Church of God Ministries (CGM) has obtained an updated assessment on the extent of damages to Church of God congregations in Texas from Hurricane Ike. Damages vary from congregation to congregation and range from $5,000 to $40,000. However, reports have not yet been received from Beaumont, Texas, the area hit by the brunt of the storm.

Rev. Tim West, area administrator for Texas, provided the following consolidated assessment of damages.

Houston, Texas

• Dominion Christian Centre was looted following Hurricane Ike. The congregation’s sound system and other items were stolen by vandals. The congregation also received minor damage to the building. The immediate need is for assistance with tree removal. The estimated total for repairs is $5,000.
• Houston First Church of God suffered damage to roofs on three buildings and the loss of a canopy that covers the day-care playground; several computers were soaked by water and are now non-operational. The day-care center was closed for a week following  the hurricane, causing an additional loss of $10,000 in revenue. Total damages are estimated at over $24,000.
• South Park Church of God. The fellowship hall experienced extensive damage in the form of a huge opening in the back of the building, which has resulted in further damage from water exposure and mold. There was also significant damage to the main sanctuary roof, and several trees on the property were blown down. The church was without power for about seventeen days and has not been able to hold worship services for three straight Sundays. Damages are estimated at $20,000.
• Spring Branch Church of God. The ministry outreach building sustained severe damage to the roof and has been rendered inoperable until repairs are made. This has impacted Sunday school, children’s church, Adonija School of Ministry for advanced biblical studies, Family Film Night, and other programs. The church is in need of workers who can assist with cleanup and removal of items from the church. The roofs of both the sanctuary and the ministry outreach building will need to be replaced. Estimated cost for repairs is over $40,000.

Orange, Texas

• First Church of God. The church sanctuary was flooded with three to four feet of water. The estimated cost for repairs is $10,000.

Pasadena, Texas

• Parkgate Community Church of God. The roof needs extensive repairs; the church sustained water damage that ruined the carpet and ceiling tiles in addition to other damage to the outside facilities. The church’s stewardship team continues to assess the damages. The cost of repairs is expected to exceed $10,000.

Sugarland, Texas

• Sugarland Community Church of God. The wall and ceiling of the sanctuary received water damage. The extent of the damage is still being assessed and could include major damage to the roof. Estimated cost of repairs is $10,000.

“All of the congregations have an uphill battle in assessing the damage and submitting their claims to the insurance companies for proper payments,” said Rev. Obadiah Smith, compassionate ministries coordinator for CGM. “Not only has Hurricane Ike disrupted church services, but it also disrupted the church’s ability to extend services to the community. Continue to pray as the state of Texas recovers from Hurricane Ike.”

Additional information will be provided as the full extent and scope of damages to our churches and their congregation members is learned. In anticipation of the need for assistance to our congregations, prayerfully consider making a donation to the hurricane relief fund.

To contribute online, click here to give with your credit card. You can also send checks made payable to “Church of God Ministries” to Church of God Ministries, PO Box 2420, Anderson, IN 46018-2420. Please write “Hurricane Relief, Project 45.04506” on the memo line.

Your gracious donation to the hurricane relief fund will be used to support this crisis through the replenishment of those funds initially advanced that provided an immediate assistance to those affected by this situation. Funds received above and beyond the initial disbursement and designated for this specific situation will be forwarded on to provide additional assistance to those in need.

CGM maintains small but limited hurricane and disaster relief funds in order to provide an immediate response to disasters and crisis. Replenishment of these funds is necessary so that CGM can continue to respond to future disasters in an expeditious manner.