relief |rɪˈliːf| noun [ mass noun ]1 assistance, especially in the form of food, clothing, money, given to those in special need or difficulty: They raised money for Hurricane Harvey relief.
Earlier this week, my team and I flew into Houston to visit members of our Mint Family there. As you know, the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey affected countless people in the Houston area, including many of our employees and offices.
We visited our East Houston location first because this particular office was left completely damaged by the hurricane. I walked into what used to be a beautiful office that we had just remodeled, to what now seemed like a construction zone. The drywall had to be replaced, the furniture was ruined, and the floor had to be redone. I had goosebumps as I walked through the area I was just decorating with beautiful furniture a year or so before. I can not imagine what it feels like to have your home and place of work completely destroyed in this way. I held back tears and thanked God that all of the damage within our office was simply material things and began praying for those who lost so much more.
The second office we visited was our Little York location and we were able to meet with those who were directly affected by Harvey there. One woman I spoke with lost her home and had to move her two children into her parent’s house. I was so touched by her heart and positivity about the whole experience. She mentioned that she was a woman of faith, and believed that her family would be able to overcome this. I prayed with her in the middle of that office and stood alongside her, believing that God would do a miracle in their lives.
A few hours before our flight back to Dallas, we visited a local shelter at Elevate Church, helping to serve and feed members of the community. Each day, they open their doors to serve thousands of people who are in need. On the weekends, they have a team of volunteers who go into the city to assist individuals in their homes, now called, The Hurricane Harvey House Takeover. About 30 people show up each time with supplies and gift cards for construction and other essential needs. They are truly making a difference in the city of Houston!
I went in and filled boxes full of food, water, toiletries, and cleaning supplies to give to people who waited in line for hours. I met and spoke to individuals who had lost everything. Many of these people reminded me of members of my own family. It dawned on me, in that moment, that natural disasters are no respecter of race, social status, gender, or religion. In 2010, God gave Pastor Brandon Barber, of Elevate Church, a vision to reach the city of Houston and its people; to build a church where money, race, and social standing do not divide–but rather, a place where everyone can come together with the same purpose: to pursue Jesus. The beauty of seeing strangers helping one another–all for the sake of love–was so moving.
If you would like to donate to this organization and their disaster relief efforts, please click here. Make sure to click on the option that says Hurricane Relief. You can know and trust that your donation will directly meet the needs of those affected by this disaster. Together, we can overcome.
To everyone in Houston and the surrounding areas, I am believing with you that everything lost will be restored. I am praying that a multitude of blessings will consume you! I believe that God is preparing us to receive His love and favor like never before. Please continue to serve and love one another as Christ has loved us.
I hope and pray that the legacy of serving others at Mint Dentistry will continue to grow for years to come. Field and I hold fast to the dream we have for our company to love and serve others through our business. We are currently offering every person who walks through our doors in Houston, a Mint Care bag. In it, you will find free toothbrushes and essential dental hygiene needs. If you are in Houston, please stop by! Feel free to spread the word to anyone you think may be in need. We will rebuild, and we will be better than before. We will stand with our Mint family in Houston, and all who have lost more than I can even imagine.
May God continue to use you and show Himself through you at this time! You have all of my love–and all of my prayers.
XO-
Sabrina
