A Note From Tracy Hipps: Seeing God’s Hand — Even in the Storm

All hands on deck during disaster relief

This month Harvey arrived, lingered, and left behind a path of destruction and then Irma struck Florida and we are watching the Church be the hands and feet of God. In the wake of Harvey we were asked to assist with resources for Houston, Port Arthur, and Beaumont and then Florida. CSM has been in a position to help in the aftermath of both hurricane disasters with truck-loads of supplies. This is what we do: the Lord provides the resources and we open our hands to give to those in need. As of today, we have sent 20 trucks to Texas and 6 trucks to Florida totaling more than 600,000lbs of resources.

To recognize the hand of God, all we have to do is watch, listen, and connect with people. We see the Lord’s hands move here every day. We watched God provide resources to help in Houston in inexplicable ways. God provided the opportunity to share resources with friends we have served with for more than 20 years. One of our warehouse partners, MedMission, had gloves and masks that they were able to donate for us to send, critical items for dealing with flooding and clean-up.

One of our church partners, New Rising Star, had plans for a pastor from Beaumont, TX to guest preach but he needed to stay home and we were able to provide resources to his church after Harvey damaged so much of their city. The majority of the resources we have sent have assisted faith partners, providing resources to share the love of Christ with the people of their city.

It is important for me to acknowledge the hand of God moving in places. My hope is that people will see Him and believers will be encouraged and those whose hearts are being stirred towards God will see Him and be amazed. Port Arthur is located between Beaumont and Houston. My son, Tal, and his family live in Port Arthur where he serves as a first-responder with the Coast Guard. His family evacuated ahead of the storm, but Tal stayed to work and serve. After Tal reported damage to his town, church, and first responder’s homes, we were able to send supplies and a volunteer group to help clean and rebuild. My son has worked hard during the days after Harvey and I am proud.

To come along side what God is doing you need to labor where you are gifted in the place and season of your calling. My friend is the Executive Director of 'The Forge' in Houston. He has used these times to unify the churches so they can work together to help families in need. Antioch Church in Beaumont has used the four truckloads of resources to serve their community with the Gospel at the center. And, Hillcrest Baptist, where my son and his family attend church in Port Arthur, was almost entirely flooded. This week we have people there helping to restore it, sending with them supplies to encourage and share the Gospel with the community of Port Arthur. $10,000 needed to be raised for the restoration of this this church and as of today it has been done. My son and family are seeing the hand of God in all of these miracles.

As a ministry leader, community servant, man of God, and a father, I recognize God’s hand moving, acknowledging His actions in connecting resources with needs, and giving Him my hands to work and in praise for what He has supplied. His hand is at work by answering prayers and allowing CSM to come alongside what God is doing.