New pastor opened his church to flood victims and organized relief efforts in Bear Creek.
Pastor Leo Tyler was actively seeking a challenge when he was assigned to a new position at Bear Creek United Methodist Church.
He ended up getting more than he bargained for when, seven weeks later, Hurricane Harvey struck. The 54-year-old pastor and his congregants rose to the occasion, organizing a massive relief effort, one that continues to provide services today. Tyler credits his congregation for its generosity and hard work in a time of need.
“I just happened to be there to coordinate,” Tyler said. “This is a network of heroes.”
After watching the weather as Harvey roared to the coast, he canceled Sunday services. Monday morning, Tyler still could not get out of his house. But his phone had been ringing all weekend, with people asking if they could shelter in the church. Around 40 families in the church lost their homes.
Tyler opened the church for his congregation and area residents to take refuge. He and his wife served as a call center, while church member Wendi Perez organized rescues. “We rallied the troops, and Wendi was our boots on the ground,” Tyler said. “As we were getting reports, Wendi would find someone with a boat, with a truck.”
They turned the church into a distribution center for supplies, toys, snacks and personal items, partnering with the Houston Food Bank and MESA-Outreach to serve meals. Volunteers delivered food in the neighborhood as well. The nursery provided free childcare on Saturdays. Church member Al Balboni started organizing work crews, and congregants headed out to the neighborhood to muck out and gut homes.
“You know how when you face trouble, all at once, you become stronger than you thought you were?” Tyler said. “That’s exactly what happened.”
The calls continue to come in, and Bear Creek United Methodist hasn’t stopped responding.
Bear Creek’s new leader opened the church to flood victims and organized relief efforts