LONGVIEW, Texas — Parts of Southeast Texas saw as much as 13 inches of rain, including the small town of Kirbyville. But there is hope - Patrick Johnson of J-Star Ministries in Longview is heading there this weekend to provide relief.
As of Wednesday, all major roads into the town of 2,000 people have been shut down, and dozens of people have been displaced from their homes. So, naturally, one of East Texas’ notable good Samaritans is planning to head there this weekend.
"I’ll be dropping off the donations, and just talking to people, kind of to a certain extent ensuring that they’re OK. And seeing what else I can do - maybe pray or give them an encouraging word. See also if I need to make a second trip down there, depending upon their needs," Johnson said.
Before that potential second trip, and especially before this first one, Johnson is looking to collect supplies that help folks get through this difficult time.
"Right now, we’re collecting supplies such as brooms, mops, buckets, anything to do with mildew and that type thing, so lots of cleansers," Johnson said.
The Texas Panhandle is on fire? Patrick Johnson is there. Hurricanes are ripping through Florida? Patrick Johnson is there. It seems like whenever somebody is in need, if Patrick Johnson can get to them, he’s going to do so. Now with this trip planned to Kirbyville, it seems natural to wonder, what keeps him going?
"I think just knowing my reason being put here on this Earth, I feel like this is what I’m called to do. Continue even when I’m tired or maybe feel like I don’t go, don’t need to go. But something starts tugging at my heart," Johnson said.
Johnson admits sometimes he does get tired and thinks about slowing down. But then, he thinks about the people he’s encountered and the lives he’s touched.
"The people that you meet. Their stories, the conversations that you have, the kids, the adults, the elderly people, all those different things. Just the people keep you coming," Johnson said.
Those interested in helping Johnson before he makes the trip to Kirbyville can reach out via Facebook here.