Covenant News

Anxiety in Houston as Storm Nears

HOUSTON, TX (September 21, 2005) - Victims of Hurricane Katrina who fled to this city already are making plans to leave for safer areas as Hurricane Rita, makes its way through the Gulf of Mexico, says Paul Meador, pastor of Faith Community Covenant Church.

"There's a lot of anxiety in Houston right now," says Meador. "We've heard the stories coming out of New Orleans. Nobody wants to be left behind." One family being helped by the congregation already has made hotel reservations in Dallas.

"We're in a cautious mode," Meador says. "The people are anxious in the wake of Katrina. Water and batteries are gone. Gas lines are long. Traffic is an absolute nightmare."

Meador doesn't reflect the anxiety that others are feeling, though he and his family have begun making plans to evacuate, if necessary. "We're getting things in order around the house," he says. "To board up the church would be pretty difficult."

Meador takes comfort that the city and the church are on higher ground and not below sea level as is New Orleans. He says he doesn't fear that Houston could flood like New Orleans, but adds that the winds are predicted to be powerful and could cause a lot of damage.

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