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Church And Mosque Unite To Help Houston’s Flood Victims

By Nadirah Maryam | Last updated: May 18, 2016 - 12:14:07 PM

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Zenobia Muhammad (left) volunteers. Photo by Jesse Muhammad
HOUSTON—The deadly April flooding in Houston, swallowed streets, cars and caused eight reported deaths. This event triggered memories of the Hurricane Katrina disaster in 2005 and the Memorial Day 2015 flood here that claimed numerous lives and cost billions of dollars in damages. 

The recent floods in Houston imposed its will and displaced hundreds of family that experienced huge frustrations. However, it also galvanized a spirit of unity among community organizations to help those in need.

“When I turned on the news and saw … images of babies and families floating and walking through high waters trying to get to safety, I knew I had to move immediately. I went live on Facebook, made the plea for help and the response was incredible,” explained Pastor Jamail Johnson of The Word Church located in Houston.

The power of social media tools like Facebook cannot be underestimated in mobilizing the community.  

“I saw a video he [Pastor Johnson] posted on Facebook about his desire to help the community, which is near his church’s north campus. I didn’t hesitate to reach out to him and since then Believers of Muhammad Mosque No. 45, community activists, street leaders, etc. have been working in unity because the cause is bigger than all of us” said Jesse Muhammad, social media strategist for the Nation of Islam.

Community activist Deric Muhammad underscored the psychological and emotional toll experienced by many of the families before the flood.

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Volunteers unload much needed supplies for those affected and displaced by April flooding. Photo by Jesse Muhammad
“Many of the families who were hit were also Katrina evacuees. This has had a profound psychological impact on them. So much work is still left to be done. This is truly a marathon, not a sprint,” he said.

“Our goal is for the disaffected to come out of this crisis in a better condition than they were in before the flood.  We will press forward with our efforts until we achieve that end,” said Deric Muhammad.

Both Pastor Johnson and Deric Muhammad urged caution during the flood recovery progress.

The impact of the flood was tremendous. The more we do, the more we realize needs to be done, said Deric Muhammad.

“After personally having an opportunity to walk through countless apartments and homes, I know the road to recovery will take some time to get there, so the residents of Greenspoint and abroad still need our help,” explained Pastor Johnson.

This tragic event forged an even stronger bond between members of The Word Church and the Nation of Islam’s, Muhammad Mosque 45, acknowledged Pastor Johnson and his wife, Natasha Johnson.

“We all stepped up as brothers and sisters helping our brothers and sisters in a time of need,” said Mrs. Johnson.

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F. O.I with Student Minister Robert Muhammad (third from left) with his arm around Larry Muhammad. The men helped clean up the home of Larry Muhammad and his wife Suzette after it was damaged by flooding in April. Photo by Min Robert Muhammad

Shareefah Muhammad shared a similar view. “The efforts … indeed strengthened our Muslim/Christian community, which is a part of the Divine Instructions the Minister has given us regarding the 10,000 Fearless.” Shareefah Muhammad was referring to Minister Louis Farrakhan, National Representative of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, patriarch of the Nation of Islam. Min. Farrakhan called upon 10,000 Fearless Men and Women to help make their communities a safe and decent place to live. 

The love just keeps pouring forth, said Shareefah Muhammad. “Because of the noble efforts being put forth, various companies have come forward to assist.  This includes Home Depot, Missouri City and Fitness and Sports Squad, City of Houston Metro, United Airlines and other individuals. This bears witness that Allah (God) helps those who help themselves.”  

Larry and Suzette Muhammad, are affectionately called “Million Miles Muhammad” by Southwest Regional Student Minister, Dr. Robert Muhammad and the Fruit of Islam, who are the men of the Nation of Islam.

They have driven over a million miles transporting The Final Call newspaper to the Southwest, and parts of the Southern regions since 1994.  They were one of the families displaced by the April flood waters.

“We have to bleach and clean everything before they take out sheetrock; and we are looking at about a six month or a longer process before our home is livable again,” stated Suzette Muhammad.

“We have lived in this neighborhood for over 25 years.  It is very diverse. You don’t see color when disaster hits.  Everybody works together” she added.

“The window is still opened but it is narrow. He [Allah] is pulling us together and making us work together in peace until we get straight, it is going to get worst. Like the Honorable Minister Farrakhan said, ‘watch the weather,’” added Larry Muhammad.

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Items rescued and recovered from the home of Larry and Suzette Muhammad. Photo: Courtesy of Robert Muhammad / Facebook
The couple received water, can goods, cleaning supplies, paper towels and personal items from The Word Church.

Through their community outreach explained Pastor Johnson, “We have been able to assist so many families and there are so many stories that are touching.”

To hear that if it wasn’t for what we were able to provide, they wouldn’t have anything or been able to work in their home to try to make it normal again … it has really touched our hearts to see what impact we have made in the lives of others,” he added.  

Snacks, food, toiletries, towels and undergarments for men, women and children are still being donated and volunteers are still needed. To assist in these efforts, contact The Word Church at 281-219-9673 or visit www.twc4me.org.