Potentially False Alarm and Other News

It appears that media coverage may have exaggerated the damage. Various contacts in Norwalk and Port Clinton indicate the generally expected amount of damage that occurs with any summer storm. Two people responded to the request for volunteers. We will not be sending a contingent up this weekend.

I do still encourage you to get out in your area for a few hours this weekend to help neighbors cut and stack storm debris for disposal. If you know of anyone who needs extra assistance or lacks tools (chainsaw) send a note back and I'll send the job opportunities out to this list tomorrow.

In other news, I met with Adam and Matt, the two youth ministers in Team 16 leaving Columbus on July 8. Much excitement there! They'll be happy with Nancy Michael (my dear mum-in-law) cooking. If you can help her that week, she can use it. Expectation is 350 volunteers at the school in Chalmette for that week. Contact me immediately if you are interested, but of course nobody is likely to be turned down at the last minute. An experienced team lead is still needed for this trip if you can take the time.

Last Sunday I had the opportunity to speak to Grace Point Church in Lewis Center about our organization. Several more members of that congregation are interested in the August 5 trip. That will be a good last opportunity before school starts if you'd like to join that team.

This week, Melinda and I will be in Louisville to exhibit at the North American Christian Convention We'll be drumming up more support from churches around Ohio, helping out our friends from Hilltop do the same, and encouraging others to start organizations like ours in their area.

Then, next weekend, July 1, Team 15 leaves early Saturday morning from New Life in Canal Winchester. Becky and Mark McGiffin from Spring Road will be escorting the New Life volunteers down. Gary and Sharon Kitchen have put together a total of 20 members of that team.

We'll keep you posted on any and all developments and be here when you feel the need to muck out a house or love on a new storm victim.

1 Peter 4:10, Mark 12:30-31, Mathew 9:36-38, Romans 12:4-8

John McGuire
www.ServantsUnite.org
614-523-3996 home
614-404-8610 cel

Westerville South IB Thoughts

Hi Brad and John,

As the time draws near for us to depart and I've had the better part of Sunday afternoon to reflect, I felt the need to give you a few of my thoughts. First and foremost thank you to Servants Unite for sponsoring our trip. It is an awesome thing that you are doing for the folks of New Orleans. I think that you have given our IB students something more than accumulating hours, you have given them a sense of what it is like to help those in need, and that is a debt that is only repaid through service to humanity.

I'm no stranger to hard work, but I have to say that this has been some of the hardest work that I have ever done, but what a sense of great satisfaction and the feeling that one person (or several together) can make a difference.

I was somewhat concerned that our students would not be up to the task, but in all honesty, they have been awesome. Have they complained some? YES! They have been tested and found worthy. We are very proud of all of them.

I have been so touched by the stories of the people that we have helped. It has reaffirmed that our God is an awesome God. All of these people seem to have such a strong hold on their belief even with all that they have been through. This has been such an uplifting trip for me that I just wish that I could commit more time, but home and family call me back.

Once again thank you for all you have done- "For whatever you have done for the least of them you have done for me."

God Bless,

Bill Kulju
International Baccalaureate CAS Coordinator
Westerville South High School

Thanks from Ms Ella

Just had to drop you a line and let you know how nice the ceilings look. They did a wonderful job. I didn't get to meet them in person, just on the phone. I had a awful cold which wound me in the hospital with pneumonia. Brian got to meet them and said they were very nice. Got home today and so glad to see how great things are looking. And gee just think it only took nine months. I'm making a joke but in actuality some people still haven't even started. I feel so sorry for so many people that are still having to live in trailers and even worse cars. Let's pray this never happens again. We have been helped by so many very nice people such as yourself. I know you realize we do appreciate everything y'all have done, but I don't think you understand just how much it means to know a total stranger has taken the time to give us their friendship. There's not a doubt in my mind God has sent you to us.

God Bless each and every one of you.
With warmest regards and sincere appreciation,
Ella Smith and Brian Barringer

Editor's Note: 3 weeks after Katrina, Ella returned home from Dallas to find her house in Slidell had been flooded 3 feet deep. She walked right back out and a Marine put his hand on her shoulder and asked what he could do to help. She and Brian had an hour or so to get what they wanted to keep from the house and the crew of Marines gutted it for her.

We met her at the Home Depot with a Penske truck, helped get all the things she needed and started putting her house back together in January. A few other volunteers through Hilltop have worked on it since then, but this week the Shiffbauer family from Westerville finished the last step, painting the ceiling on the day the air conditioning was first up and running. Ella and Brian are now home.

There are a lot of pictures of her house before and during our work linked from this blog entry and you can find more stories from team 7 at the archive of the blog from the week we were there in January.

Team 14 Friday Update

Not a lot new to tell. Hot and humid around 95 today. Sun bright and draining. The team split into two groups today and each completed a house. They were all very tired and exhausted when they returned.

Westerville can be very proud of their students. The Ohioans continue to make a name for themselves as good and hard workers down here. These kids are very mature and their leaders have stayed on focus and they are all getting a lot done. It will be interesting when there is more time to get their feedback. Not much talking going on tonight, the kids are tired and some of the groups went into NO for dinner.

Going to get a shower and get in bed for another big day tomorrow.

Brad

Team 14 First Day Report

Wow what a day. I literally got up at 3:15 and am just now sitting down for the first time at 9:15 other than eating dinner and the devo. And yet I am fine and ready for the morrow.

The team went out bright eyed and bushy tailed today with hopes of tackling great things. The team of 25 stayed together for their first day and will split up tomorrow. They returned around 3:30 dirty and tired with stories of all the gross things they saw and did.

Cleaning up mud and throwing peoples personal possessions in a trash pile. It seems that no matter who we are or where we come from that is the single thing that always stands out, the throwing out of things that were once near and dear to us.




Imagine if you will if God had said “go give away all you have and I will bring you peace....... Would we not debate argue or negotiate with God? Yet this disaster strikes and makes them all as filthy rags and here we are helping people to the curb with all their worldly possessions.

Tomorrow holds much promise. The kids from WSHS did such a great job today that the neighbor to the house they did came in and asked Hilltop for them to come do hers. I doubt that will happen but she was so impressed with how hard they worked, the quality of the work, and their attitudes that she followed them back here. Great job to the kids who are hear working so hard.

Well I need some sleep up at 3 again to cook. Good night and may God bless each of you.

Brad Hayes
Servants Unite

Team 14 Starts Work

Well the trip was long but we made it in one day. 15 hours of driving and let me be the first to salute the Westerville South kids on making their trips count and making them quick. It really helped to make the trip go faster and we were coming into New Orleans across Lake Ponchatrain just as the sun was beginning to set. It was quite a contrast to enjoy the beauty of the bright orange and red sun across the water when only a few feet away were still piles of garbage wreckage and distruction.

I have not been down since October but much is still the same as you come into the city. It appears that many of the major areas, the highways, tourist areas etc have had extensive work but as you come into St Bernard Parish there is still an awe of the massive destruction that occurred.

The group at Hilltop was over 200 last night when we arrived with 99 leaving today and over 100 more due in today. Just finished breakfast and clean up in time for the crew to prepare for their first day in the field. I will do my best to keep you all updated but have to tell you the pace hasn't slowed here if anything it has quickened.

Brad Hayes
Servants Unite

Team 14 Departs

A team of 27 from Westerville South IB led by Brad Hayes left at 5:40 this morning from South's parking lot. There was an unbelievable amount of energy from this crew for that early in the morning.

If you look close you'll see a couple familiar faces. Ross from Spring Road Church of Christ youth group is on his 3rd trip! Also Whitney Hayes is making a return run. Very inspiring!

They'll be driving straight through to Chalmette today, working through Tuesday, and returning home on Wednesday. Please pray for their safety, success, and thank God for the ministry oppurtunities this work provides. And keep watching the blog this week for Brad's updates.

John McGuire
Servants Unite!

Recent Pictures from New Orleans

I had the pleasure of spending the weekend of May 20-21 with the Hilltop leadership in Chalmette. Plans are in progress and solidifying for setting up the next relief operation in the next disaster area. Hilltop will be scouting and opening a basecamp when the times comes and organizations like Servants Unite will be sending in volunteers and supplies.

You can see all my best pics from that trip here

More volunteers and church families are needed to provide resources for the next relief operation as well as continuing our work in New Orleans. We need to be working now to collect water, non-perishable food, baby kit, personal care kit, and cleaning kit components. We need volunteers to serve the following roles immediately:

• Set up a collection of supplies at your church or business and staff it.
• Talk to your church missions group and leadership about making Servants Unite a supported organization of your church.
• Be a liason between your church family and Servants Unite. Primarily that's a communications channel.
• Continue to volunteer to work in New Orleans.
• Volunteer to be a first responder for the next disaster.
  

Several have done this recently! Thanks to Tegan who works with Team 7s Corey Bradenback. She organized the collection of a pickup load of cleaning kits at IntelliRisk. Girl Scout Troop #1721 purchased and donated several cases of cookies to send down. The ag science students at Ohio State collected food, bed linens, and $400 worth of Home Depot gift certificates. There are other groups presently collecting cleaning kit supplies. We also have a couple generous individual donors who I want to thank especially as they have allowed us to pay the expenses of groups going down to work. One generous soul bought us a trailer to use today! Which he will be using to haul all that stuff down next week ;-)

This is VERY inspiring work! I see the Spirit at work in everything you do!

A new pressure has surfaced that demands increased volunteer support of the effort in New Orleans. The St. Bernard Parish government, where we do most of our work, has given homeowners a date of August 29 to be started cleaning out their houses. The "or else" hasn't been announced yet, but there are hundreds of work orders not fulfilled waiting for us at the school and Tammany Oaks. If you can put together a summer mission trip the host organizations are very eager to get work done before the end of August to help homeowners meet that deadline.

Several Trips are set and ready to join:

1. We have a team of Westerville south IB students heading to Louisiana next Wednesday, June 7, returning on the 14th.
2. The next scheduled trip is New Life, Canal Winchester who will be going led by Mark and Becky (Team 3) on July 1.
3. July 8th, Alum Creek CofC and Linworth UMC youth groups are going together. We need an experienced volunteer to lead that trip (be a guide).
4. There is a trip scheduled for July 16 which is to be a Westerville Christian father son trip, but others are welcome to go along.
5. August 5, Grace Point church is sponsoring a mission trip. I'll be presenting to that congregation June 18th.
   

If you are scheduled on a summer trip, be prepared to be a first responder if a new disaster strikes. We will work with our partners to send in help as soon as it is safe.

I have some numbers and metrics to report on the Hilltop effort who we've been partnering with all spring. From January through April, that effort spent $81,000 feeding and organizing volunteers; aproximately 1600 of them. The cost of $50 per volunteer per week is reflected in their new request for a donation of $10 per day per volunteer to help cover expenses. Outside fundraising would help eleviate the need for this expense, but preperations for the next disaster take capital too. Servants Unite is considering whether to pay this donation for our volunteers, but needs to increase fundraising

That is a good investment. That $81,000 allowed the volunteers to clean out over 400 houses! That's around $200 per house. With $100,000 left, the end of August would be the end of the effort without more capital flowing in.

I hope this news finds you all well and ask you to pray for this effort and help corporeally where you can. Thanks for making Servants Unite grow and shine!

John McGuire
Servants Unite

Update

Wow did I have an amazing weekend this eve of hurricane season! Janet Hines, working with Hilltop Rescue in Chalmette, asked me to join their planning meeting and crawfish boil (Lana pictured). I’m writing this from the Houston airport waiting for my connection home to Columbus. So many great and small, but significant conversations and events happened while planning the next response and how to continue with the current effort in New Orleans.

I was able to define Servants Unite’s mission for the Hilltop organizers from California Savita and Robert and how we will support them in the next response. We are very much on the same page in planning. Details on that will be out when I get the whole plan documented. We are also going to work together to encourage other team leaders from around the country to start groups like ours. Through emails and a side meeting at the NACC Conference in Louisville next month we hope to increase the national capacity to respond.

We all met Louisiana Representative and recent gubernatorial candidate Bobby Jindal at a special church service Sunday to present thank you plaques to the relief organizations from the residents of Chalmette. Representatives were on hand from 14 organizations with 5 more mentioned.

We also discussed finances. Hilltop burned spent $81,000 in funds from January through April and has around $100,000 remaining. Volunteer levels average 100 people a day and will be climbing with summer vacation again, though not quite to the spring break levels. To continue to function, Hilltop would like a donation of $10 per person per work day (generally 5 per trip) from volunteers to cover food. They have grant requests out and are pursuing additional funding sources that may change that request, but presently they are only funded into August or September.

The $50 per person cost is something to start considering for our spring break groups. This is not a deal breaker for anyone who can't pay the donation, but will help Hilltop to continue to provide for our volunteers in Chalmette. We can also help by providing cooks with our teams to help feed the volunteers.

The St. Bernard parish government has issued a requirement that all homeowners at least begin to clean out their houses by August 29. Because of that, Hilltop is focusing all their effort on mucking out homes. They have cleaned out 400 since moving into the school building the first of March. They have 600 requests to fulfill and there are many who have not yet asked for their houses to be cleared.

I walked the block around the school building and it all came back again. Most of those houses have been cleaned and the debris removed, but the neighborhood is absolutely deserted. I saw only 2 or 3 residents living in FEMA trailers in the general vicinity with empty, abandoned properties making up the majority of residences. The spiritual darkness was visible even in the bright gulf coast sunshine.

Flying in, the tarped roofs weren't so prevalent, but were still there. This effort is making progress, but will need support for quite some time to come.

Put all that together and it underscores the importance of sending as many volunteers down as possible. We have more than 100 volunteers scheduled through the middle of July with more trips open and accepting volunteers up through the first full week of August.

Those teams are all on notice. A new disaster area when they are scheduled will require a redirection to provide for immediate and urgent first response needs. More first responders are needed and churches who can serve as collection centers with staff. If you can organize collection of water and ready to eat, nonperishable foods along with baby and personal care kit components at your church, we need to start stocking up now to be ready for the next need.

I have registered 8, but need at least another 32 first responders. Those with medical training are very important to have available right after a disaster, but anyone who can leave on short notice will help our effort. When the next one happens, Hilltop will set up shop and have supplies shipped in and we'll send the volunteers. I need a committed list of 40 where I can expect half to be able to go on one to two days notice. Please join this group so we can plan our first aid response as soon as possible.

You're all amazing and we're doing God's work. When Satan whispers in your ear you can't, won't, or aren't worthy, remember, you are recreated in God's own image. You are filled with His spirit. You are enlisted in His army. Together, when we turn ourselves over to Him for this work, we are a powerful force. I'm so proud of all our volunteers and so thankful to have the opportunity to work with you all. Pray for all our brothers and sisters on all occasions.

John McGuire
Servants Unite!

Newsletter

President Bush visited New Orleans today working on a Habitat house in the 9th ward. "There's lots of progress," he told reporters traveling on Air Force One. "There's still a lot to be done."

"If you're interested in helping the victims of Katrina, interested in helping them get back on their feet, come on down here,"

--President Bush

Well? What are you doing for your summer vacation, summer quarter off, or mission work. In the coming months there will be new opportunities to serve, new disaster victims to help, and new amazing experiences where God is so visible working through us in this mission.

Scheduled trip dates are:
June 3 – Marshall University students from Norway Avenue campus group in Huntington
June 7 – Westerville South International Baccalaureate,
July 1 – New Life, Canal Winchester
July 8 – Linworth UMC and Alum Creek CofC youth groups
July 16 – Westerville Christian Father Son youth trip

Join a trip or build a team for a date that isn't scheduled yet. If you've been down before, we need you to help lead these teams.

We also have three groups collecting supplies and building kits to send into the Katrina disaster area. A group from Ohio State has collected food and funds to send down. A mother daughter group and some coworkers of one of our past volunteers are building cleaning kits to leave with homeowners who’s houses we clean out.

Servants Unite continues to grow into the permanent disaster relief volunteer organization God started after hurricane Katrina. You’ve all been so amazing giving your time and money to help these people we never met before, but have bonded to over the past 8 months. 8 months? This has gone so fast.

Currently Servants Unite is prepared to be a central Ohio communications point and logistics organization when the next hurricane or other disaster arises. Churches in our area can come to us to join a consolidated efficient effort. We can react and respond the next time.

The next level which we have not yet reached is to prepare in advance for the next response. To do so requires volunteers to take on some preparatory tasks now.

• Organize staffed, designated drop-off locations for first response supplies
• Help find quick response volunteers who can go in and help set up relief on short notice
• Inform more churches and church leaders of our efforts
• Lead new teams into the next area in need

We have a good thing going here. We’re doing God’s work and giving Him glory. We’re “getting dirty and helping people”. It’s an easy yoke to keep making this work a priority and answer God’s call when we see such amazing results. Thanks for all you are doing and all you will do to expand our abilities as united servants in the body of Christ.
__________________________________________________________
1 Peter 4:10, Mark 12:30-31, Mathew 9:36-38, Romans 12:4-8

John McGuire
www.ServantsUnite.org
614-523-3996 home
614-404-8610 cel

Servants Unite on Ohio News Network Tonight

Stephanie Mennecke from Ohio News Network interviewed Pastor Mike, Gary Sargent, and I tonight on team 12's trip to Louisiana 2 weeks ago and the continuing efforts of Servants Unite. It will air in the 9:00 hour tonight (Monday). If you can record it, please let me know as I've been unable to get anyone definitively to do so.

For other news, check out the blog entries from last week. Barbara Kempton from New Life did a great job of reporting on the work of their foursome and the people they were helping.

We have sent over 300 people to work in Louisiana since Katrina hit. Over 100 more are scheduled for summer mission trips. More than 3000 people have served with our partner organizations in the New Orleans area, Tammany Oaks, Hilltop Rescue, and Operation Nehemiah.

All you who have volunteered and plan to are so amazingly inspiring. Even if you can't go back or go on the next trip, you can tell someone else who can. Servants Unite is going strong and planning for the next response. You who have gone to serve have the additional task of witnessing to others. Gary and Mike did a great job of that to the ONN TV viewers today. You can be just as effective telling your church leadership, friends, family, and coworkers.

Servants Unite!

Team 13 Thursday Update

So do you think we can stand up and tell the church what we saw, the stories we heard and how we were blessed?

Today we went to the east end of Chalmette. The houses there are really nice. Most are single story homes. A lot of elderly people. The gentleman we met was Harold (71). He lived in his house with his wife and mother. He was a square dance caller and they held square dances out back in a big gazebo. He had left the house during the storm. But those in the neighborhood who didn't leave ended up drowning. Several of Harold's friends died as a result of the flooding or from the trauma afterwards. Since he wasn't at the house at the time of the storm Harold couldn't say how long it took to flood the house. But his house was flooded into the attic. Everything they owned was lost. The water did not recede for two weeks. He had flood insurance but the insurance only paid $75,000 for his home and all its contents. He had no mortgage and now he is displaced to Covington Mississippi. Harold was such a sweet man; he brought us extra water and snacks.

When we got to the house it was a mess. All the furniture, clothing, dishes, linens, etc were still in the house. Everything was submerged in water for two weeks. There was about six inches of muck (mixture of mud, wet plaster board from the ceiling and insulation, along with anything else that floated around the in house). The kitchen still had water in it and the lower cabinets. A fridge had fallen and did not allow the water to drain. The stench was awful. We looked at it and didn't think we could get it done. But we spread out through the house and began shoveling, pulling curtains down and moving furniture out. After a lot of sweat and hard work we able to get all of the muck out of the house, removed the carpet and then pulled down just about all of the plaster board, as well as gut out the kitchen.

Even though the work is hard, we are dead tired at the end of the day and smell worse than we ever smelled in our life, this is probably the best thing I have ever done. It is so rewarding and such a blessing to me to be able to help someone who I have never met. And, to see the joy and hope on the homeowners face when we have finished. Harold was so gratefully, words could not express the way he felt.

For the last couple of months we have been talking about going out and serving others. About being more Christ. But there is nothing that will bring you closer to the Lord and to humble yourself to clean out someone else’s mess. The reality of how much material things mean NOTHING. The question we need to ask is who have I served today.

I will write again tomorrow.

God Bless.

Barbara

Bringing it Home...

I try to think if the crisis were in Gahanna, if this was OUR church hosting teams every week, week after week, month after month- going FAR out of our way to help in such a huge effort, could we do it - could we lay aside our pretty building & our busy schedules & the "way things are supposed to be" and DO IT?? I like to think we would.

When we had the ice storm a few Christmases back, we were ILL-PREPARED but non-the-less opened our building on Christmas day for people to cook and hang out and enjoy our heat :) But 7 months and they are still opening their hearts to all these strangers- that's the Body of Christ for you. They have humbled me with their kindness and I will certainly return the favor when someone needs ME to go out of MY way! Very cool to be a part of all this even from my perch in Ohio!

Cindy B. Schmidt
Director of Missions & Outreach
New Life Church
3690 Stygler Rd
Gahanna, OH 43230
(614) 475-8500
www.enewlife.com

Team 13 Wednesday Update

Today I went to Lakeview, just northwest of downtown New Orleans. We met Sue (71) and Ray (80), and their son Ray Jr. Ray had built his house himself, and let me tell you it was a solid well built house. Their house withstood the hurricane with no problem. They barely heard the wind as the storm passed by. They heard on the radio that the storm had passed and they relaxed in their family room.

Then they noticed about two feet of black water outside the sliding door. The water shattered the sliding door and about five foot of water came rushing in. They scrambled to get their pets, two dogs, two cats and birds. The water came in so fast that it knocked over the refrigerator and the furniture was floating about. They tried to get to the second floor and Sue got trapped at the bottom of the stairs. Ray Jr. had to pull her up out of the water. They sat upstairs and watched as the water kept rising. It came within inches of the ceiling on the first floor. They were camped out in the upper level and on the roof of their home. They cut a hole in the floor of the second level above the kitchen to try and get some food. The only thing they brought up was canned dog food and tuna (no can opener). They had water which they had bought in anticipation of the storm. They cut a hole in the roof and sat up on the roof. While waiting to be rescued the house next door had been washed off its pilings and was floating and bouncing into their house. They heard houses exploding.

For 3 days and 3 nights they watched as helicopters and boats passed them by. They were told they needed to leave their pets behind, but they couldn’t do that. Then finally someone came with a boat and rescued them. But that is not the end of their story.

They were first brought to the bridge (which was dry) because of their pets. They had to leave the birds behind. From there they went to the Coast Guard station. Ray Jr. was an avid gun lover and had saved one of his guns and brought it with them. As a result all three of them were forced to lie on the floor as they were searched. Sue said they treated them like criminal. From there they went to a Catholic Church somewhere. The church had no electric or water. They slept on the pews, but the animals had to stay outside. From there they were transferred somewhere else. Then they were brought to Austin, TX, after which they were transferred to where they are now at what Sue calls the wagon train camp.

Sue said the water level did not recede for over 4 weeks. During that time their home had been looted by thieves in boats and on jet skis. Everything was in a shambles when they were allowed to return.

We were able to remove what was left and gut out the first floor of their house. Sue and Ray were so full of joy that we were there doing work that they could not. Sue talked to me for long periods at a time. She needed to tell her story and have someone just to listen. I was able to pray with Sue, give her hugs and let her know how she had blessed me. Here is this 71 year old woman who went through this traumatic and most horrific experience of her life. In the end her home and material things are gone, but she and her family are alive. Sue was a special woman, an awesome woman. And she thanks Jesus for bringing her through this.

I can’t even imagine how I would react if something so horrible like this happened to me. Sue was a blessing to me. An inspiration. I thank God for this opportunity to serve Him. To be able to show love and compassion to another human being. And all I did was give my time and my muscles. It cost me nothing to give hope to Sue and her family. That’s what the people here need it hope for a new beginning. Thank you Sue and Thank you Lord.

God Bless!

Barbara

Team 13 Tuesday Update

Well we made it through our first day. Boy am I getting old! The first house we went to today wasn't too bad. The owner Eric was there. In his neighborhood which is on the same side of the levee as the French Quarter had only about 5 or 6 feet of water. His house is up about three feet off the ground so the water damage was only to about our knees. The thing is we still needed to gut the house because everything was still in it and there was so much mold. We were done there about 2pm. Eric was a retired gentlemen who suffers from cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure. He is out at Austin, TX where the city has put him up for 18 months at no charge. He came back to Louisiana since he knew that we were coming to work on his house.

Then we came back to headquarters and got our next assignment. This house was in Chalmette just east of the 9th ward where all the houses were under water. It was a two story duplex and the water had gone about 3 or 4 feet into the second level. The drywall was still wet. One side of the duplex has been started and I worked on that side, however the other side of the duplex had not been started. When they moved the fridge there was still water in it. What a foul smell. We were only at the duplex about 2 1/2 hours but made a lot of progress. We will be headed back that way tomorrow.

I have to tell you again, you would not believe the devastation. It’s like a war zone. There are no words to explain what we have seen. We need to pray for these people. In these neighborhoods we see maybe 5 or 10 FEMA trailers in a neighborhood of 100+. How depressing it must be. My heart goes out to the people down here. The debris along the streets makes it surreal. As we gut out these houses everything gets piled along the street waiting for FEMA to come and clean it up

I will write again tomorrow.

God Bless!

Barbara

Team 12 back and Team 13 in the field

Team 12 returned Saturday around 4:00pm after a successful week. They demucked 7 or 8 houses, somebody lost count :-) That's 7 or 8 more drops out of the tub, but much appreciated by all the homeowners they are helping.

Team 13 also left on Saturday. We're claiming them though they are self funded and organized completely of New Life people. Here's their first report Cindy Schmidt forwarded me this morning

Latest Hurricane team in New Orleans, starting work today. Pray for health & safety, good team dynamics, heart & hope for the people involved- representing New Life are Luke Sutherland, Barbara Kempton, Mark Kieffer, & Laura Friday!

We arrived at Hilltop at about 3pm Sunday. The devastation is more than you can imagine. Unfortunately, I can't email pics but I will get a CD printed up for you when I return. Chalmette is just east of the 9th ward. The entire parish of St. Bernard was under water for 3 weeks. The houses in Chalmette withstood the water, however, some were washed away foundation and all (until they hit into another house).

We drove through the 9th ward and it is total devastation. There is one family in their house though I believe all the homes in that area are condemned. We went to where the levee broke and the force of the water splintered the houses. You just can't imagine.

There are two FEMA trailer camps right here at the school. They are surrounded by 12 foot fences with barbed wire at the top. There are guards at the gates and the people have to stop and checked in. They have not only lost their homes but they have lost their freedom as well. We are SO blessed. I will try and send you notes daily.

Barbara

Team 12 Work in Chalmette

It has been soo hard to get online here UGHHHHH! But I have I have a chance now so I am going for it!

We arrived here on Sunday after noon, after spending the night in Nashville. There had been 20 folks killed by tornados the on Saturday. We did see some damage and, some pretty severe damage.

As we arrived here in New Orleans, it appears that many things have not changed. Within 15 miles of us, only a Walgreens is open...and almost bare.....The Home Depot is operating out of the garden center...and it is open as well....There are a couple of tatoo/bars open....but we have not been to those.

On this trip we are working in a city called Chalmette. It is the famous St Bernard Parrish area that we have heard so much about. Our headquarters is the Hilltop Rescue Relief Mission, based out of California. It is in an elementary school that sits in the middle of an area that had about 8 feet of water. The school has been gutted and cleaned. The have allowed the mission to operate out of it to serve the St Bernard Parrish. There is devistation all around us. There is a trailer city right in front of the school...some with folks in it,,,and some that are ready for teachers and responders when/if they come back.

On Monday, we were assigned two houses to de-muck..they were across the street from each other. the water had been to the ceiling and both houses had stuff in them. One of them was full of belongings and the other was not as bad. Both of them had to have everything taken out, then the carpet, the walls and the ceilings. One of the rooms was a babies room. Our teens were moved by the toys and clothing that had been left behind. There was 6 inches of mud in that room. Another room had the same amount of mud, and lots of family pictures and heirlooms that had been destroyed.

Our job was to take everything to the curb...and I mean everything. Carpet, belongings, drywall, glass, appliances, dishes, furniture, everthing out on the street. We had to rip the drywall out. It was all moldy and stained with water, mud and oil. The piles at the street were high and into the neighbors yards. Of course, there was no one at all living in this neighborhood. One of the homeowners, did have a FEMA trailor in their drive and were living in it.

The stories were very sad. The people had very little hope and were very happy to see us. Many folks stop at the work sites and let us know how happy they are that we are there to help them.

One man stopped by in a dump truck. His name was Dale, and he had lived in this area all of his life. His four kids grew up, married and all lived with in ten miles of each other. He shared that now, they were scattered all over...the daughter, a single mother, was transferred to Texas, the boys were in Oklahoma, Baton Rouge and Atlanta. He was very sad that they were all so far apart. He was very distraught that at the age of 62, he and his wife would have to start all over again. Every thing, in their home was lost. His daughter had taken pictures with her when she evacuated. No one else had any....He was teary as he shared that.

We finished up, and returned to the compound for dinner and a devotional. It was very good.

On Tuesday we got up at 6:30 am, had breakfast and a devo and headed to our assignment. It was a 8 room home, that had had water to the ceiling and once again, everything was destroyed. The couple that owned the home were there and worked with us. The man several times would sit down and cry as different items were removed from his home. The wife loved on the teens and adults who were helping. She and he were so greatful for everthing we did. The had recently done some remodling on the home you could tell that they were devastated by the storm and and the destruction of their posessions. They were greatful for their lives, and today, for the teens and adults who came to rescue them from this mess. We were joined today by a cool group from California. 4 teens and 4 adults. They were a welcomed addition to our team. We divided up the house and went to work. It was not long before there wa! s a pile out front, 10 feet wide, 75 feet long. I am not sure that I have ever seen teens (or adults for that matter) work soooo hard in such horrible conditions. The mud smelled. The mold was up the walls to the ceiling, it stunk. There was a refridgerator that really was, well...it is impossible to describe. Clothing, cookware, christmas decorations, crafts and more were all taken to the curb. Sadly, the wife watched most of it go out and would occasionally pull something back to save. She would stop a teen and tell them a story about an article or craft, and then watch as it was tossed on the pile.

I was so proud of our teens as they worked sooo hard to be of service to this couple. Destruction of walls, carpet, and more they did without a complaint. Girls were (guys too) pushing wheel barrows full of stuff, laden with mold, oil and mud out to the curb. Several of these student have so impressed me with their attitudes, love and hard, hard work. It has been a priveldge to serve with them. One in particular has had a very positive attitude. He has worked and served and talked with every one in such a Christ like manner that, it has been a blessing to me to witness his actions.

We invited the couple back here for lunch and dinner and they so enjoyed being with us. He and she both hugged each and every person on our team after we prayed before we left the house. We just dont know how much we were an encouragement to them this day. I know part of a burden was lifted from their hearts. I know that Christ was clearly shown to them this day. I also know that the couple had a lasting impact on our team..several were in tears as we left and as they spoke of the day.

Thank you for keeping us in your prayers. We have a couple days left to go. I am excited to see what God has in store for us!

love

robin

Robin Weier

Tennessee Update and April 15 trip

We do still need participants to join 4 teens and one woman from New Life in Gahanna. At least one guy who is willing to help chaperone is required for them to make the trip to Louisiana. I'd love it if one of our previous volunteers could step forward and lead this team to work next week in New Orleans.

Our current team continued from the Nashville area Sunday and spent the day today mucking out 3, three, III houses! To be fair, they said one didn't have a lot left to do, but 1 is a good day. That's some crew!

I spoke with Mark Bryson in Hendersonville just now. He reports that there has been a lot done in that area hit hard by tornados Friday night. In fact he had a group of 30 from his church who couldn't find work to do. It seems the tornado storm damage is going to be like this; spotty enough that it is well handled by local governments, volunteers, and contractors.

I have a couple of quick response volunteers, but need to have 40 or so individuals that can go quickly to a new disaster zone and help setup relief operations. Servants Unite's mission is to help volunteers get where they are needed. We will be partnering with other groups to provide labor to distribute supplies they secure and love on those hurt by tragedies like Katrina.

We also need volunteers who can man collection stations at local churches to collect supplies for the next Katrina like response we are called to. We need to pray we don't have anything of that magnitude while planning for the possibility. Water and ready to eat food can be collected months before it is needed to ship quickly into a needy area. Even if that is our own backyard when we have severe storm damage.

God has laid this path in front of some of you, or those you forward this information on to.

Servants Unite!

John McGuire

Team 12 lands in New Orleans!

Our team of spring break teens and adults rolled into Chalmette at 6:00 central time. Brendan already has them 2 houses to muck out in the morning. They promise to keep us up to date with what they are doing.

Team on the way to Louisiana

Team 12 left Hendersonville at 9:15 eastern this morning headed on down to Louisiana. They should arrive in Chalmette around 8:00 or 9:00 tonight.

Check back for updates!