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Rita Restoration

First United Methodist Church of Crane, Texas, came all of the way from West Texas to work in Newton. A member of that congregation, Mary Schul, was with the Texas Baptist Men feeding us during the aftermath of Rita. Since that time, we have had an ongoing relationship with our sister church in Crane. They have supported us with their prayers. Then they came to work for the Newton Community. 

They brought a large crew of folks with them. Many of them were families that took their family vacation time to come work in Newton. The following are the names of those who came:

The Harrelson Family - Kim, Laurie, Cody and Sarah

The Anderson Family - Glenn, Michelle and Jacob

The McDonalds - James and Alta

The DeGraffenreid Family - Richy, Tana, Tawny, Dalton & Halee

The Tinnel Family - Jeff, Nancy and Lindsey

The Chura Family - George, Luanne and Travis

The Weisners - John and Judy

Christy Leach and her son -  Hagen

Norman King and his daughter - Tara and her friends - Lindsey Cox and Amber Eaton

The Thyrion Family - Pastor Glenn, Gayle, Rachel, Joel, Lauren and Jesse

Mary Schul

Prior to coming to work the church did fundraising in the community to pay for expenses and materials. One interesting approach was to take a commode, decorate it up, and put it on people's lawns. The also placed a flyer on the front door that read...

"Donations are needed to purchase supplies we hear,

By church members who will plunge to Newton this year!  

They plant to rebuild what Rita destroyed,

And hold VBS to show the children they’re loved!  

If you will go with the flow and donate to our fund,

You can send this “Toilet Surprise” to anyone!  

Please Contact…  

And “Tank You” very much!"

So, if you woke up in the morning and saw this lovely sculpture on your lawn, the way to get rid of it was to donate money and pick the next person to receive it. Well, guess what I saw on my lawn the morning of Monday, June 19? See below:

One project is the Sandra Limbrick house in Wiergate. This home had shingles blown off the roof and needs to be repaired.

Another project is the home of Ella M. Lewis in Bon Wier. It should be obvious that this home needs a new roof as evidenced by the remnants of a blue tarp. It is a shame that there are still blue roofs in Newton County this many months after Rita came through the area.

And then First United Methodist Church from Crane, Texas, came into town. These pictures were taken on Monday, June 19, 2006. The roof was finished in one and one-half days.

That brings us to the Lester Samuel house in Bon Wier. This home sustained inside and outside damage due to Rita. They have attempted to repair some of the interior damage, which would have continued to get worse with each rain. Crane decided to tackle this house having made quick repairs at the Limbrick home.

And then along came First United Methodist Church of Crane, Texas. Maybe those West Texans are okay?

Shortly after First United Methodist Church of Crane, Texas, finished the roof, the photographer visited Mr. Samuels at his home. He was so appreciative of the job done and how nicely his family was treated by these West Texans. I cannot speak for them, but based on many conversations with them, they feel like they were the ones blessed by their sojourn in Newton, Texas. I hope nothing like Rita ever hits West Texas, but we will respond in kind.

Crane UMC left some funds behind to complete the task of replacing some siding on the house painting the exterior. Mr. Paul Hughes replaced the siding and had the house painted. The following pictures were taken on December 26, 2006. Merry Christmas to the Samuels family!