Week of April 18
We have been interested in the news about the flooding in Texas probably because of our trip to Texas last fall. We are grateful that the temple has been protected. Here are some of the news events we have been reading.
Flooding Around the Houston, Temple
Houston Temple
Recent flooding in the Houston-area has killed eight people, flooded 1,000 homes, and caused more than $5 billion in damage according to CNN.
New video and pictures show flooding near the temple for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Houston.
The pictures, found on ldsliving.com, show the temple seems to be untouched by the flooding.
In a post on the Friends of Houston Texas South Stake Facebook page photographer Robert Boyd (temple worker and professional photographer) captured the water surrounding temple grounds.
The post declared, "The temple itself stands safe and secure at least 8 feet above the water line. It is a wonderful sight to behold! We think it is a strikingly beautiful image and reflection as captured in the special photo attached, produced by one of our wonderful ordinance workers, Bob Boyd. Thank you Brother Boyd!"
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The temple will continue to be closed - see letter from temple presidency below.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We extend our deepest love and gratitude to you all for your faithful and devoted service in this special and holy place, the Houston Temple.We know that many of you and your co-workers have expressed concern and interest in the status of the temple in light of the serious flooding that has occurred along the Cypress Creek water shed. Access to the temple from virtually every direction is impassible; all of the parking areas on the grounds are at least partially flooded; and we have continued concern about the ancillary building.
The temple itself stands safe and secure at least 8 feet above the water line. It is a wonderful sight to behold! We think it is a strikingly beautiful image and reflection as captured in the special photo attached, produced by one of our wonderful ordinance workers, Bob Boyd. Thank you Brother Boyd!
According to our best projections, it appears highly unlikely that we will be able to re-open the temple before Friday. Water levels will remain high through mid-day tomorrow. We do not anticipate access to the temple before Thursday at the earliest; and even then, will require clean-up and preparation efforts.
We would ask that you share this information with the temple workers on your respective shifts that the temple will not be open either Wednesday or Thursday of this week.
Attached are a couple of photos taken earlier today of the temple. We hope that the "creek doesn't rise" any further!
In deepest gratitude for your patience, service, understanding and leadership. You are in our prayers. We know there are some of you who are suffering from losses associated with this devastating flood event. In addition to help and service through your Priesthood leaders, please let us know of opportunities to reach out to any who have been affected.
Houston Temple Presidency,
Marshal W. Hayes
Albert E. Haines
Harry D. Eulitt
Albert E. Haines
Harry D. Eulitt
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Great story. When the temple was in the planning stages there was a heavy rain and runoff/flooding from the nearby Cypress Creek. The decision was made to raise the temple 8 feet higher than originally planned to protect it from potential flooding. Such a wise/inspired decision.
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This message is from President Hruska:
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We hope you are safe and your homes did not experience any damage from last night's storm. If you did receive damage, please make sure to contact your home teachers or priesthood leaders for assistance. We are continual praying for your wellbeing and safety. These past few days of inclement weather have effected many in our cities and there is much opportunity for us to show Christ-like love. I'd like to tell you of one opportunity our missionaries just had this past weekend.
A tornado hit a Houston apartment complex on Sunday morning, making 252 units uninhabitable. The city organized disaster relief efforts, but had trouble communicating with the residents who mostly only spoke Spanish.
Yesterday the city asked if our missionaries could help in the disaster relief efforts. A total of 31 missionaries spent the day translating for the residents and city officials including the mayor and a US Congressman, helping families pack and move out of the complex, and hand out assistant informational flyers to residents. With the missionaries help, things went smoothly today, and many were able to get to know our missionaries.
In a news conference, Mayor Parker publicly thanked the LDS Church for its assistance. The Church was mentioned in the in several media outlets.
The missionaries' efforts have accomplished a lot to change perceptions of the Church and its missionary program. Because of the publicity received, many of our non-member friends and neighbors will hear about our missionaries' service in a very positive light.
I invite you to take the missionaries to your neighbors homes, introduce them, and tell them that they are here to serve and invite them to call the missionaries if they ever need help. The missionaries cannot and will not accept payment for their services, and are not there to proselyte. We simply want to give Christ-like service.
Our experience is that this type of service to individuals and families softens hearts, changes perceptions of the Church and the missionaries, and often leads to inquiries about the gospel.
Thank you for all that you do to move the work forward. We love you and pray for you.
President David Hruska
Stake President
Houston South Stake
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