Year Anniversary Tornado Block Party

On the year anniversary of the tornado, we decided to throw a block party for one of the neighborhoods hit hardest by the tornado on December 26, 2015. Over the past year we were able to make some good relationships with many of the families in this part of our community, and it was a pleasure to spend the afternoon with them. We ended the festivities with a candle light vigil around the time the tornado come through our town.

The Big Christmas Do-Over

We had the opportunity to partner with #RowlettStrong and host "The Big Christmas Do-Over!" The event was planned to replace toys that children had lost the year before. It was an incredible event where the community came together to love on the tornado families!

Carly's Baby Dedication

 December 4, 2016, we had Dr. Jimmy Draper come and perform Carly's baby dedication. It was a very special event where we really dedicated ourselves to raising her in the fear and admonition of the Lord. It is our prayer that Christy & I live lives where Carly would desire to place her faith and trust in Jesus as her personal Lord and Savior.

Adding to the greatness of this occasion was Dr. Draper. He performed the same service for me when I was a baby and he was the pastor of FBC Euless. It was really cool to have him out to perform this service and preach at our church!

Rowlett Neigbhorhood Block Parties

Tonight we held two block parties for those in our community impacted by the tornado. Both were really great events, and everyone had a great time.

Our church family was awesome! We had so many people show up to help setup, greet our honored guests, serve food, visit, cleanup, and just help however needed. Both block parties also saw a good amount of people from the neighborhoods show up as well. We distributed gift cards for those who registered, served dinner, had games and inflatables as well.

My favorite part was hearing stories of our members sharing Christ with others. An unexpected benefit for those in attendance was the residents having an opportunity to share some of their experiences in the recovery and rebuilding process. Glory to God for a great night sharing His love with others!

Rowlett Long Term Recovery Committee

In February, the City Council put together a Long Term Recovery Committee to to provide recovery services to individuals and families affected by the tornado that hit Rowlett, Texas on December 26, 2015. It was an honor to be invited to be a part of this committee, and my hope is to represent my Savior and Church well throughout the duration of my time serving the citizens of Rowlett. One thing I am excited about is being able to serve on the Spiritual Care Subcommittee. We were able to put together a team of local ministers to address the spiritual needs of those in our community impacted by the tornado. Pray for many to find Jesus in the storm!

Baptist Disaster Relief

I am convinced the greatest disaster relief workers in the world are from the Southern Baptist Convention. My first call after the tornado was to my friend Sam Porter with the Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief team who connected me to the Texas Baptist Disaster Relief Team. Within 48 hours of the tornado, we had men and women from across Texas and beyond housed out of or church. Some stayed for a few days, others stayed for a few weeks, it was unbelievable.

One of my regrets was not getting a picture of each disaster relief truck and trailer from all over the state and country that came to help. Each of these individuals were world class workers, world class people. They brought their own cots or air mattress, made their own food, and showered in their own shower trailer.

My goal for those staying in our team was to simply be the greatest host they have ever had. While we gave it our best effort, they deserve way more than we were able to provide. The Texas Baptist Men were the first in Rowlett, and the last to leave by weeks. Even after the last group left, they still sent teams to help our city recover all the way into the summer. I am a huge fan of the SBC Disaster Relief teams!

Political Relief Aid

Of all the people I ever expected to visit FBC Rowlett, a presidential candidate was not on the list... until Senator Ted Cruz showed up. From the way the news reports on him and other politicians talk about him, I had no idea what to expect. However, Senator Cruz was an extremely nice and personable individual. He came across as kind and genuinely concerned. He was not rushed or impatient, regardless of how many times his staff kept pressing him to hurry up. He shut down the media when they tried to get him to politicize his time in Rowlett, but he did bring attention to the devastation our city has experienced. It was an honor to meet him and I am grateful he stopped in our city to offer his support and help.

Our State Representative has been incredible throughout the recovery process. Cindy Burkett has played the political role she has been elected to fulfill, while quietly getting her hands dirty removing debris like other volunteers. Cindy has been so great to work with.

Our State Attorney General, Ken Paxton has been truly helpful as well. Initially, he offered his help from Austin, but he made an under the radar trip to personally deliver supplies he and other state workers had collected. It was a really cool move by him. Many thanks to all of our state representatives.