Stephanie has faithfully invested her time, talent and treasure. After Harvey, those she had given to had their chance to give back.
Stephanie Caro and Kami Gilmour were both active recent members of NNYM's national advisory group, the Ministry Council. Their story is a dramatic example of networking.
First, read their rescue account HERE in the Houston Chronicle online.
One week after the deviation, read Stephanie's Facebook update on her #lifeintheflood:
"About this time a week ago, Steve made his first call to 911. We were scared. I mean, we didn't know what to do; we've never flooded before! How do you train for something like this?
"One thing I can tell you: God is using this for good. He didn't cause it, but He is making sure we're blessed through it. If I had to claim today what God is teaching Casa Caro, it would be the definition of community. Real, abiding, "get your hands dirty" community.
"Steve and I worshipped with our church family this morning. It took some hoop-jumping to get there with humans, dogs, vehicles, etc. (Poor Steve was wearing the same clothes for the past 3 days!) We entered our church's welcome center and caught the wave of loving hugs. "How is your home?" and "Are you OK?" were the unofficial opening litany right next to the love feast of donuts and caffeine.
"But when we moved into the Sanctuary, that's when another flood started; voices raised up, tears flowing down. Through it all, the Holy Spirit roamed interceding to the Father with the words we couldn't express. The words, "When peace like a river attendeth my way; when sorrows like sea billows roll..." were the praises of hearts crying out to God in love, fear, sorrow, joy. Me? I sang/bawled through the whole song.
"There are SO many wonderful gifts to Steve and I today:
-A new friend, Brad, from IL, who tore out flooring/walls in one of our rooms
-St. Luke's UMC in Houston who delivered fans and a de-humidifier
-A daughter who convinced United it was the right thing to refund me full airfare amounts
-Former youth group students who contacted me to see how they can help
-Friends, friends, and more friends reaching out
"The greatest gift this Lord's Day? My pastors, John Davis and Mike Weider. They told me it was going to be OK and I needed to hear that. "It will be different; but it will be OK." They shepherded this lost little lamb. They reminded me my name is precious to God and He knows. I left the church with a reduced level of fear and a greater storehouse of peace.
"Keep praying, people. Homes are still flooded and more people need rescuing. But for me in our hotel room tonight: 'It is Well with My Soul."'