Downingtown/Coatesville Flood Relief

On September 1^st, Downingtown and Coatesville, PA experienced record flooding as a result of the remnants of Hurricane Ida. My family and I live in the borough of Downingtown, and praise be to God, we did not experience any flooding, but our neighborhood wasn’t as fortunate. Many lost their homes, businesses, churches, personal belongings and must now start over.

But, what took place immediately after the flood waters receded was something that only the Lord could have orchestrated- the local Church stepped into action and for days, strangers were helping strangers remove their waterlogged possessions, distributed hot meals and bottled water and shared the love of Christ. It was a beautiful thing to see. So, where do we go from here?

Last year, a large apartment complex fire in Pottstown displaced over 20 families and a local church had the idea to “adopt” the displaced families and help them get back on their feet. This grassroots effort was such a success that Chester County wants to mirror this strategy in Downingtown and Coatesville. This is where Goshen Baptist Church comes in…

Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors and do the “good works” that God has prepared for us to do. Though works are very important they are not what saves us from our sin- only by grace through faith are we saved. But, we’re called to do works nonetheless.

There are over 100 Downingtown family units displaced, which equals over 300 people, and 100 of them are living in hotels. So, would you consider adopting a displaced family? We currently have three GBC families willing to adopt but we could use more help. Responsibilities include weekly check-ins, occasional hotel visits, helping with FEMA paperwork, helping supply clothes, food and other items, and a weekly ZOOM call with the County to report back how the family is doing. If interested in helping, please contact Pastor Pete (pete.manni@goshenbaptist.org; or Mike Miller michaelmiller1979@hotmail.com) Thanks!