October News and Updates
Honoring Jim Henry
Jim Henry, a revered figure in the oil and gas community, passed away at 89, leaving behind a profound legacy. His impact on the Permian Basin and the oil industry as a whole is immeasurable.
Jim's pioneering spirit extended to revolutionizing drilling techniques, contributing to the Wolfberry play and the shale revolution. His leadership and philanthropy left an indelible mark, supporting various causes from education to community development (McEwen, 2023).
United Rescue Alliance has been a recipient of Jim’s generosity, legacy and empowerment through the Wiley Nilly children’s book series that embodied hard work and determination that builds character through adventure (MRT, 2016).
Jim Henry was not just an oilman; he was a man who epitomized giving back and leaving a lasting impact. His passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt in the Permian Basin and with the United Rescue Alliance family and beyond.
URA Guatemala
In Guatemala, the URA team focused on disaster response and community outreach! On September 25th, heavy rains caused the banks of the El Naranjo river to break, causing flooding in the local community. The URA Guatemala team responded by bringing aid and resources to the community of Dios es Fiel. This flooding killed several, took 8 homes and 19 people are still missing. Please keep those affected in your prayers!
Later in October, URA Gautemala celebrated Kids Day! The celebrations included face paintings, games, pinatas, sweets, a clown, and lots of fun. Many children heard the Gospel for the first time and received Jesus in their hearts! The team is so grateful to be able to celebrate the children who will grow up to be the next generation of leaders and world changers!
Tel Aviv University Internship
The month of October brought the beginning of the second year of an internship partnership with Tel Aviv University. The student is in the process of obtaining his Master of Emergency Management and will be focusing on learning best practice emergency response techniques, specifically in URA’s domain of mental, emotional, spiritual, and social health.
We are so excited to see what this year has in store and are honored to have the opportunity to steward their learning!
URA House of Prayer
The URA House of Prayer was established in 2022 in honor of, and donated by Gene Davis, in partnership with Oak Creek Homes and Nash Construction. Gene was a Marine Veteran who often visted Camp Barkeley to pray and seek The Lord, and had an encounter with God’s presence during one of his visits.
United Rescue Alliance is honored to be able to steward this gift from Gene and his wife, Lois, as a place of prayer and retreat. Specifically, URA uses the House of Prayer as a location for its intercessory team to meet and pray over URA, those that URA is able to impact, and Camp Barkeley.
(Pictured above is the House of Prayer next to the burn lines from the Mesquite Heat fire that miraculously stopped just yards away.)
Upcoming CERT Training
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training educates volunteers and community members about basic life saving skills and disaster preparedness. Team members are able to use their new knowledge and skills to volunteer during disasters and assist emergency response organizations and first responders. CERT training includes topics like fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, and disaster preparedness.
Thanks to generous sponsorships from the Community Foundation of Abilene and Abilene Christian University, the upcoming CERT course is FREE and you will receive a CERT backpack full of personal protective equipment for the training!
United Rescue Alliance wants YOU to be the next CERT member! You are welcome to sign up as an individual but everything is more fun in a group so grab your family, your neighbors, your church, and anyone else you can think of and spend December 6-9 getting CERT trained!
Tent Revival
This month, United Rescue Alliance partnered with Love and Care Ministries to assist with their Tent Revival for those experiencing homeless and the underserved populations in Abilene. Love and Care Ministries hosts a yearly event to provide clothing, haircuts, hot meals, prayer, and chaplaincy to those experiencing homelessness.
URA had the opportunity to serve at this event and specifically assist with clothing distribution, chaplaincy, and prayer. The team was thrilled to have the opportunity to serve the community and is so grateful for the partnership with Love and Care Ministries!
Join Us for Worship!
Every Tuesday night at 6:30pm, URA hosts a night of worship and prayer at the Camp Barkeley Worship Center. All are welcome and invited!
