Dear Colleague in Transform World,
Because of the impact of Hurricane Ike on the Houston area, our Houston Host Team has recommended that we postpone Transform World Houston until April 21-24, 2009. We are seeking to confirm this date change with several of our international colleagues before we could make the final decision.
We understand that a change of schedule will impact several who have already made plans to attend and for this we are very sorry. Unfortunately Hurricane Ike was so large - over 700 miles across - and passed directly over Houston. Almost all of the 5.6 million people in the area lost power. Many are still without power, phones or other means of communication now some ten days later. We still do not have power, phone or internet access at our home so it is a bit of a challenge to communicate.
Almost all churches and ministries in the Houston area are fully engaged in recovery efforts - something that will take many weeks as so many had their homes and businesses damaged or destroyed. The hotel we were working with to house our guests was damaged and closed. It is currently housing recovery teams that have come to the area to assist. Our host church is close to the Galveston coast where the impact was the greatest and whole communities were severely impacted or destroyed - so they are very involved in recovery efforts.
We want to adequately host and care for those coming for Transform World Houston. As a result we are asking for the patience and understanding of all those involved with Transform World Houston as we seek to recover from the impact of Hurricane Ike and prepare for the event.
A final decision and confirmation on the new date will be made very shortly - as soon as all the leaders we've contacted have had a chance to respond.
Please accept our sincere apology for any inconvenience caused to you. May God bless you!
Gratefully His,
The Houston Host Team
Transform World Houston 2008