Friday, September 16, 2005
Friday Week 1 Mission Administration Update
On 9/15 I had a conference call with some of our on the ground leaders in Mandeville. Its unusual me but I was a little quiet. I did not know quite what to think, these friends of mine, brothers and sisters in Christ, were exhausted, some frustrated, and yet joyous at the work they have been allowed. I just had to take a moment to take it in and evaluate it all.
All in all the work has been great, people have been busy, and from all the reports fulfilled. It has been a good work the Lord has put us to. The report is we need to be more self sufficient that we have been. We need more campers as there is not much room in the church and the road is dangerous to cross at night. We need more workers, and we need to get more supplies for what our team needs so we do not have to buy so much.
They confirmed that there are more supplies there and coming than the teams can distribute. They need workers and our workers need to be able to take care of themselves.......... That is our immediate need.
If you are sitting saying I can't get off work saying, "what can I do", well here’s a list:
I also am amazed and bless to be at the center of this effort as I watch people of different backgrounds, faiths, and beliefs come together. Not one group has asked me what I believe on anything. I guess some of our predetermined qualifiers have gone out the window .......... I wonder if it will remain that way. I want to thank Randy Rhodes of the Northside Fellowship for answering God's call to pick up the phone and call me. He and his team members there have been a blessing. John McGuire and his family from Westerville Christian have established this blog and encouraged and helped at every turn. Beth Duffey from Northside has jumped in and helped everywhere she could including recruiting workers from half her neighborhood and friends. There are many many more.
I simple praise God for the work He is doing. Not Himself with the mighty swipe of His hand but through ordinary willing, moveable people.
OK OK I am done preaching, God Bless and thank you for reading and helping.
Brad Hayes
All in all the work has been great, people have been busy, and from all the reports fulfilled. It has been a good work the Lord has put us to. The report is we need to be more self sufficient that we have been. We need more campers as there is not much room in the church and the road is dangerous to cross at night. We need more workers, and we need to get more supplies for what our team needs so we do not have to buy so much.
They confirmed that there are more supplies there and coming than the teams can distribute. They need workers and our workers need to be able to take care of themselves.......... That is our immediate need.
If you are sitting saying I can't get off work saying, "what can I do", well here’s a list:
- Make a donation of some of the needed items
- Write a check to the Spring Road Katrina fund
- Speak to your churches about a special contribution for the effort
- Talk to friends who may desire to go and work
- Write a note to send that will encourage workers and or victims
- We can all do something
I also am amazed and bless to be at the center of this effort as I watch people of different backgrounds, faiths, and beliefs come together. Not one group has asked me what I believe on anything. I guess some of our predetermined qualifiers have gone out the window .......... I wonder if it will remain that way. I want to thank Randy Rhodes of the Northside Fellowship for answering God's call to pick up the phone and call me. He and his team members there have been a blessing. John McGuire and his family from Westerville Christian have established this blog and encouraged and helped at every turn. Beth Duffey from Northside has jumped in and helped everywhere she could including recruiting workers from half her neighborhood and friends. There are many many more.
I simple praise God for the work He is doing. Not Himself with the mighty swipe of His hand but through ordinary willing, moveable people.
OK OK I am done preaching, God Bless and thank you for reading and helping.
Brad Hayes
Friday Week 1 Testimonials
What an amazing week! It took quite some time to get to Louisiana (seemed like forever) but as we started getting close to our destination, words cannot express all the emotions I felt. I saw debris everywhere, treetops were gone, boats/cars in or against houses, unbelievable.
When we arrived, we got right to work. Things of course have been very hectic since we've arrived. There are many truckloads of items to be sorted daily, and then packaged into boxes for distribution to families in the community.
It was really hard for some people to accept the few items we had to offer because they never had to ask for any help before. It was so rewarding though to see those accept these bare essentials and smile and say, "Thank you, God Bless You". We traveled out to deliver boxes as well and people were excited to get Sunny Delight because they were tired of bottled water.
As we went into the housing development near the lake, the odor in the air was horrible and there was dust on the roads and mud everywhere else. We were covered in dust by the time we were done.
One house we stopped at, the gentleman there said no one had stopped at his house at all since the hurricane, that we were the first. He was very appreciative of the food and water. It's been refreshing to see how a box of food and a case of water with a smile and a hug can brighten someone's day. One lady just started crying as the guys gave her a hug as she had lost everything.
The people are just lost. Some just don't know where to start. I can't begin to imagine what it would be like to lose everything. I am thankful that God has given me this opportunity to serve these people and hope that everyone in some way could experience the same as we have this week. We've also met some wonderful people from California, Miami and Tennessee who have also come to help in the relief effort. Thanks to all who contributed in any way to make this mission a possibility.
Lisa Blair
PS - Thanks again Brad so much for all of your hard work. We really appreciate all that you do. :)
For me, an experience like this is unexplainable. I sat down and tried to think and think of how to explain it to people when they asked but nothing I thought of could even began to describe how I've felt this past week or even began to explain the things we've seen.
We took millions of picture and unfortunately I still don't think it was enough for everyone to truly see how bad things are. People are living on the streets, some with their families and others without. They don't know whether they’re dead or alive and aren't even sure if they will have contact with them any time soon. What's horrible is that some people are still trapped in there houses and there’s nothing we can do about it. That bothers me so much and I wish that I could stay much longer since it’s the least I can do.
Tonight me and a friend were looking up some scriptures and came across the book of Lamentations which seemed to sum up the whole story of the storm, and how people who lost there houses might be feeling right now.
"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:21-23
Amanda Evans
When we arrived, we got right to work. Things of course have been very hectic since we've arrived. There are many truckloads of items to be sorted daily, and then packaged into boxes for distribution to families in the community.
It was really hard for some people to accept the few items we had to offer because they never had to ask for any help before. It was so rewarding though to see those accept these bare essentials and smile and say, "Thank you, God Bless You". We traveled out to deliver boxes as well and people were excited to get Sunny Delight because they were tired of bottled water.
As we went into the housing development near the lake, the odor in the air was horrible and there was dust on the roads and mud everywhere else. We were covered in dust by the time we were done.
One house we stopped at, the gentleman there said no one had stopped at his house at all since the hurricane, that we were the first. He was very appreciative of the food and water. It's been refreshing to see how a box of food and a case of water with a smile and a hug can brighten someone's day. One lady just started crying as the guys gave her a hug as she had lost everything.
The people are just lost. Some just don't know where to start. I can't begin to imagine what it would be like to lose everything. I am thankful that God has given me this opportunity to serve these people and hope that everyone in some way could experience the same as we have this week. We've also met some wonderful people from California, Miami and Tennessee who have also come to help in the relief effort. Thanks to all who contributed in any way to make this mission a possibility.
Lisa Blair
PS - Thanks again Brad so much for all of your hard work. We really appreciate all that you do. :)
For me, an experience like this is unexplainable. I sat down and tried to think and think of how to explain it to people when they asked but nothing I thought of could even began to describe how I've felt this past week or even began to explain the things we've seen.
We took millions of picture and unfortunately I still don't think it was enough for everyone to truly see how bad things are. People are living on the streets, some with their families and others without. They don't know whether they’re dead or alive and aren't even sure if they will have contact with them any time soon. What's horrible is that some people are still trapped in there houses and there’s nothing we can do about it. That bothers me so much and I wish that I could stay much longer since it’s the least I can do.
Tonight me and a friend were looking up some scriptures and came across the book of Lamentations which seemed to sum up the whole story of the storm, and how people who lost there houses might be feeling right now.
"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:21-23
Amanda Evans
Thursday Week 1 Mission Administration Update
We had a conference call with our team in LA tonight and the following needs have been listed as a major priority for our trip:
Our team sounds exhausted. Plan to work long hours and be in the heat. I would like to recommend that anyone who can make it plan to be at the building to encourage them on Sat when they arrive back here. We are expecting them between 4 and 5 in the afternoon and I will try to let you know a more exact time later. They said 3 to 5 semis arrive daily with supplies that need unloaded and sorted to be distributed.
There seems to be a great demand for tradesmen. Right now electricians and plumbers, soon to follow carpenters and roofers. If you can make it, please do.
May God bless you as you consider your role in this dissaster. Sunday in bible class we were discussing tragedy and dissaster and we talked about the verses in I Corinthians where it discusses that these things happen so that God may be glorified. We He is being glorified and you are a part of sharing the blessing He has so richly given us.
Because He love us first,
Brad Hayes
PS
I need a favor tomorrow. We need a pick up at Wendy's International in Dublin. Its two pallets of paper goods for our teams. It will take at least a full size pickup or equivelant trailer. Between the hours 9:00 and 5:00 they have a pallet jack or forklift and I am told they will load it. I have to go to Mansfield tomorrow afternoon. If you could handle this for me please call me by 10:00 AM and I will give you the details.
- Campers - we need several
- Chairs for outdoors at the campsite Picnic tables- foldable
- Portable lights for campsite
- Stuff to fight bugs specifically misquitos and "love bugs"
- Cordless tools
- We need 450 foot of garden hose to hook up our own showers
- As for food items we need large industrial cans of vegatables, pasta and sauce, and other items to feed large groups.
- Strongly recommend a lot more gatorade.
- Several small portable coolers.
- Small fans for the campers to keep air moving - they said the heat is not bad at night
- other items - if you are not in a position to make a donation of items or cash you or your kids could write notes to encourage the workers and or victims.
Our team sounds exhausted. Plan to work long hours and be in the heat. I would like to recommend that anyone who can make it plan to be at the building to encourage them on Sat when they arrive back here. We are expecting them between 4 and 5 in the afternoon and I will try to let you know a more exact time later. They said 3 to 5 semis arrive daily with supplies that need unloaded and sorted to be distributed.
There seems to be a great demand for tradesmen. Right now electricians and plumbers, soon to follow carpenters and roofers. If you can make it, please do.
May God bless you as you consider your role in this dissaster. Sunday in bible class we were discussing tragedy and dissaster and we talked about the verses in I Corinthians where it discusses that these things happen so that God may be glorified. We He is being glorified and you are a part of sharing the blessing He has so richly given us.
Because He love us first,
Brad Hayes
PS
I need a favor tomorrow. We need a pick up at Wendy's International in Dublin. Its two pallets of paper goods for our teams. It will take at least a full size pickup or equivelant trailer. Between the hours 9:00 and 5:00 they have a pallet jack or forklift and I am told they will load it. I have to go to Mansfield tomorrow afternoon. If you could handle this for me please call me by 10:00 AM and I will give you the details.
Thursday Week 1 testimonials
Before I came here, my entire idea of this place and all of its
destruction was limited to what I saw on tv and heard on the radio.
But after being here and experiencing the sights of destroyed house,
the families who have nothing to go home to and aal the chaos that has
been caused, it has really opened my eyes to the "bigger picture".
When i'm working in the warehouse or carrying boxes of the trucks, I
feel that i'm not doing anything to help those who really need it, but
when I deliver food and water to people who are homeless and have none
and they just break down in your arms and say "God bless you" and
can't thats when I know I am helping make a difference in someone's
life and to me, that makes being down here helping worth it.
Morgan Yates
Being down in Louisiana has helped me change my perspective. Yesterday
the group went Gulf Port. As we were walking through the street in the
surrounding neighborhood, I kept on thinking how we in America take
everything for granted. Here in Ohio we have homes to live in, food to
eat, our houses have not been flooded to where we have to take our
furniture out to our curbs for trash. But the people in Louisiana have
nothing now in their home, no jobs most likely now, in fact they have
to start a whole new life.
So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life- whether you have
enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than
food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don't need to plant of
harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them.
And you are far more valuable to him than they are. Can all your
worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.
Matthew 5:25-27
-In Christian Love,
Nater J. Barnhardt
I am a senior at Westerville North Highschool this year. The
pressures of applying to colleges and wondering whether you will be
accepted or not. The reoccuring question of what do I want to be?and
what do I want to major in continue to be asked and my constant answer
is dissappointingly "I don't know."There are so many things that I
have the opportunity to be and to do with my life. I am horrible with
decisions.The kind of person who needs help deciding what they want to
eat when they go out to dinner-the more options i am given-the harder
it becomes for me to decide. So as i wonder what it is I want to do
with my life,and how it is I want to spend it,I seem to be getting
more and more confused. I love helping people, working with my own two
hands,music,art,science,understanding how things work,and am
interested in cosmatalogy.So in my head none of those things seem to
fit together to fit into one solid occupation for me.So making up my
mind about what to do with my life is a constant question hanging in
my mind and a steady question that I have been sending up to God
patiently awaiting an answer.
The past five days of my life have been spent living and doing the
ways of Jesus. I am down in Mandeville,Louisianna volunteering with
the disaster relief from hurricane Katrina. Nothing in my life has
ever felt so sure and right. Nothing. While down here we have been
given the chance to organize and pack up supplies for hurricane
victims. We have gone out into the neighborhoods and hand delivered
food boxes,bottled water and juices to people out in their houses
trying to salvage their belongings and save what they have left. It
has been amazing to hear survivors' stories and just to be there for
them and to listen to them talk. I love knowing that every single day
I have been here I have had the chance to make a difference, to help
make a change, and to make a person's day. Seeing a child's face light
up as you hand them a coloring book and a box of crayons is worth
our "14 hour" car ride down here!Just the knowledge of knowing that
you helped someone lets you rest peacefully at night,and gives you
just as much strength and more to rise up the next morning to have the
chance to do it all over again. I have never known what i want to be
when i grow up, but at least now i know what I want to DO. I want to
help people,and by doing so help to spread the love of Jesus Christ,
our Lord. He has never failed me and He never will....for if He leads
you to it, He WILL lead you through it.
Thankyou for this opportunity and God bless!
-Katie Cogswell-
destruction was limited to what I saw on tv and heard on the radio.
But after being here and experiencing the sights of destroyed house,
the families who have nothing to go home to and aal the chaos that has
been caused, it has really opened my eyes to the "bigger picture".
When i'm working in the warehouse or carrying boxes of the trucks, I
feel that i'm not doing anything to help those who really need it, but
when I deliver food and water to people who are homeless and have none
and they just break down in your arms and say "God bless you" and
can't thats when I know I am helping make a difference in someone's
life and to me, that makes being down here helping worth it.
Morgan Yates
Being down in Louisiana has helped me change my perspective. Yesterday
the group went Gulf Port. As we were walking through the street in the
surrounding neighborhood, I kept on thinking how we in America take
everything for granted. Here in Ohio we have homes to live in, food to
eat, our houses have not been flooded to where we have to take our
furniture out to our curbs for trash. But the people in Louisiana have
nothing now in their home, no jobs most likely now, in fact they have
to start a whole new life.
So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life- whether you have
enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than
food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don't need to plant of
harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them.
And you are far more valuable to him than they are. Can all your
worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.
Matthew 5:25-27
-In Christian Love,
Nater J. Barnhardt
I am a senior at Westerville North Highschool this year. The
pressures of applying to colleges and wondering whether you will be
accepted or not. The reoccuring question of what do I want to be?and
what do I want to major in continue to be asked and my constant answer
is dissappointingly "I don't know."There are so many things that I
have the opportunity to be and to do with my life. I am horrible with
decisions.The kind of person who needs help deciding what they want to
eat when they go out to dinner-the more options i am given-the harder
it becomes for me to decide. So as i wonder what it is I want to do
with my life,and how it is I want to spend it,I seem to be getting
more and more confused. I love helping people, working with my own two
hands,music,art,science,understanding how things work,and am
interested in cosmatalogy.So in my head none of those things seem to
fit together to fit into one solid occupation for me.So making up my
mind about what to do with my life is a constant question hanging in
my mind and a steady question that I have been sending up to God
patiently awaiting an answer.
The past five days of my life have been spent living and doing the
ways of Jesus. I am down in Mandeville,Louisianna volunteering with
the disaster relief from hurricane Katrina. Nothing in my life has
ever felt so sure and right. Nothing. While down here we have been
given the chance to organize and pack up supplies for hurricane
victims. We have gone out into the neighborhoods and hand delivered
food boxes,bottled water and juices to people out in their houses
trying to salvage their belongings and save what they have left. It
has been amazing to hear survivors' stories and just to be there for
them and to listen to them talk. I love knowing that every single day
I have been here I have had the chance to make a difference, to help
make a change, and to make a person's day. Seeing a child's face light
up as you hand them a coloring book and a box of crayons is worth
our "14 hour" car ride down here!Just the knowledge of knowing that
you helped someone lets you rest peacefully at night,and gives you
just as much strength and more to rise up the next morning to have the
chance to do it all over again. I have never known what i want to be
when i grow up, but at least now i know what I want to DO. I want to
help people,and by doing so help to spread the love of Jesus Christ,
our Lord. He has never failed me and He never will....for if He leads
you to it, He WILL lead you through it.
Thankyou for this opportunity and God bless!
-Katie Cogswell-
Thursday Week 1 Pics
The first pictures are from the home next to the church that we worked on and cleaned up.
The military folks are from Canton. They let us in on the road to New Orleans. We did not go to New Orleans, but went to a couple of subdivisons well out side the New Orleans area. We gave the guys some Snickers bars and some cold drinks.
One of the police men that was there needed food for his family and we gave him some food, water and sunny d.
The boats that you see, were more than a mile from the water....
a mile...
Keep praying!
Robin
Thursday, September 15, 2005
News from the Field, Week 1, Day 4
I think Robin is
sleeping in Troy's bed right now. We'll let him know about the e- mail.
If at all possible, the food needs to be packed in plastic tubs
(preferably clear for ease of finding things). We lost a lot of food
this week to ants eating through packages. The meat worked
wonderfully and I think we've secured a refrigerator (if I understood
Troy & Robin correctly) to use for the teams until we're done. Our
cooks have been outstanding! (Steven & Steve Fuchs)
Most of our crew is resting at this point in the day (except Lora -
She's helping give sponge baths for nursing home residents). We are
all extremely tired from the heat & all the work we've done. The kids
packed quite a few boxes today but said they felt like they hadn't
done enough. They really want to go out to pass out more food boxes,
but we'll have to wait and see if that materializes.
We appreciate so much all of your hard work at home. I know things
have been crazy & we aren't always the easiest to contact. Thanks
again for all of your hard work.
Lisa Blair
sleeping in Troy's bed right now. We'll let him know about the e- mail.
If at all possible, the food needs to be packed in plastic tubs
(preferably clear for ease of finding things). We lost a lot of food
this week to ants eating through packages. The meat worked
wonderfully and I think we've secured a refrigerator (if I understood
Troy & Robin correctly) to use for the teams until we're done. Our
cooks have been outstanding! (Steven & Steve Fuchs)
Most of our crew is resting at this point in the day (except Lora -
She's helping give sponge baths for nursing home residents). We are
all extremely tired from the heat & all the work we've done. The kids
packed quite a few boxes today but said they felt like they hadn't
done enough. They really want to go out to pass out more food boxes,
but we'll have to wait and see if that materializes.
We appreciate so much all of your hard work at home. I know things
have been crazy & we aren't always the easiest to contact. Thanks
again for all of your hard work.
Lisa Blair
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Wednesday Week 1 Update from Mandeville, LA
Today, we serviced about 250 families at the church. That does not include the homes where we were cutting wood, fixing up problems and visiting and helping neighbors.
Lee Ann, one of the workers with us, went to see her son's home in Kiln, Mississippi today. He and his son and family escaped the storm by going to Tallahassee. When they returned, they found their home good, but the front was off of its foundation. It has been repaired. Tim's neighbor's mobile home, no more than 50 feet from his own home, was obliterated . Tim was very thankful for the Lord sparing his.
Across the street, there was a beautiful brick home that was spared, but their son's mobile home was destroyed. They had bought a newer one and were renovating it no more than 20 feet from the one they were living in, and it was destroyed. As you can see in the picture, the walls and roof were taken. In their bed room, the trophies were still on the shelf. Unbelieveable.
We delivered supplies to the the families in the area and prayed with them.
On the way back to Mandeville, we stopped by a place where the Jourdon River flowed...that is the picture where the whole end of the house is gone. We then drove through Waveland, where beautiful manisons were a pile of sticks. It was very very sad.
The flag picture was one of the plantations that were destroyed. It was very touching.Our people have been working very hard. God has touched us all in so many ways.
I held the baby at Kiln, he was very cute....10 months old. His name is McCaden. I was able to have prayer with he and his parents. I hope that we can do something to help them get their home together.
Thank you for your prayers and love and encouragement.
We are all healthy and doing well, especially after a good nights sleep on Monday evening.
We are in a devo right now, some awesome praise to the King.
Until tomorrow,
Love Robin
Wednesday Week 1 Update from Columbus
Dear team members:
Attached is a field update from Robin Weier with the first pics from the area of some of the devastation of homes and property that they are seeing. Know this, there is much to do and your are much needed.
Once again the teams are so hard at work that info is difficult to come by but they are all working and all making a difference. They moved out into the field a little more yesterday in their clean up efforts and were able to help many families.
Momentum Apprears to be slowing down ............ Don't let Satan do that to us The needs of the Lord's Army remains great!!!!
We will be in need of the following as we prepare for this weeks trip:
Reports back from the field say take some shorts to wear so when you are working around the building you can be more comfortable.
Teams will be leaving from the Spring Road Building at 8:00 AM on your assigned Sundays. Please don't be late. If you need housing on Sat please let me know.
Thank you all for your support and let me know what has been overlooked.
I will update worker lists and weeks by tomorrow night so do not worry about you not being listed if you get this email I have you listed.
Brad
Attached is a field update from Robin Weier with the first pics from the area of some of the devastation of homes and property that they are seeing. Know this, there is much to do and your are much needed.
Once again the teams are so hard at work that info is difficult to come by but they are all working and all making a difference. They moved out into the field a little more yesterday in their clean up efforts and were able to help many families.
Momentum Apprears to be slowing down ............ Don't let Satan do that to us The needs of the Lord's Army remains great!!!!
We will be in need of the following as we prepare for this weeks trip:
- $$$ We need money to support the trips down and back. Please don't let money interfere with God's work here. We have a huge expense of gas for the vehicles and we need your help. Send donations to Spring Road Katrina Fund. Also email me so I know its coming.
- We still need to gather as much food for the teams as possible. A local church in the area has agreed to provide money for food for the teams, however, whatever we can send will lighten that burden. So please get food donations to the Spring Road building by SAT AM. We need water, gatorade, chips, crackers, snacks, Tuna, chicken canned, canned goods,etc. It will be put in a pantry to use by the teams down there.
- Cleaning supplies, rubber gloves
- We are still in need of large appliances, dishwasher, refrigerator, stove (electric), freezer. Because of the need and the masses working from this center we are currently focusing on commercial appliances.
Reports back from the field say take some shorts to wear so when you are working around the building you can be more comfortable.
Teams will be leaving from the Spring Road Building at 8:00 AM on your assigned Sundays. Please don't be late. If you need housing on Sat please let me know.
Thank you all for your support and let me know what has been overlooked.
I will update worker lists and weeks by tomorrow night so do not worry about you not being listed if you get this email I have you listed.
Brad
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
First Pics
Team 1 - Day 2 in the field from Troy
Everyone arrived safely to a mass of products moving in and out of this place. We first set up base camp and got everything set up. Steve and Steven Fuch immediately went to work cutting trees and cleaning up homes. Gary's sister from Slidel was waiting for him and he spent the day helping them clean up their property. Robin and I unloaded the big pick up and the big trailer and got established with Todd. Robin was sent on a mission I am unsure of and will let him tell you about. Our ladies and girls went right to work handing out "family boxes". These are boxes of items that have food supplies for a family of five each weighing around 60 pounds. They packed and handed out around 120 of them. They also handed out personal need items, cleaning supplies, and linens. When they closed the doors, they stayed and packed another 75 or so boxes for tomorrow. Justin, Morgen, Chris and I took a truck loaded with medical supplies and made emergency deliveries to area hospitals and rehab centers in the area. The people here were excited to see Jimmy as he is an electrician and spent his day going out to members homes restoring their power and making their homes inhabitalble again. Needless to say, nobody was for want of something to do.
After the work ended, everyone headed for the showers and cleaned up. With our delay in travel, this was the first time in over 36 hours. We ended our day with a devotional. Chris and Morgen and Chris lead a few songs, Justin lead a prayer, and I shared a devotional thought. With so much to be done, it is hard to tell if we are making a dent, but the faces of the people we are seeing assure us that God is doing a great work here. Looking back on the day and some to the conversations with the "leaders" of the operation, it is evermore apparent that the most flexible and needed commodity here is cash and manpower.
Tomorrow will be another day with the possibility of going out to see some of the more effected areas. We'll keep you posted and please continue to pray for us as we pray for you.
I think that about sums up the message from last night and I will have the teens redo their bloggings when we get together tonight.
Love 'Em Like Jesus,
Troy Blair, Youth Minister
After the work ended, everyone headed for the showers and cleaned up. With our delay in travel, this was the first time in over 36 hours. We ended our day with a devotional. Chris and Morgen and Chris lead a few songs, Justin lead a prayer, and I shared a devotional thought. With so much to be done, it is hard to tell if we are making a dent, but the faces of the people we are seeing assure us that God is doing a great work here. Looking back on the day and some to the conversations with the "leaders" of the operation, it is evermore apparent that the most flexible and needed commodity here is cash and manpower.
Tomorrow will be another day with the possibility of going out to see some of the more effected areas. We'll keep you posted and please continue to pray for us as we pray for you.
I think that about sums up the message from last night and I will have the teens redo their bloggings when we get together tonight.
Love 'Em Like Jesus,
Troy Blair, Youth Minister
Team 1 - Day 2 in the field
Good morning. We arrived here about 8 am on Monday...
We set up our compound and unloaded our supplies.
We we went into the church to get an orientation....and boy did we get one! On our way in, they started picking off our people in groups to start to unload trucks, fill orders...deliver medical supplies, sort, and the list goes on and on. We worked till 8 pm....
The devestation is just unfathomable. I helped to drive some supplies to a family, who has 8 families living with them....25 minutes away...because of traffic, downed trees and more, we arrived to the house ..in the woods...a very poor family who had taken in there friends....we arrived there an hour and 15 minutes after leaving the building....
Steve and Stephen were sent to take medical supplies to a church. Troy took supplies to a hospital. The trucks and supplies are coming in....and have to be unloaded and sorted..
We are having a devo here in a few minutes.
Everyone here is working hard! Keep us in your prayers...and more news later today.
love ya
robin
We set up our compound and unloaded our supplies.
We we went into the church to get an orientation....and boy did we get one! On our way in, they started picking off our people in groups to start to unload trucks, fill orders...deliver medical supplies, sort, and the list goes on and on. We worked till 8 pm....
The devestation is just unfathomable. I helped to drive some supplies to a family, who has 8 families living with them....25 minutes away...because of traffic, downed trees and more, we arrived to the house ..in the woods...a very poor family who had taken in there friends....we arrived there an hour and 15 minutes after leaving the building....
Steve and Stephen were sent to take medical supplies to a church. Troy took supplies to a hospital. The trucks and supplies are coming in....and have to be unloaded and sorted..
We are having a devo here in a few minutes.
Everyone here is working hard! Keep us in your prayers...and more news later today.
love ya
robin
Spring Road Katrina Relief Site Published
You can now find concise, well organized, and up to date information at the new Katrina Relief site Spring Road Church of Christ has put up. This is the authoratative source for such information. This blog will now transition to updates from the field as they come in.
May God continue to bless this effort and bring the body of Christ together through service.
May God continue to bless this effort and bring the body of Christ together through service.
Monday, September 12, 2005
Week 1 - September 11 Team Info
| Robin Weier | | |
| Gary Carmichael | | 740-965-2137 |
| Steve Fuchs | | |
| Steven Fuchs | | |
| Troy Blair | | 614-937-1681 |
| Lee Damron | | |
| Lisa Blair | | |
| Charlie Cramlet | | |
| Adrienne Bradley | | 614-218-4777 |
| Lora Bradley | 614-218-2777 | |
| Nathan Barnhardt | 614-394-3400 | |
| Jean Newberry | 304-863-3825 | |
| Lee Ann Maul | 304-863-5816 | |
| Janice Lynch | | 304-863-6008 |
| Todd Mullin | | |
| Amanda Evans | 614-425-5639 | |
| Christopher Smith | 614-506-9228 | |
| Lauren McVicker | 614-899-0944 | |
| Kalee Barnhardt | 614-394-4544 | |
| JustinYates | 614-425-0032 | |
| Morgen Yates | 740-927-3399 | |
| Jimmy Patterson | 614-882-3188 | |
| Kasey Dunkin | 614-337-1558 | |
| Kair Kogswell | 614-783-7829 |
Consolidated Information Update
Dear Teams:
Well its been several days in coming but here it is. I am a little scattered, just to tell you how scattered, my original intent in this email was to have you call me if you "don't" get it so I can get your email address correct!!!!!!!
Anyway, attached is a team list and contacts. I would like to add your home church to the list so please email that to me. If I don't receive it by tonight I will be calling because I will assume you did not get this. Aha I figured it out. Also if you see someone you know and I have the wrong contact info email or call me. If you see I am missing some info for you please forward it to me with your church affiliation.
Some quick updates in terms of work etc.
We currently have 4 men out with chainsaws, one electrician being taken around to peoples homes who desperately need help, and one running medical supplies. From 10AM to 2 PM the rest of the team is working on handing out much need supplies.
I have been told dress and other items may change before the end of the week, so don't go buy anything yet.
Also the Red Cross has said only new clothes can be handed out so please no more clothes unless you are in a position to donate new clothes. As I get updates from our team I will let you know.
I need to get a vehicle list together as well as begin coordination for the next trip so please see below and let me know if you can help:
We still need:
10 air matresses or cots
food for the teams - no perishable stuff to take with us
20 cases of water for the teams per week
Gatorade or the like for the teams each week
Snacks for the teams each week.
$$$$ We have raised around $5,800 so far but the gas costs of transportation and generator use will eat that up before week 2 is over.
Also there seems to be much concern for the news reports ect discussing disease and the like. The area we are in was hard hit but did not have standing water and toxins all over so we believe at this point they are not an issue for our teams.
Also because of questions we have recieved we are asking that no one under high school age go with our groups.
We need trucks, did I say trucks??? we need to be able to haul away debris. Trailers too.
We could use campers (preferably with air) and preferably one's that could stay the month. It just takes less coordination this way.
Donations can be dropped at the Spring Road Church of Christ 74 S. Spring Westerville OH between the hours of 10 AM and 3 PM or with special arrangements. Again no clothes at this time.
Just some praise for you all:
We were able to secure a commercial ice maker and it is down there along with a regular size washer and dryer. we are still seeking a commercial washer and dryer.
We took down 8 chainsaws, 2 generators, lots of food, some clothing(it got through), Camping supplies for the month, an RV, shovels, buckets, 2 cases of clorox bleach and lots lots more. I will send out a supplies request by Weds of this week.
And you can see for yourselves the number of people who have responded to go work.
I hope this helps you all as you prepare for your time of service either by going to LA, collecting items, coordinating workers, sending money or however you are answering God's call.
Bless you all
Brad Hayes 614-288-5825.
Don't forget to send my your local church affiliation!
Well its been several days in coming but here it is. I am a little scattered, just to tell you how scattered, my original intent in this email was to have you call me if you "don't" get it so I can get your email address correct!!!!!!!
Anyway, attached is a team list and contacts. I would like to add your home church to the list so please email that to me. If I don't receive it by tonight I will be calling because I will assume you did not get this. Aha I figured it out. Also if you see someone you know and I have the wrong contact info email or call me. If you see I am missing some info for you please forward it to me with your church affiliation.
Some quick updates in terms of work etc.
We currently have 4 men out with chainsaws, one electrician being taken around to peoples homes who desperately need help, and one running medical supplies. From 10AM to 2 PM the rest of the team is working on handing out much need supplies.
I have been told dress and other items may change before the end of the week, so don't go buy anything yet.
Also the Red Cross has said only new clothes can be handed out so please no more clothes unless you are in a position to donate new clothes. As I get updates from our team I will let you know.
I need to get a vehicle list together as well as begin coordination for the next trip so please see below and let me know if you can help:
We still need:
10 air matresses or cots
food for the teams - no perishable stuff to take with us
20 cases of water for the teams per week
Gatorade or the like for the teams each week
Snacks for the teams each week.
$$$$ We have raised around $5,800 so far but the gas costs of transportation and generator use will eat that up before week 2 is over.
Also there seems to be much concern for the news reports ect discussing disease and the like. The area we are in was hard hit but did not have standing water and toxins all over so we believe at this point they are not an issue for our teams.
Also because of questions we have recieved we are asking that no one under high school age go with our groups.
We need trucks, did I say trucks??? we need to be able to haul away debris. Trailers too.
We could use campers (preferably with air) and preferably one's that could stay the month. It just takes less coordination this way.
Donations can be dropped at the Spring Road Church of Christ 74 S. Spring Westerville OH between the hours of 10 AM and 3 PM or with special arrangements. Again no clothes at this time.
Just some praise for you all:
We were able to secure a commercial ice maker and it is down there along with a regular size washer and dryer. we are still seeking a commercial washer and dryer.
We took down 8 chainsaws, 2 generators, lots of food, some clothing(it got through), Camping supplies for the month, an RV, shovels, buckets, 2 cases of clorox bleach and lots lots more. I will send out a supplies request by Weds of this week.
And you can see for yourselves the number of people who have responded to go work.
I hope this helps you all as you prepare for your time of service either by going to LA, collecting items, coordinating workers, sending money or however you are answering God's call.
Bless you all
Brad Hayes 614-288-5825.
Don't forget to send my your local church affiliation!
Week 2 - September 18 Team Info
| Carl Brown | | 614-778-0600 |
| Kenny Nichols | | |
| Karen Dorman | 614-447-0405 614-256-3718 | |
| Patti Ringle | | |
| Bill Vath | | |
| Bev Vath | | |
| Emily Duffey | 614-893-4877 | |
| Melinda Mcguire | 614-523-3996 | |
| Steve Deel | 740-9655232 | |
| Dean Meadows | | |
| Kitty Stephens | 614-464-2873 | |
| Chris Orecchio | 937-642-8087 | |
| Kelly Childs | 513-367-2809 | |
| Casey Oakes | 513-419-3425 | |
| Carolyn Wiley | 614-901-0567 | |
| Doug Nichols | 614-899-1153 | |
| Sharon Oakes | 513-772-3599 | |
| Toni Rhodes | | |
| Carol Morrison (RV) | | 330-738-4051 |
| Carol 2 | | |
| Carol 3 | | |
| Carol 4 | | |
| Denise Rickard | | |
| Natalie Rickard | | |
| Cheryl Shirk | | |
| Tiffany Shirk | | |
Week 3 - September 25 Team Info
| Tom McClannahan | | |
| Becky McGiffin | | |
| Mark McGiffin | | |
| Bill Zimmerman | 260-726-6456 | |
| Bill Wright | | |
| Susan Wright | | |
| John McGuire | 614-523-3996 | |
| Bob Eckleberry | | |
| Providence Road C of C | |
Week 4 - October 2 Team Info
| Jim Taylor | 937- 592-1769 | |
| Greg Hunt | | |
| Shawn Pittman | 937-586-7035 | |
| Laura Ross | 330-634-1686 | |
| James Ross | | |
| Tommy Ross | | |
| Shannon Carlton | 614-891-5721 | |
| Brad Hayes | 614-288-5825 | |
| Amy Hayes | 614-288-5833 | |
| Whitney Hayes | 614-406-0502 | |
| Shanda Cheney | 614-471-2115 | |
| Randy Rhodes | 614 406 5295 |
