MAYFIELD, Ky. — His House Ministries opened its doors early on Wednesday to provide a safe shelter for people in flooded homes.

This was during one of the worst floods that Mayfield has faced in recent times. The amount of rain set a state-record of rainfall within 24 hours and peaked at over 11 inches of rain.

Stephen Boyken couldn’t resist helping those affected. 

“We don’t know how many people have been affected, we’re not sure how significant the damage is, but we do know that we’re going to respond with kindness and generosity,” Boyken said.

Boyken and his crew are also sending out trash bags, buckets, mops, bleach and other cleaning supplies to help with the damage.

“We got some materials for people, if they need a bucket or a mop, some fans to help dry,” Boyken said. “We don’t want anybody who maybe feels vulnerable or doesn’t feel like anyone knows them. We don’t want anybody to feel forgotten. We’re gonna be there for our community, our whole community.”

One Mayfield resident was sheltering at His House Ministries. She said that the water nearly creeped through her front door. “We have a ramp at the house, and the water was at the top of the ramp, getting ready to come into the door,” Clara Cox said. “It was within an inch of getting into the house.”

Cox said that emergency assistance wasn’t able to help until water had actually leaked into the house. Hope was almost lost, but Boyken and his crew were able to save her just in time.

“We were stuck, and then they pulled up and asked us if we need help and so they brought us here,” Cox said.

Boyken and his ministry will continue to provide assistance for anyone who may need it.

“I’d rather be known for being compassionate, even if it was a little over zealous, and over prepared, than to be under-prepared, and miss an opportunity to meet the need the way Christ would,” Boyken said.