Once pristine houses, cared for and labored over sit as ghostly shells of what seems long gone—a home. Throughout the streets of Galveston, Texas and the surrounding area the story is retold. Neighborhoods have been washed away by nature’s furious might. Some homes have been completely leveled while others remain standing merely as shells with insides that are completely destroyed.



In September 2008, Hurricane Ike made landfall with all the strength of a near category three storm. Its mighty winds of 110 mph stirred a surging ocean, pushing the tide inland. Flooding, destruction and devastation followed, forever changing the lives of the people who call Galveston and the surrounding areas home. Ike is listed among the top three most costly United States Atlantic hurricanes, at 27 billion dollars. Only hurricanes Katrina in 2005 and Andrew in 1992 incurred more damage costs. In the state of Texas alone, Ike claimed an estimated forty-eight lives. For those who left home in the preceding evacuations the task of rebuilding seems almost impossible. Neighborhoods are now tracts of land littered with the scattered relics of former homes. The homes themselves are survived only by walls stripped bare of roofs and siding, with the tell-tale signs of flood damage.

Somebody Cares America is a Texas based ministry with a history that spans nearly two decades. It’s arms of love reach those devastated by the storms of life, not just in the United States but throughout the world. In November 2008, TSC Missions connected with Somebody Cares America, launching two BrickThink trips to Galveston—gutting homes, cooking Thanksgiving dinners, and clearing debris in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike’s rampage. More than just physical labor, the teams had the privilege of praying with, and ministering to individuals whose lives have forever been altered by Ike.

This Easter, TSC Missions is launching another BrickThink trip to the Galveston area. There is still plenty of work to be done with entire communities yet to be rebuilt. Residents of Galveston continue to struggle from the affects of the hurricane. Depression and suicide court many who have lost everything and feel as if they have nowhere to turn. As Christians we carry hope that is able to survive the strongest storms, and weather the darkest nights of the soul. You can make a lasting impact on Galveston by simply swinging a hammer, cooking a meal, or hearing the story of someone else’s loss. You may not possess construction skills, but you are capable of sharing the hope within you when you volunteer to go.