A Galveston Flood Survivor’s Experience by Chr. F. Mahr.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 30, 1915

A Galveston Flood Survivor’s Experience

By Chr. F. Mahr.

Experiences During the Flood! at Galveston

UNDOUBTEDLY nearly all our people have by this time read of the recent flood at Galveston, Tex. Much has been written in the papers. There is, however, a story to be told which the writer alone can tell. And it is his sincere desire that it may prove a blessing to our people.

The seaport Galveston, situated on the east end of an island, has about forty thousand inhabitants. The surface of this island is very flat. Toward the south the city faces the Gulf of Mexico, and toward the north, the bay, where ships receive their cargoes. Along the shore of the Gulf a sea wall of cement, fifteen feet high, protects the city. This wall extends toward the west as far as Fifty-third Street. A causeway, built at an expense of two and one-half million dollars, connects the mainland with the island.

Not long ago I came to Galveston to canvass or do other work. I found a place to stay, not far from the Gulf, and where the sea wall ends. On Monday, the sixteenth of August, a storm began to rage, bringing with it heavy rain. The people outside of the city went into the city for protection; but I remained at the place where I had been staying.

As night approached, a sudden change set in. The wind, which at first had come from the northeast, came from the south, forcing in the water from the sea. Only a little while before, I had been out trying to help an elderly woman from her little home to a safer place. On my return home, it seemed as if God had there prepared a hiding place for me. My clothes were wet and I was very tired, and as a result of my weariness I felt very sleepy. Should I now do as the disciples once did, and fail to pray earnestly?—No, I must pray to my Heavenly Father.

I spent the night on a narrow wardrobe. The storm raged fiercely. It seemed as if the house could not withstand the storm. I prayed earnestly, and found myself in a quiet condition, although human frailty exerted itself to some extent. The more the storm raged, the more earnestly I prayed.

While I was praying, I knew that God was permitting destruction to come upon the city. My prayers must be in harmony with the divine will, and yet I could pray for myself as well as for others, and for those who might yet glorify the name of the Lord, accepting his grace.

I prayed and sang during the night,—that dark and horrible night,—being in the house alone. Alone?—No, I was not alone. The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, came into my heart. I felt that I must now leave everything with him, trusting his promises. I tried to get what rest I could leaning in a corner with my head against the wall, and allowing myself to be shaken at regular intervals. When at last I saw a dim gray on the windows indicating the dawn of another day, I began to praise the name of the Lord.

The storm continued the next day, but the water subsided gradually, and soon one could walk again on dry land. There was destruction nearly everywhere, but the central part of the city had been largely spared. I thank the Lord that he was so merciful. The house in which I am living was damaged, a large piece of its wall being torn away.

But why have I told this story? Not to awaken sympathy, for though human frailty exerted itself, the peace of God prevailed, and the memory of that night is one of rich and blessed experiences with the Lord. I am now so glad that in the providence of God I could pass through such an experience. I have related it here that my dear friends, the brethren in the faith, might be brought closer to the Lord. Let us consecrate ourselves anew to the Lord, and enter the ark of safety now, before it will be too late. O, that I could speak to the heart of every one, impressing upon him the need of a pure and holy life!

My dear brother, let me hopefully and joyfully tell you that you can prevail with the Lord. Cling close to him, and the victory will be yours. I speak of what I know, and my testimony is true.

CHR. F. MAHR.

Galveston, Tex., General Delivery.