Post-Ike, Sat. 2:56p

I've just returned from one of Austin's Red Cross Shelters for Hurricane Ike evacuees. They're doing remarkably well given what they're in the middle of, but there's some very real apprehension about the whereabouts of loved ones they can't reach via phone yet, when they'll get to go home, and what they'll find when they do get home.

More than anything, please continue to pray for people displaced by the storm; Gov. Perry and all our national, state, and local leaders; and those first responders who put themselves in harm's way to rescue people in the wake of the storm.

For those of you who are in the LHC family, you should have received an email from me today listing some of the things that the Red Cross needs at its shelters. In case you missed it, here they are, plus a few items we just found out about:

* Board games--Hill Country Middle School is housing over 300 people and there's not much to do but watch TV reports about the storm.
* Bedding, including air mattresses
* Feminine hygiene products
* Lotion

We'll be collecting these items tomorrow at all services at both locations. Thank you in advance for responding to this initial call for help.