International President, Women’s Missionary Society, “Boots on Ground,” After Hurricane Harvey Slams Texas, the 10th Episcopal District
By Dr. Jeanette Harris, WMS Treasurer & Ida Tyree Hyche, Esq., Missionary Magazine Editor
Shortly after Hurricane Harvey slammed Texas, the International President of the Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Dr. Shirley Cason-Reed, arrived in Houston, bringing supplies, money, and rolling up her sleeves to work. Met by Episcopal First Vice President Deborah Taylor King, Judi Redd, Sharon Blaylock, and Gerri Earl on her arrival, Dr. Reed immediately became a volunteer at the shelters, greeted people, provided supplies and financial assistance, and helped clean out flooded homes.
Later, Dr. Reed was transported to radio station KTSU 90.9, Texas Southern University, with the Rev. Charles Hudson, Operations Manager and associate minister at Wesley AME Church, for an interview where she described the presence of the Women’s Missionary Society of the AME Church as “Boots on the Ground” working with FEMA and other church affiliates.
President Reed also joined Bishop Vashti McKenzie and Supervisor Stan McKenzie and provided over 600 people with financial assistance to help restore their lives in addition to over 200 pairs of new shoes and blankets. Bishop Vashti McKenzie and Dr. Reed told the families they are our “new neighbors” as they provided them with gift cards and other assistance.
