Cross Plains Fires

It's nice to know that we've got heavy hitters in helping get the word out just how hard Cross Plains was hit by the recent wildfires that swept through our city two days after Christmas. Michelle Malkin reported on this. Read her article here. I was also glad to see a Red Cross post about my brother Tom who lost his home. In all 5 members of my own family lost their homes. Linda's home and Tom's home has been rebuilt (Dryed in). David (my nephew) is working on his and Porcious (another nephew - Tom's son) is getting theirs dryed in. Mae (my sister) will most likely not be able to rebuild the home her son lived in due to lack of insurance. But God was gracious in that none of my family was injured. It would be hard to thank all of the people who sent money as something like $800,000.00 has been given out by the Texas Heritage Bank relief fund. If you are reading this and happen to be one of the ones who gave please know that we are very appreciative and are beginning to return to some sense of normality. There's still a long way to go. Many church groups have come in and are helping with the building. Last week Texas Baptist men were here. This week a group from a Methodist Church in New Mexico is here. Our Church - First Baptist - is feeding the workers as they work on homes. A Church from Clyde Texas - First Baptist Church - will be coming in June to help Tom and Linda work on getting the inside of their houses finished. In the meantime Tom is living in a trailer house set up by FEMA and Linda is living with another sister whose house was spared. When they finish their houses I will post some pictures.

Rick