On Saturday October 19th, Roswell, NM received a record one-day rainfall of 5.78 inches. Overnight, the dry beds of the Spring and Hondo Rivers, which snake through the downtown area, became two high and rushing rivers, and flash flooding raged through the city. Water levels in homes and businesses ranged from several inches to over six feet. More than 300 water rescues were made during the night, and 100s more were stranded in their flooded homes. There have been two recorded fatalities.
Pastor LeBlanc was called by Pastor Flamme of Immanuel Lutheran in Roswell to help those whose homes have been damaged or destroyed, alongside of other congregations in the area. At the request of Pastor Flamme, he made contact with individuals on Immanuel’s list. He checked in with each of them via phone and/or in-person to learn about their wellbeing, the highest water level in and the condition of their homes, where are they staying, whether they have flood insurance, what is their immediate and long-range needs, etc. While walking the neighborhood in a clergy shirt, there were opportunities to talk and pray with the residents as they worked around their damaged homes. After making contact with the majority of the people on the list, he reported back to Pastor Flamme. He returned to Austin on Tuesday, hopeful in the possibility that in the near future a group may be organized out of Central Texas to return and assist in reconstruction projects.
Pastor LeBlanc was thankful that the leadership of St. Paul for allowing him to go and serve this community that has been devastated by this natural disaster with the love of Christ Who promises always to be with those who are in the midst of the storms of life.
