Thanks for the note and your concern. We have been busily preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. We spent the past two days removing tools from our clients' homes, taking yard debris to the dump, and making sure that materials are away from the windows. In the office we moved everything of value upstairs. We've got a great staff and they were cranking it out for the past two days.
We are about to head north either to Atlanta or closer if we can find a hotel room. We've secured our home, packed up our stuff and sedated the cats.
Please thank everyone for their concern and let then know that we're doing ok. We'll be in touch and let you know when we have nore info.
Take care,
Liz
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Letter from The Gathering church plant in Chalmette
Hello friends,
Thanks for your calls, emails, and texts today- I’ve heard from people in multiple states and we are encouraged by this.
I meant to write earlier in the week to share a moment with you all- a pause moment, I guess you could call it. Sunday evening at the Gathering, there were 3 guys visiting. One of them, age 50, had been once before. So matt is teaching out of Matthew and asks us to look at a verse in the book of Malachi. Every time we jumped to a new scripture he leaned over to look at which way I was flipping in my Bible, asking "what page are we on?" "Where’s that book" etc.
I just write to share the "pause" in this story. It wasn't an earth shattering moment, I didn’t break down in tears, but I paused at what God was showing me. I don’t want to take the Holy Scriptures for granted. I want to crave and desire the message and voice that God uses His Word for. And I want to "pause" more often so that I see what God is doing around us, like bringing a rough guy, 50 years old, to look at Jesus healing people in the Gospels. I thank Him and praise Him for slowing me down in that moment.
That guy came and painted with me all day Monday- he doesn’t have a job right now, but the relationship continues. Thanks for "pausing" to read this- I hope your days are stopped periodically so you can hear and see the Holy Spirit at work. Forgive me, God for skipping those moments all too often.
Regarding the impending storm, our team had planned to get away on a retreat this weekend. In fact, Mrs. Johnson came down to watch Everly at our house. So--we have accommodations reserved about 3 hours northwest of Chalmette, a bit past Baton Rouge.
What are we doing? We are praying. We are asking God to dissipate this storm and keep everyone from harm.
We are watching and gathering info- I feel like such a rookie here! I asked several neighbors what they were doing and we are obviously paying attention to the news, etc.
What are we not doing? We, as the Gathering team will not stay to weather the storm. We have not overstocked our cabinets, etc and etc. People were at Home Depot and the grocery buying, well, you can imagine. But rightfully so- we try to put ourselves in their shoes- I have to respect their experience and the grief they have-- is it ironic that tomorrow is the 3 yr anniversary of Katrina?? We are headed to a memorial breakfast in our community and then heading to the retreat facility.
So I hope I’ve answered your questions- Shauna and I put our patio stuff in our garage this afternoon. We’re trying to be wise and good stewards. We are getting together at 8pm central time tonight to discuss as a team and pray. I’ve heard folks in Indy will be joining us, which is 9 eastern. I will try to email any updates tonight or tomorrow.
Thanks, again, for asking and thinking of us. In all things, whether rebuilding homes, hosting Bible studies, or driving in heavy traffic out of here, may God be praised and receive any and all glory from our lives. Amen.
Aaron Johnson
The Gathering
Chalmette, LA
504 610 7779
Thanks for your calls, emails, and texts today- I’ve heard from people in multiple states and we are encouraged by this.
I meant to write earlier in the week to share a moment with you all- a pause moment, I guess you could call it. Sunday evening at the Gathering, there were 3 guys visiting. One of them, age 50, had been once before. So matt is teaching out of Matthew and asks us to look at a verse in the book of Malachi. Every time we jumped to a new scripture he leaned over to look at which way I was flipping in my Bible, asking "what page are we on?" "Where’s that book" etc.
I just write to share the "pause" in this story. It wasn't an earth shattering moment, I didn’t break down in tears, but I paused at what God was showing me. I don’t want to take the Holy Scriptures for granted. I want to crave and desire the message and voice that God uses His Word for. And I want to "pause" more often so that I see what God is doing around us, like bringing a rough guy, 50 years old, to look at Jesus healing people in the Gospels. I thank Him and praise Him for slowing me down in that moment.
That guy came and painted with me all day Monday- he doesn’t have a job right now, but the relationship continues. Thanks for "pausing" to read this- I hope your days are stopped periodically so you can hear and see the Holy Spirit at work. Forgive me, God for skipping those moments all too often.
Regarding the impending storm, our team had planned to get away on a retreat this weekend. In fact, Mrs. Johnson came down to watch Everly at our house. So--we have accommodations reserved about 3 hours northwest of Chalmette, a bit past Baton Rouge.
What are we doing? We are praying. We are asking God to dissipate this storm and keep everyone from harm.
We are watching and gathering info- I feel like such a rookie here! I asked several neighbors what they were doing and we are obviously paying attention to the news, etc.
What are we not doing? We, as the Gathering team will not stay to weather the storm. We have not overstocked our cabinets, etc and etc. People were at Home Depot and the grocery buying, well, you can imagine. But rightfully so- we try to put ourselves in their shoes- I have to respect their experience and the grief they have-- is it ironic that tomorrow is the 3 yr anniversary of Katrina?? We are headed to a memorial breakfast in our community and then heading to the retreat facility.
So I hope I’ve answered your questions- Shauna and I put our patio stuff in our garage this afternoon. We’re trying to be wise and good stewards. We are getting together at 8pm central time tonight to discuss as a team and pray. I’ve heard folks in Indy will be joining us, which is 9 eastern. I will try to email any updates tonight or tomorrow.
Thanks, again, for asking and thinking of us. In all things, whether rebuilding homes, hosting Bible studies, or driving in heavy traffic out of here, may God be praised and receive any and all glory from our lives. Amen.
Aaron Johnson
The Gathering
Chalmette, LA
504 610 7779
From Daphne German
We worked with Daphne in Bayou LaBatre last spring and summer. That small town is still recovering from the last several hurricanes and doesn't have room for this one.
"Remember us as the path looks the same and you know had bad we were hit. God bless
Daphne"
"Remember us as the path looks the same and you know had bad we were hit. God bless
Daphne"
Letter from Brendan Hendrix
OK my friends here we are at the 3 year anniversary of Katrina and it looks like she may have a brother heading our way. I am just asking that you all keep us in prayer. the New Orleans area really can't take another hit from a storm like that yet. I am presently located 45 minutes northwest of Mandeville/Slidell area where i would like to think I am in a safe area.
For those of you that know me yes I am making calls to see what kind of help will be set up in case of landfall. You know I cant get away from it! I will be communicating with john mcguire of Servants Unite. In the event we lose power or I get too busy, you can check out his web site for updates.
Thank you all for your help in the past and prayers now!
Brendan
For those of you that know me yes I am making calls to see what kind of help will be set up in case of landfall. You know I cant get away from it! I will be communicating with john mcguire of Servants Unite. In the event we lose power or I get too busy, you can check out his web site for updates.
Thank you all for your help in the past and prayers now!
Brendan
Letter from Joy Fellowship
I'm receiving pre-emptive requests for prayer and assistance if it turns out to be needed today. Also notes on here's what we are doing to prepare for the storm. I'll share them here as they come in.
Servants Unite Team 7 worked with Joy Fellowhip in January 2006. You can find blog entries here.
Joy Fellowship Church
1510 Lindberg Dr. Slidell, LA
985-781-9777
My Dear Friend,
It is hard to believe that it has been three years since Hurricane Katrina made its destructive way through Southeast Louisiana. And through all of the bad things that that storm brought, Leslie and I never cease to thank God for all of the wonderful friends such as yourself that the Lord brought our way as a result of the relief work that God himself anointed our little church to embark upon. We still minister to hundreds every week both here and at our church in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans.
Now we find ourselves in the position of coming to you again to be ready to help. As Hurricane Gustav churns in the Caribbean Sea, the Latest computer models as of this morning (8/28/08) shows this storm with a good probability of making landfall somewhere along the Southeastern Louisiana coastline as a category three at a minimum. Like California has its earthquakes, and Asia has its tsunamis, our Achilles heel is tropical storms. While we are wearing out the knees of our trousers praying that this thing will go somewhere harmless and die, we must also be ready to do what God called us to do; be a responder who carries the hope of God.
I have already been in touch with several international disaster organizations including the Salvation Army who have promised us their full support, but we also need you, the local church. Please begin to pray with us that we will have the finances and physical support to help those who cannot help themselves.
An immediate need that we will be having is that we have already been notified that a mandatory evacuation will be ordered for our area, thus forcing us to cancel our services for Sunday. Our church will have no income to operate for possibly a week or better. Couple that with the additional expense of evacuation that those in our body will incur and you can see that our church will be in a fix financially, right out the chutes. I am writing you now because should this system come close to us, our communications will be knocked out. If that happens, just assume we need help and organize teams. Please pray and seek the Lord for whatever you can do to assist us in this time. We will be thankful for whatever you can offer us.
Blessings be yours,
Pastor Larry Roques
Senior Pastor
Joy Fellowship church
Slidell/New Orleans
Senior Pastor Larry Roques: 985-768-8134
Youth Pastor Joe Badon: 504-287-5731
www.joyfellowshipchurch.com
Servants Unite Team 7 worked with Joy Fellowhip in January 2006. You can find blog entries here.
Joy Fellowship Church
1510 Lindberg Dr. Slidell, LA
985-781-9777
My Dear Friend,
It is hard to believe that it has been three years since Hurricane Katrina made its destructive way through Southeast Louisiana. And through all of the bad things that that storm brought, Leslie and I never cease to thank God for all of the wonderful friends such as yourself that the Lord brought our way as a result of the relief work that God himself anointed our little church to embark upon. We still minister to hundreds every week both here and at our church in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans.
Now we find ourselves in the position of coming to you again to be ready to help. As Hurricane Gustav churns in the Caribbean Sea, the Latest computer models as of this morning (8/28/08) shows this storm with a good probability of making landfall somewhere along the Southeastern Louisiana coastline as a category three at a minimum. Like California has its earthquakes, and Asia has its tsunamis, our Achilles heel is tropical storms. While we are wearing out the knees of our trousers praying that this thing will go somewhere harmless and die, we must also be ready to do what God called us to do; be a responder who carries the hope of God.
I have already been in touch with several international disaster organizations including the Salvation Army who have promised us their full support, but we also need you, the local church. Please begin to pray with us that we will have the finances and physical support to help those who cannot help themselves.
An immediate need that we will be having is that we have already been notified that a mandatory evacuation will be ordered for our area, thus forcing us to cancel our services for Sunday. Our church will have no income to operate for possibly a week or better. Couple that with the additional expense of evacuation that those in our body will incur and you can see that our church will be in a fix financially, right out the chutes. I am writing you now because should this system come close to us, our communications will be knocked out. If that happens, just assume we need help and organize teams. Please pray and seek the Lord for whatever you can do to assist us in this time. We will be thankful for whatever you can offer us.
Blessings be yours,
Pastor Larry Roques
Senior Pastor
Joy Fellowship church
Slidell/New Orleans
Senior Pastor Larry Roques: 985-768-8134
Youth Pastor Joe Badon: 504-287-5731
www.joyfellowshipchurch.com
And now there are two
An area of development yesterday became tropical depression 8 overnight and is now tropical storm Hanna
It is forecast to remain a category 1 hurricane traveling east of Florida and into South Carolina over the next week.
Pray hard and often and remember the scout motto, "be prepared"! It might be a busy few weeks for us.
It is forecast to remain a category 1 hurricane traveling east of Florida and into South Carolina over the next week.
Pray hard and often and remember the scout motto, "be prepared"! It might be a busy few weeks for us.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Trouble Brewing
I've been holding off for a week on an update waiting to see what happens. First it was TS Fay which dumped tons of rain on most of Florida.
There hasn't been a relief effort set up in Florida that I've found needing out of state volunteers so I've been waiting to see what turns up.
I'm sure you are following along as it made the main stream news today, but in case you missed it, this thing is not going where we would hope.
You can track progress with me at the National Hurricane Center site. Gustav is expected by the majority of computer models to hit New Orleans as a major hurricane Monday night; just past the three year anniversary of Katrina on Friday. The gulf is hot and winds are light leading the the expected development after the storm passes Cuba.
Our first job here is prayers for our new friends we've been helping in New Orleans and along the gulf coast. We want to be fervently asking God to block this storm's progress and development and spare the severe suffering Katrina caused happening again. Please post a comment to this post if you've done so to let them know we are.
Our second job is to get prepared. Immediate storm relief will involve collecting the right stuff packed the right way and shipped cooperatively and efficiently into a receiving organization who can distribute it out of the truck. This will require churches and volunteers to act as central collection facilities and a couple people who are good at managing logistics to organize the shipping. Please email me immediately if you can fill this role. If collection is required I will publish inventory requests for food, personal care, baby care, and cleaning kits.
Our parallel task is to start making plans for volunteers to perform immediate relief. Services will be chainsaw, distribution of supplies, counseling, first aid, and flood cleanup. This will require volunteer team leads, vehicles, tools, and potentially camping gear.
Both stuff and people will cost $$$$$ to get where they are going. Please discuss with your church leaders the possibility of a special collection or one time missions gift to Servants Unite to cover these expenses so they will not be required of the volunteers and donors of supplies. Do that this Sunday if not before so we are as prepared as we can be.
Communications contacts for any effort like this will begin with John McGuire (614-404-8610) and Melinda McGuire (614-523-3996). As others end up managing portions of the operation their contact information will be distributed here and on a special web page for the new effort.
Since Katrina three years ago, we've provided 2500 man weeks of labor in Louisiana, Alabama, Ohio, and Iowa. 400 of those were in the first 4 trips to Mandeville. All of you have had an awesome heart to serve.
We may be called in the next few days to rise up again and put our hard earned experience to use making a new effort even more effective and glorifying our Lord even more than we have. Please be in prayer for what your role will be when that time comes.
Servants Unite!
John McGuire
There hasn't been a relief effort set up in Florida that I've found needing out of state volunteers so I've been waiting to see what turns up.
I'm sure you are following along as it made the main stream news today, but in case you missed it, this thing is not going where we would hope.
You can track progress with me at the National Hurricane Center site. Gustav is expected by the majority of computer models to hit New Orleans as a major hurricane Monday night; just past the three year anniversary of Katrina on Friday. The gulf is hot and winds are light leading the the expected development after the storm passes Cuba.
Our first job here is prayers for our new friends we've been helping in New Orleans and along the gulf coast. We want to be fervently asking God to block this storm's progress and development and spare the severe suffering Katrina caused happening again. Please post a comment to this post if you've done so to let them know we are.
Our second job is to get prepared. Immediate storm relief will involve collecting the right stuff packed the right way and shipped cooperatively and efficiently into a receiving organization who can distribute it out of the truck. This will require churches and volunteers to act as central collection facilities and a couple people who are good at managing logistics to organize the shipping. Please email me immediately if you can fill this role. If collection is required I will publish inventory requests for food, personal care, baby care, and cleaning kits.
Our parallel task is to start making plans for volunteers to perform immediate relief. Services will be chainsaw, distribution of supplies, counseling, first aid, and flood cleanup. This will require volunteer team leads, vehicles, tools, and potentially camping gear.
Both stuff and people will cost $$$$$ to get where they are going. Please discuss with your church leaders the possibility of a special collection or one time missions gift to Servants Unite to cover these expenses so they will not be required of the volunteers and donors of supplies. Do that this Sunday if not before so we are as prepared as we can be.
Communications contacts for any effort like this will begin with John McGuire (614-404-8610) and Melinda McGuire (614-523-3996). As others end up managing portions of the operation their contact information will be distributed here and on a special web page for the new effort.
Since Katrina three years ago, we've provided 2500 man weeks of labor in Louisiana, Alabama, Ohio, and Iowa. 400 of those were in the first 4 trips to Mandeville. All of you have had an awesome heart to serve.
We may be called in the next few days to rise up again and put our hard earned experience to use making a new effort even more effective and glorifying our Lord even more than we have. Please be in prayer for what your role will be when that time comes.
Servants Unite!
John McGuire
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Team Iowa 1 More Pictures
Team Iowa 1 was working in Czech Village in Cedar Rapids today, one block away from where Barak Obama was speaking. No luck getting to meet the candidate though. These pics are from yesterday's work.
Team Iowa 2 Report
The South Dayton team was little but mighty ! The 4 of us range in age from 15 to 62. As the senior member of the team, I cannot express in words how proud I am of these 3 young people. They have a heart for Jesus and hands and feet for His work.
As you know, once you go on your first mission trip you are "hooked" forever. Being able to lighten the load of people in so much need pulls you closer to each other as a team and closer to our Father.
We worked de-mucking and cleaning up flood leftovers. Also pulled down a couple sheds. We saw lots of frogs, toads, bugs, but no live snakes this time !
Gary and Mark were great to work with and Joe is the best cook ever ! Our team is looking forward to working with them again in the future.
Iowa needs our prayers, but mostly our hands and feet. There is so much work to be done. God wants us to be servants and when we unite we are an army working together for His glory.
Thanks so much for coordinating our trip. God bless you and your family.
Sharon Oakes -Stephanie Brooks - Bryan Rebar - Matt Stephens
The SON is shining !
As you know, once you go on your first mission trip you are "hooked" forever. Being able to lighten the load of people in so much need pulls you closer to each other as a team and closer to our Father.
We worked de-mucking and cleaning up flood leftovers. Also pulled down a couple sheds. We saw lots of frogs, toads, bugs, but no live snakes this time !
Gary and Mark were great to work with and Joe is the best cook ever ! Our team is looking forward to working with them again in the future.
Iowa needs our prayers, but mostly our hands and feet. There is so much work to be done. God wants us to be servants and when we unite we are an army working together for His glory.
Thanks so much for coordinating our trip. God bless you and your family.
Sharon Oakes -Stephanie Brooks - Bryan Rebar - Matt Stephens
The SON is shining !
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Iowa Team 1 Pics
Adam loaded some pictures to the "Servants Unite, Iowa Team 1" Facebook group. You can join the group as well to see the pics teammembers bring back. For those not on facebook, here are the pics:
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Team Iowa 2, The Strangest Team Picture Ever
Here they are!
Team Iowa 2 from South Dayton Church of Christ. Proof that unlike Vegas, what happens in Iowa does not stay in Iowa, this came through a couple different sources. As did these:
It seems volunteers are always standing around resting when pics are taken, but that just means they are working too hard between breaks to bother taking pictures :-) Still waiting to hear their stories, but will share here when I get them.
Team Iowa 2 from South Dayton Church of Christ. Proof that unlike Vegas, what happens in Iowa does not stay in Iowa, this came through a couple different sources. As did these:
It seems volunteers are always standing around resting when pics are taken, but that just means they are working too hard between breaks to bother taking pictures :-) Still waiting to hear their stories, but will share here when I get them.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Team Iowa 1 Is Onsite and Working Hard
Here's a picture of all but three of the team members who left Alum Creek Church of Christ at 10:20 Sunday. The other three left Worthington Christian at 1:20.
Preflight prayers protected the volunteers in one 15 passenger rental that blew a tire. After an hour delay to put on the spare and add air to it they were off and running again. Today they've been working in two homes next door to one another, mudding out the debris from the flood and prepping them for dryout and rebuild.
I hope to have you more stories tonight after they are done working and hope to get some pictures back from them as well.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Burlington Iowa Activities
Mark Robbins, from the Bayou La Batre effort, has been working with Hilltop out of Burlington Iowa. Currently most of their work has been in the town of Pontoosuc. Team Iowa 2 from South Dayton Church of Christ is working there through this weekend. Mark has been keeping up a blog on his site www.godssoldiersunited.com. Check it out if you get time.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Who we are working with in Iowa
I wanted to share something about the church and people our team is working with in Cedar Rapids this coming week. Brent Schulte, who volunteered his church to host Team Iowa 1 this coming week is the discipleship minister at Antioch Christian where they are staying this week. I found his article in their July newsletter online and thought sharing it here was the best way to do that.
Team Iowa 2 from South Dayton Church of Christ has been busy near Burlington, Iowa this week. I hope to have updates for you on their work soon.
Here's Brent's article:
These last 3 weeks have been a blur to me as I'm sure they have been to you as well. One month ago, Renee and I spent a week in southern Florida visiting my sister and her family and enjoying the warmth after a cold, snowy winter. While we were in Florida, we watched national news cover the tornadoes that ripped through Parkersburg and other towns in Iowa. As June started and the rains continued, I'm sure many of you were recollecting the flood of 1993 and the devastation it brought to the area. I was serving in the Air Force then and watched the Armed Services Network with shock and awe from my trailer in Saudi Arabia. You just don't get the full affect until you see it firsthand.
Reflecting on what has transpired over the last couple of weeks, here are a few memories that stand out. Before the waters rose to record levels, many volunteers from churches across the city poured into the neighborhoods to warn residents of possible evacuation and offer assistance in moving their personal belongings. Some took the offers but many did not. I saw many residents in the Time Check area, only a few blocks from the river, watching the commotion from their lawn chairs. I asked one gentleman why he wasn't preparing for the flood. He stated, "I've lived here all my life and we only had 3 feet of water in the basement in '93. I don't believe the warnings." Unbelief.
In the days leading up to the river crest, I felt a sense of urgency. Everything I saw and heard led me to believe we were in for real disaster. The river crest predictions were rising by a foot or more every day; the rains continued to fall here and north of us. The outlook did not look good. People spent many hours in the Time Check & Czech Village neighborhoods handing out fliers on what to do if you were evacuated and what to bring with you. Sandbags were filled and dikes constructed to hold back the waters. Droves of volunteers poured into the area to help the people save their house or its belongings from the approaching doom. Urgency.
Wednesday night, June 11, I had just got home at 10 pm and was eager to hear the latest news on the flood. KCRG announced that the last well and pump for the city was at risk and that 6,000 sandbags needed to be filled and placed in order to protect it. Only 10 people were on hand and they needed additional volunteers.
The time was 10:05. I only live a few blocks from the Edgewood bridge where the pump stations sits (and I really enjoy a hot shower) so I got my shovel and gloves and headed for Edgewood. When I arrived, I found that I was not the only one to answer the call. There were cars everywhere. It was somewhat surreal as this army of people with shovels over their shoulders streamed down the closed road towards the heaping mounds of sand dumped on the road. An assembly line was quickly in place where the bag was filled, tied off, handed to a person in line who passed in to the next person and so for hundreds of feet to the pump station. There were 6 lines from the sand pile to the pump station with the last hundred feet or so in knee deep water. It was an amazing sight. Unity.
From these experiences and many more, I came away with a deeper appreciation for Antioch's mission statement of "Leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ." The definition for unbelief is the unwillingness to accept what is offered as true or skepticism especially in matters of religious faith. We must be willing to offer 'truth and love' to our neighbor where it really matters, their personal relationship with God. In Psalm 40 we read. "1 do not hide your righteousness in my heart; 1speak ofyour faithfulness and salvation. 1 do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly."
The flood and its aftermath is a perfect illustration on how the material items of this world are temporary. God is eternal; Christ's place at the throne is eternal. If we personally accept Christ's offer of grace, we know we have a position in Heaven waiting for us. I know I have friends and family who are not believers in Christ. I know where they will end up if they do not place their faith in Christ. Why don't I have the same sense of urgency for them as I did last week trying to protect someone's home and their belongings?
Isn't their salvation a greater treasure?
The sense of unity within this community has been quite amazing. Hopefully that unity will continue in the months and years to come as tough decisions are made on how to move the city forward. But I have the inkling that the thorns will start to show as people start worrying more about themselves than what is best for all. Imagine the power Christ's church has when its believers are united and act as one. In John chapter 17, Jesus offers a prayer to God for all believers so " ... they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."
So as we continue to recover from this disaster that will take years, remember that we can't just focus on meeting someone's physical needs; we must also address their spiritual health. We are first commanded to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." And secondly, "Love your neighbor as yourself." By loving and honoring our God first and foremost, then we can truly love our neighbor.">
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God bless you all.
Team Iowa 2 from South Dayton Church of Christ has been busy near Burlington, Iowa this week. I hope to have updates for you on their work soon.
Here's Brent's article:
These last 3 weeks have been a blur to me as I'm sure they have been to you as well. One month ago, Renee and I spent a week in southern Florida visiting my sister and her family and enjoying the warmth after a cold, snowy winter. While we were in Florida, we watched national news cover the tornadoes that ripped through Parkersburg and other towns in Iowa. As June started and the rains continued, I'm sure many of you were recollecting the flood of 1993 and the devastation it brought to the area. I was serving in the Air Force then and watched the Armed Services Network with shock and awe from my trailer in Saudi Arabia. You just don't get the full affect until you see it firsthand.
Reflecting on what has transpired over the last couple of weeks, here are a few memories that stand out. Before the waters rose to record levels, many volunteers from churches across the city poured into the neighborhoods to warn residents of possible evacuation and offer assistance in moving their personal belongings. Some took the offers but many did not. I saw many residents in the Time Check area, only a few blocks from the river, watching the commotion from their lawn chairs. I asked one gentleman why he wasn't preparing for the flood. He stated, "I've lived here all my life and we only had 3 feet of water in the basement in '93. I don't believe the warnings." Unbelief.
In the days leading up to the river crest, I felt a sense of urgency. Everything I saw and heard led me to believe we were in for real disaster. The river crest predictions were rising by a foot or more every day; the rains continued to fall here and north of us. The outlook did not look good. People spent many hours in the Time Check & Czech Village neighborhoods handing out fliers on what to do if you were evacuated and what to bring with you. Sandbags were filled and dikes constructed to hold back the waters. Droves of volunteers poured into the area to help the people save their house or its belongings from the approaching doom. Urgency.
Wednesday night, June 11, I had just got home at 10 pm and was eager to hear the latest news on the flood. KCRG announced that the last well and pump for the city was at risk and that 6,000 sandbags needed to be filled and placed in order to protect it. Only 10 people were on hand and they needed additional volunteers.
The time was 10:05. I only live a few blocks from the Edgewood bridge where the pump stations sits (and I really enjoy a hot shower) so I got my shovel and gloves and headed for Edgewood. When I arrived, I found that I was not the only one to answer the call. There were cars everywhere. It was somewhat surreal as this army of people with shovels over their shoulders streamed down the closed road towards the heaping mounds of sand dumped on the road. An assembly line was quickly in place where the bag was filled, tied off, handed to a person in line who passed in to the next person and so for hundreds of feet to the pump station. There were 6 lines from the sand pile to the pump station with the last hundred feet or so in knee deep water. It was an amazing sight. Unity.
From these experiences and many more, I came away with a deeper appreciation for Antioch's mission statement of "Leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ." The definition for unbelief is the unwillingness to accept what is offered as true or skepticism especially in matters of religious faith. We must be willing to offer 'truth and love' to our neighbor where it really matters, their personal relationship with God. In Psalm 40 we read. "1 do not hide your righteousness in my heart; 1speak ofyour faithfulness and salvation. 1 do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly."
The flood and its aftermath is a perfect illustration on how the material items of this world are temporary. God is eternal; Christ's place at the throne is eternal. If we personally accept Christ's offer of grace, we know we have a position in Heaven waiting for us. I know I have friends and family who are not believers in Christ. I know where they will end up if they do not place their faith in Christ. Why don't I have the same sense of urgency for them as I did last week trying to protect someone's home and their belongings?
Isn't their salvation a greater treasure?
The sense of unity within this community has been quite amazing. Hopefully that unity will continue in the months and years to come as tough decisions are made on how to move the city forward. But I have the inkling that the thorns will start to show as people start worrying more about themselves than what is best for all. Imagine the power Christ's church has when its believers are united and act as one. In John chapter 17, Jesus offers a prayer to God for all believers so " ... they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."
So as we continue to recover from this disaster that will take years, remember that we can't just focus on meeting someone's physical needs; we must also address their spiritual health. We are first commanded to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." And secondly, "Love your neighbor as yourself." By loving and honoring our God first and foremost, then we can truly love our neighbor.">
" border="0" alt="" />God bless you all.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Iowa Team 2
I feel terrible that I missed 4 volunteers on the last list. The following South Dayton Church of Christ members will be leaving Thursday for Burlington, Iowa to work with Hilltop Rescue through the weekend. They'll be heading back home Monday morning.
Please also be praying for the suddenly active hurricane season. Dolly is strengthening rapidly as it approaches the Texas coast and other likely storms are marching across the Atlantic. Please be praying we are not needed in any capacity like after Katrina, but that if we are, that we will be His hands and feet.
If you'd still like to be hands and feet, I have had many casual comments about people who may be interested in another trip to Iowa later in August. If you would like to take a trip out to serve at that time, please email me with your intentions and a proposed date.
Servants Unite!!
John McGuire
Bryan RebarPlease add them to your prayer list for this week and check the blog for updates from both teams.
Matt Stevens
Stephanie Brooks
Sharon Oaks
Please also be praying for the suddenly active hurricane season. Dolly is strengthening rapidly as it approaches the Texas coast and other likely storms are marching across the Atlantic. Please be praying we are not needed in any capacity like after Katrina, but that if we are, that we will be His hands and feet.
If you'd still like to be hands and feet, I have had many casual comments about people who may be interested in another trip to Iowa later in August. If you would like to take a trip out to serve at that time, please email me with your intentions and a proposed date.
Servants Unite!!
John McGuire
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Iowa Team 1 Readies for Departure
This time next week 30 central Ohio volunteers should be in Iowa on the ground. Most of them, from at least 4 different churches and 2 different schools, have volunteered with Servants Unite before. Please add the following committed and tentative volunteers to your church and personal prayer lists the next two weeks.
We have had several generous donations towards this effort, but could use a couple more to cover food and fuel for the team as well as any tools they may need to purchase in the field. You can donate using our paypal link on the web site, or mail a check to Servants Unite, CO John McGuire, 5511 Copenhagen Drive, Westerville, Ohio 43081.
Servants Unite!
John McGuire
Adam MetzWe're kind of at a limit given the vehicles we have available. If you would still like to go, we can squeeze in an adult willing to drive.
Chris Cole
Samantha Gray
Paige Whitley
Rachel Gray
Logan Whitley
Emily Gray
Brejohnna Shaw
Caleb Orrechio
Matt Brooker
Julia Brooker
Bob Barnes
Janna Dagley
Ryan Yoder
Matt Yoder
Troy Jeffery
Erin Gursky
Kurt Dipaolo
Seth French
Alanna Spalsbury
Bethany
Cate Daily
Melinda McGuire
Cameron Williams
Eva Opitz
Paul Lewis
Brian Sherman
Pat Hazlet
Bradley Kirkbride
We have had several generous donations towards this effort, but could use a couple more to cover food and fuel for the team as well as any tools they may need to purchase in the field. You can donate using our paypal link on the web site, or mail a check to Servants Unite, CO John McGuire, 5511 Copenhagen Drive, Westerville, Ohio 43081.
Servants Unite!
John McGuire
Friday, July 04, 2008
Survey Pictures from Iowa
I was able to make arrangements this week at the NACC conference with Antioch Christian Church in Cedar Rapids to host our July 27 team. We currently have a dozen people committed to go and another 6-10 maybes. We will be augmenting the work the congregation has already been doing in their community to help their neighbors recover from the historic flooding all along the region's rivers. To join this team, please email me or call Melinda McGuire at 614-523-3996, our home phone.
Hilltop Rescue will be setting up camp a couple hours downstream in Burlington, Iowa. Mark Robbins who we know from working in Bayou LaBatre is in that area now. While Burlington had little flooding, many smaller towns near by, both in Iowa and across the river in Illinois have been flooded. Some are still inaccessible. They have found this to be a good central point with a partner church active already in the relief effort.
This is a slow motion, moving disaster. As the wave has flowed downstream, more areas have flooded and continue to flood. Volunteers will be needed over the coming months to work along behind the damage to clean out houses and affect repairs as far as the damage eventually goes.
National media has already dropped this story for the most part. Mark sent out pictures this morning, however, from the area where he has been surveying this week and I'm including them in this blog entry for your information.
More to come as this effort continues.
Servants Unite!
John McGuire
Hilltop Rescue will be setting up camp a couple hours downstream in Burlington, Iowa. Mark Robbins who we know from working in Bayou LaBatre is in that area now. While Burlington had little flooding, many smaller towns near by, both in Iowa and across the river in Illinois have been flooded. Some are still inaccessible. They have found this to be a good central point with a partner church active already in the relief effort.
This is a slow motion, moving disaster. As the wave has flowed downstream, more areas have flooded and continue to flood. Volunteers will be needed over the coming months to work along behind the damage to clean out houses and affect repairs as far as the damage eventually goes.
National media has already dropped this story for the most part. Mark sent out pictures this morning, however, from the area where he has been surveying this week and I'm including them in this blog entry for your information.
More to come as this effort continues.
Servants Unite!
John McGuire
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Move that date back a week
Change in plan (the only certainty in disaster relief). We're moving that date back a week for the first team to go into Iowa. New schedule is to leave Sunday, July 27 after church and return Saturday August 2.
I hope that helps you to go on the trip too! Email or call my cell (614-404-8610) if you can.
I hope that helps you to go on the trip too! Email or call my cell (614-404-8610) if you can.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Look for us at the NACC
The North American Christian Convention is in Cincinnati this year, Tuesday through Thursday this week. If you are there, come see us at booth 1027 between the entrances from the exhibit hall to the main hall!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
IOWA IS ON!
The recovery effort in Cedar Rapids is up and running. We will be sending our first team in, Sunday July 20 leaving after church. They will return Saturday July 26. Adam Metz of Alum Creek Church of Christ will be leading the team. Adam is a youth leader who has taken several trips to New Orleans with us.
To join this team, please send me an email. More information will be coming over the next week.
What to bring information is identical to what we have needed for New Orleans work. You can find that information on the Volunteer link at www.servantsunite.org.
More teams will likely follow! They will require team leads and funding for fuel and van rentals. If you can't make this trip, but can do a later date, please let me know and I'll publicize prospective dates through the list and the blog.
Other than volunteering, here's what Servants Unite needs from you.
Servants Unite!
John McGuire
To join this team, please send me an email. More information will be coming over the next week.
What to bring information is identical to what we have needed for New Orleans work. You can find that information on the Volunteer link at www.servantsunite.org.
More teams will likely follow! They will require team leads and funding for fuel and van rentals. If you can't make this trip, but can do a later date, please let me know and I'll publicize prospective dates through the list and the blog.
Other than volunteering, here's what Servants Unite needs from you.
- Prayers - My home church, Westerville Christian, had Servants Unite on our prayer list for focused intercession Wednesday this week. Thursday we got a private donation of $2,000! Pray for volunteers, funding, good work, and that God will use us to touch others as Christ's hands and feet.
- Donations - Response to this takes money. Volunteers on recent trips have been paying much of the bill out of pocket. Servants Unite's mission is to organize those who may not have found missions attractive previously and often that's due to fundraising. The more we have donated to cover expenses, the more people will find God's presence through service.
- Leaders - Adam has stepped forward to lead this team out, but we need other team leads to help organize and manage teams in the field. Please call or email to discuss the opportunities Servants Unite has for this and future responses.
Servants Unite!
John McGuire
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