Two years ago, we launched the Bud Young emergency Response Team to help families in rural areas dealing with hardship. We have responded to flood events, power outages, and other storm damage situations. Sometimes, however, emergencies fall on just a single family in a very unexpected way.
Last month a St. Albans family was startled from their sleep to realize their house was on fire. Crystal and Sid’s home was totally engulfed in flames. Sid was away on a business trip so only Crystal and their teenage daughter were in the house.
“We made it out of the house with just the clothes we had on,” Crystal says. “All four of our cars were on fire too in the driveway.
It was very scary.”
Fortunately, no one was injured but the house and cars were a total loss. Sadly, this house fire was no accident. Earlier that night, a young lady burglarized one of Crystal and Sid’s cars. After breaking into the car, she decided to set it on fire. The fire started a chain reaction that consumed all four cars in the driveway and then spread to the house. By the time the fire department arrived, the house could not be saved.
“We lost everything in less than an hour,” Crystal says. “My car, my husband’s truck, and my daughter’s car were all gone. Also, my husband’s 1979 Camaro project car, the first car he ever owned that his mom bought him at age 18, burned up too. My oldest daughter is getting married in a couple weeks and everything except the wedding gown was in the house. All of it is gone. My younger daughter is graduating from high school in a couple weeks. This has put a damper on our celebration.”
The family is currently staying in a hotel while they figure out the insurance settlement. I personally met with the family to see what they needed to help them through this transition. I presented a check to them from the ERT fund to help them acquire the things they needed immediately like food, clothes, toiletries, etc.
“We are so thankful for the generous gift by Union Mission,” says Crystal. “This gift will help tremendously as we try to rebuild our house and replace all that was lost.”
Please pray for this family as they navigate the next year. With a wedding and graduation pending, this should be a time of celebration. They do have a positive attitude and are grateful no one was injured. As for the young lady who started the fire, she is in custody. Please pray for her as she needs help. Pray she finds rehabilitation while she is incarcerated. Please continue to support Union Mission as we experience other families in need.
