The Heart of the Community: First Missionary Baptist Church in Sunnyside
When a disaster strikes, the first instinct for many people is to seek refuge in their local church. In Sunnyside, a neighborhood in Houston, this was no different in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, which left more than 2 million residents without power in sweltering heat.
A Beacon of Hope in the Darkness
First Missionary Baptist Church in Sunnyside opened its doors to the community, providing a safe haven for those in need. Residents were welcomed with open arms, but this act of generosity comes with a heavy cost for the congregation. The expected electricity bills are almost ten times higher than usual, putting a strain on the church’s resources.
Despite the financial burden, the church on Briscoe Street in Sunnyside became a lifeline for many. They offered not only a cool space to escape the heat but also outlets to charge phones and medical equipment, as well as hot meals for those who had nowhere else to turn.
Standing Strong in the Face of Adversity
Despite being surrounded by power outages, First Missionary Baptist Church miraculously never lost power during the crisis. This enabled them to keep their doors open 24/7, providing a sanctuary for hundreds of residents in need.
As Pastor Henry Price II puts it, “The Lord keeps the lights on here and the lights off for everyone else.” The church’s commitment to serving the community, no matter the circumstances, is unwavering.
A Call for Support and Resilience
As the days passed, the electricity bill continued to grow exponentially. With monthly utility bills skyrocketing to thousands of dollars, Pastor Price knew they needed help to continue their mission of serving the community.
After reaching out for assistance, they discovered that FEMA provides aid to churches helping during disasters. This support would make it easier for First Missionary Baptist Church and others like it to weather future storms.
Despite the challenges, Pastor Price remains steadfast in his faith. He is confident that with the support of the community and divine intervention, they will overcome any obstacles that come their way.
In conclusion, First Missionary Baptist Church in Sunnyside exemplifies the true essence of community and compassion. In times of crisis, they stand as a beacon of hope, providing not only physical support but also spiritual guidance to those in need.
