ARE YOU READY TO EXPERIENCE THIS??

The following is a quote from Marge Wood about our Thanksgiving week. Marge is one of our "full-time" bookkeeper, cook, housecleaner, people greeter, hugger, what-would-we-do-without-her-volunteers!! Keep watching for more details about this wonderful week and remember......you just HAVE to plan to come and experience this for yourself. YOU WON'T REGRET IT!!! :)

"When I think about everything that was accomplished since October 20, it almost boggles my mind and I am so pleased. The work done on homes, the Bible studies, the responses (especially our Ashley), the kitchen trailer, the Creekwood assist with prep of the food, becoming involved with the Gautier and Vancleave congregations, the Gautier dinner, sending food for the NOLA dinner, meeting (and re-meeting) the volunteers who came and worked so diligently, the CISM class, the books for the BLB library, etc., etc. I can hardly believe we did all this when I see it listed and I know the list is incomplete. IT FELT SO GOOD, IT WAS SO GOOD. OUR GOD IS ALIVE AND WORKING WITH US AND THROUGH US."....... Marge Wood

Below are some comments from one of our amazing volunteers that was here with the Freed-Hardeman University group this week. I will be posting more along with my own comments. Be watching.......GOD truly blessed us with an AWESOME workcamp experience this past week. I can't wait to share it with you!!
Laura

Wow

This trip has been life changing. God is so awesome and I have been so blessed by being here. I am sad to say we are leaving tomorrow (Wed.) and pray that my next trip down here will be very soon. I have been so encouraged by Mark,Laura,Ashley,Mike, and last but most definitely not least Ms. Marge. Though I have been here less than 150 hours each of them have made a tremendous impact on me and I am thankful to God that they have dedicated themselves to this work. No words can describe or begin to grasp how I feel. I have learned so much and pray that this is only the beginning. It was also a blessing to meet other volunteers/christians from other areas. I was very blessed to meet Brother and sister Blackwell from the Cox Blv. congregation. Most people say "it's a small world" but I'd like to think that "it's just a big family." I love you all and am so thankful to be in the body of Christ. Thank you very much and God bless. Daniel 12:3

"till we meet again God be with you"

S.Grace Rogers

The harvest is ripe, but the laborers are few...

Being a servant....what does that really mean? This trip has really made me think of where my focus in life is. Just when I think I am focused, God puts me in my place and shows me just what life is about and what I overlook and take for granted and the people and oportunities I don't pay attention to or take advantage of. All people are searching for Truth. It's a Christian's responsibility to show them Truth. The Disaster Relief program has really opened a lot of doors for people here in the community, and given them a positive outlook on who the Church is. I thank God for these people here that work so hard for others. They are true servants. Marge, Laura, Mark, and Mike. What a positive Christian example of servants they are. They are my hero's, and when I grow up I wanna be just like them.
If you have the opportunity to work in any way possible with this relief effort, I strongly suggest it to everyone. It has not only encouraged and helped the community, but also strengthened and unified our group that came from Freed. We didn't all know each other for the most part when we came, but through our time and experiences over the last few days with people, it has given us courage to step out of our comfort zone and become friends. These are people we may or may not would have talked to at school when we saw them at all. ....it's weird how God works..
well...this is a pretty stinkin' long post. I think I will stop now.

This Thanksgiving, and everyday I have so many things to be thankful about.
Remember why you are here.
Carpe Diem.

Luke 10:2; James 4:13-15


--Bethany Odom :)







lasik surgery

An Experience

This was my second trip down to work with katrina, and to also stay at the Creekwood Church of Christ. I thought the last time was better than imaginable, but this trip has been equally rewarding, exciting, and touching. I've seen people of all kinds, with all sorts of needs, and been able to help them phyically and possibly spiritually. It has made me see a need all over the world, that most times we neglect to see. I feel as if we waste so much time worrying about trival things, when there are people who are praying for answers, praying for food, help, love, anything good to come into their lives, we were are blessed in overwhelming ways. I hope to keep this fire that has been lite, carrying it home to share with my friends and family that I love. I have people in mind that I want to go home and help, people that I say I love, but havent shared God's word with yet.... I want to talk to them about Christ... It needs to be made my first priority. God Bless these people who are down here full time working so hard, I pray that I will be able to do this one day....atleast for a years time... Ill continue to pray about this effort and these people....With Love and Hope-KaKole

WOW!! That Freed-Hardeman Bunch--We love them!!

Here is one more entry from our terrific Freed-Hardeman Group that worked with us during the Thanksgiving work camp.

Tomorrow I'll begin posting my thoughts about the amazing experiences we've had during this work camp and start giving you some day to day details of what went on.

Now is a good time to start planning on coming and working with us during our next work camp, we'd love to have you!!

Our next work camp will take place at:
Vancleave Church of Christ, Vancleave, MS. - December 28 - January 7.

It has been an absolute pleaure celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday with you. Participating in such a worthwile cause has been a joy. I am very grateful for your hard work, dedication, and especially, your love for the Lord. May God continue to bless you and your ministry. Thank you again for allowing us to be a part of such a godly cause.

To God Be The Glory,
G.L. Hudson

ON THE ROAD AGAIN.........

WE'RE ON THE ROAD ONCE AGAIN :)
We're on our way back to Mobile, AL. with the mobile kitchen. We're so excited about this workcamp!! The wonderful volunteers coming in to work with us, the fellowship, the sharing of GOD'S AMAZING GRACE, the Thanksgiving meal we will be preparing for the community of Gautier, MS. and the overwhelming welcome the city officials have given us, just a couple more hours and we'll be there with our terrific friends and dedicated staff, Marge Wood and Mike Baumgartner.
Mike just got into Mobile a couple of hours ago himself. We're thrilled to have him back in town with us after some much needed time off.

Mark, Mike, Marge and I will be attending CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) training classes in Gautier, MS. classes Monday - Wednesday. Thanks to Carla Calhoun who informed me of these classes taking place. This is an excellent opportunity for us to receive additional training so I signed us up for them as soon as I heard.
We will also be spending the beginning of this week getting ready for those of you who are taking the time out of your busy schedules to come in and work helping people get out of their FEMA trailers and back into their houses, or maybe you are going to help cook for the community of Gautier, MS. Others of you may be doing Bible Studies. Whatever your talent is, we are thankful to GOD for you!! Please know that you are an encouragement to us and a blessing to all those you will be coming in contact with.
If you haven't registered for the November workcamp............
IT ISN'T TOO LATE!!! :) Please click on the link to our website, then click on the volunteer sign up link. Please be sure and let us know which days you will be here if you can't stay for the entire workcamp.

I'd also like to thank the Belpre Church of Christ, Belpre, Ohio for allowing us to give a gulf coast update and set up a display at their 27th Annual Caribbean Mission Forum this past Friday and Saturday. They are a wonderful group of Christians and have helped us tremendously working in the gulf coast.

WE'RE GEARING UP!!

WE ARE VERY EXCITED!!
We are gearing up for the Thanksgiving Work Camp that will be taking place in the Bayou La Batre/Gautier/Pascagoula areas of the gulf coast November 15 - 25, 2006.
There is one small change. The Thanksgiving dinner will be served in the community of Gautier, MS. They are very excited about DRT coming in to serve the community in this way!! Many of you have already signed up to attend this work camp to help cook the meal, work on houses and conduct Bible Studies. We feel blessed to work with all of you reaching out to these communities showing the LOVE OF OUR LORD!

If you haven't signed up to come work with us.......it isn't too late :)
Once again the Creekwood Church of Christ in Mobile, AL. is graciously allowing us the use of their church building to house volunteers. The DRT will provide continental breakfast and evening meals. We also provide all building materials and tools needed to complete the work on the houses.

Please click on the link to our website, then click on the volunteer sign up button.
Also, some of you have asked if it is ok to come if you can't make it for the entire length of the work camp........definitely!!!!! The dates of the work camp are the times our coordinators will be there, we would love to have you join us for ANY or all of the work camp!! :)

See You Soon!!
Laura

WE PRAISE GOD!!!

THIS HAS BEEN AN AWESOME WEEK!!
We've met new friends and have just been so blessed by being with our brothers and sisters this past week.
If you've never volunteered with us, or haven't in awhile......please read on..........we miss you.........and we really need you......... :)

We had many congregations working together in Bayou La Batre during this past Work Camp.
We had volunteers from Cox Blvd. COC, Sheffield, AL., Creekwood COC, Mobile, AL., Bayou La Batre COC, BLB, AL., 9th Ave. COC, Haleyville, AL., Jackson Heights COC, Florence, AL., as well as DRT staffers from Mid-County COC, Troy, Oh., Lancaster COC, Lancaster, OH., Fredrick COC, Fredrick, MD.,

Much was accomplished by the work of these groups! There are now a few more families who can leave their FEMA trailers and finally after 14 months move back into their houses. There are also a couple more families who are just days of work away from moving into their homes.

Also, WE PRAISE GOD for (3) individuals who have put on their LORD in baptism!!!
The Cox Blvd. COC, also sent evangelism teams along with work crews. They are very successfully using the Open Bible Method of one on one Bible Study that was developed by the Northwest COC, Lawton, OK. The Cox Blvd. COC group has been a tremendous strength to DRT as well as the Bayou La Batre church with their dedication in bringing work crews and evangelistic teams. (this work camp was their 14th trip) !!!!

Jay and Anita Aguilar are now able to move into their house because of the labor of DRT volunteers and building material purchased by DRT. THE BEST NEWS..................
After Bible Studies with members of Cox Blvd., Jay and Anita were baptized Thursday night!!!!

If you are interested in learning the Open Bible Method of Bible Study please send an email and I'll be glad to get you the information.
info@churchesofchristdrt.org


PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE!!!!

We have our next work camps scheduled and we really need YOU!!!!!

Hurricane Katrina: Live video of the storm.

One of our volunteers from the Norval Park Church of Christ told us about this video that he had found online so I googled and found it and thought some of you might find it interesting. It shows Hurricane Katrina hitting Biloxi. The man taking the video is in a parking garage.

LET'S MAKE A HUGE IMPACT ALONG THE GULF COAST!!!

Good Morning,
The Disaster Response Team has many exciting things planned for the gulf coast over the next couple of months!!

There are still SO many people who have not been able to return to their homes since hurricane Katrina. The DRT is needing YOUR help to make a huge impact all along the gulf coast in helping put people back in their homes. LET'S WORK TOGETHER, PUT PEOPLE IN THEIR HOMES AND SHOW THE LOVE OF CHRIST!! Please bring your families, youth groups, whole congregations...... :)

We have the following work camps scheduled:
Bayou La Batre, AL. -- Oct. 25 - 28
Location TBD Nov. 15-19
Location TBD Nov. 18-25

**Please check our web site to sign up**

In the comments section of the volunteer form please indicate the date of the work camp you want to attend.

We are in desperate need of skilled labor -- Carpenters, carpet installers, sheet rock installers, Painters, electricians, Many Helpers, Evangelistic Teams.

****ALSO*** The DRT is planning to cook a large Thanksgiving dinner for one of the gulf coast communities (exact location to be decided within 2 weeks) We will be bringing in the Mobile Kitchen and serving thousands of meals. We will be needing lots of volunteers to help with this also.

Please keep checking the blog and web site for further information or feel free to give us a call. 937-308-2259

IT'S A GOOD TIME FOR A VACATION!!!

Before I go into current news of the DRT, I wanted to thank all of you who granted my request to help celebrate Mark's 50th birthday by sending him birthday cards. He received SO many cards!! He was truly surprised and he thanks all of you for your thoughtfulness!! :) One final personal note: Many of you are aware that we have been back in Ohio for the birth of our 5th grandchild. Although we were all very tired when this picture was taken at our daughters house ;) I thought I'd show off our 5 precious little ones. Hope you don't mind. :)

Now for DRT news: As I've stated in the blogs before so many in the gulf coast area have been helped because of YOU!! Have you prayed? Have you put care packs together? Have you cooked for the community or volunteers? Have you helped with the clean up or rebuilding? Have you sent funding to purchase building material? Have you helped shuttle trucks or supplies from one location to another? Have you taught Bible Studies in the disaster communities? Have you preached in the the disaster communities? Have you cleaned restrooms, scheduled volunteers, washed clothes for volunteers? Have you helped distribute supplies? Have you lead devos? Have you chaperoned youth trips to the gulf coast? Have you cleaned up tools? AND THE LIST GOES ON AND ON...........The accomplishments that have taken place in the gulf coast have taken place because YOU have allowed GOD to work through you!! We thank our LORD for you!!

We are still receiving many phone calls every day from gulf coast residents who are desperate to get back into their houses. They have no insurance, no money and no help. They are begging for help. Take our word for it......You will receive so much more out of a vacation helping others get back into their homes than a vacation at Disney. The rewards are amazing!! :)

Give us a call to schedule YOUR vacation. We make great travel agents :)

THE MOBILE KITCHEN IS HERE!!!!

It never ceases to amaze me by what GOD accomplishes when we step back and allow HIM to work.

Up until now we have cooked thousands of meals daily on many propane grills following disasters. We have now been blessed with a new 30' mobile kitchen, complete with all the commercial kitchen appliances that will be needed to serve 3,000-5,000 people daily.

We are grateful to White's Ferry Rd. Relief Ministries (White's Ferry Rd. Church of Christ-W. Monroe, LA) for their generosity in helping with the funding for this kitchen.

Do you like to cook???

Do you enjoy fellowship with brothers and sisters???

Do you enjoy serving those in need???

Helping in this mobile kitchen just might be the ministry you've been looking for.

Contact us for more information-- we'd love to have you come work with us.

***If you haven't seen our 1st Response Tool Trailer--scroll down a couple of posts. This is the DRT semi that goes in immediately following a disaster loaded with tools and generators, etc.

My Request of You and a Surprise for Mark

I have a special request to ask of you :)

August 29 is the birthday of the Love of my Life, the man I adore, my husband. I have nothing special planned for his birthday, for one........because it falls smack dab in the height of hurricane season and we never know where we're going to be, and two...because this year it happens to fall one day after the birth of our 5th grandchild (yes I really do know he's going to be born the 28th, it's a scheduled C-section) It isn't that I'm privy to special info :)

Anyway.....for my request.....I know this is short notice, however.......my request is to get as many of our dear friends (those we've met and even those we've yet to meet) to send him a birthday card. This will be a huge surprise to him! How do I know that?!?!? Well.....I've asked him to read my blog and so far I don't think it has happened (of course if he had, he may have made me go offline by now ).....he just isn't into computers, not that he wouldn't like to be, he is just more "hands on" if you know what I mean.

Thank you for helping me celebrate his birthday this way even though we may not be in the same town or state we can still be together in spirit and thought. AND....Don't worry if it's a little late getting here, it will still mean just as much to him.


Here is the address:

Mark Cremeans
5745 Belmar Dr.
Huber Heights, Ohio 45424



Later in the week I will be posting a picture of the new mobile kitchen unit---
GOD IS BLESSING THIS MINISTRY TREMENDOUSLY!!

**Thank you for your responses to our request for a semi driver. Our semi trailer arrived in Troy, Ohio this morning.

REFLECTIONS

This is a picture of our first response tool trailer.
We are in need of a driver to bring it from North Alabama to Ohio. If you are able or know of someone, please contact Mark at 937-308-0035.

Mark, Ashley and I are on our way back to Ohio for some rest and to welcome our 5th grandchild into this world. Although all the traveling that we need to do can become quite tiresome, it also allows me to sit back and reflect on the many blessings God has given me, the truly wonderful brothers and sisters I have met through DRT, the amazing work that has been accomplished through GOD by the DRT team, and the excitement I have about the work that is taking place now and will continue in the future through the follow up work with Bible Studies, Baptisms, and classes for new Christians. The traveling also gives me time to be reminded of my own shortcomings, my tendancy to be impatient, I'm reminded that I don't pray near as much as I wish I did or know I should, nor do I take the time to read my Bible as much as I wish I did or know I should. Not to mention all my other shortcomings....there just isn't enough space here :) I'm sure you know what I mean though, we all have shortcomings and we all have things we want and need to work on. Let's all make it our goal today to work on these things that will bring us closer to our LORD and in turn will bring others closer to HIM as well.

CREEKWOOD CHURCH OF CHRIST.........We can't say enough about this wonderful congregation!!! They opened their doors to DRT for almost an entire year!! They have been an awesome congregation to work with and we appreciate them so much!! AND....we're not just saying that because they took us out for a wonderful dinner and gave us a yummy gourmet gift basket either Although we really did appreciate it!! We have now given Creekwood their building back to them, even though as we know Creekwood they will continue to use their building to serve the Lord, it won't just sit there.

BAYOU LA BATRE
We have moved several of our tool trailers and RV's to Bayou La Batre to work with the new church there. Our DRT evangelist (Don Hudson) and his wonderful wife Rosemary is there preaching and doing Bible Studies as well as following up with people who DRT members have previously helped. Our coordinators (Steve and Stacy Baxter) are there to help take care of volunteers as well as working with Don and Rosemary. The Cox Blvd. Church of Christ, Sheffield, AL. will also be sending teams down to do evangelistic follow up.

ARE VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED???? YES

We need volunteers for: drywall
painting
Framing
Evangelistic Teams

WE ARE IN NEED OF A SEMI DRIVER WITH A TRACTOR THAT CAN BRING OUR SEMI TRAILER FROM NORTHERN ALABAMA TO OHIO. IF YOU CAN DO THIS OR KNOW OF SOMEONE, PLEASE CONTACT MARK. 937-308-0035

UPDATE FROM ENDWELL, NY

The following is an update from Dave Halligan of the Endwell Church of Christ in Endwell, NY.

As you will read in the update....this is also a good time for me to remind all of our volunteers that it is very important to always make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot before going to work in a disaster area.




This past week we had the church of Christ Youth group from Evansville, Indiana and 4 adults from the Bethpage church of Christ on Long Island. Our workgroup totaled around 36 people.
During the week we were able to cleanout nine homes. Five of those homes required a complete teardown of walls, floors, cabinets, sinks, toilets and bathtubs. Two of those homes were very bad and had a considerable amount of mud and mold. Several people took pictures and we will send those out in a later email. I am enclosing a picture taken by the local newspaper while the youth group was cleaning out a home in Endwell. There were only a few small injuries during the week and everyone was taken care of at our local walk in clinic. Alan stepped on a nail and received one of the most expensive tetanus shots on record (I’ll let Alan speak to that one). Andrea scraped her knee and legs. She was the favorite patient at the clinic.
The kids also went door to door on Wednesday and Thursday to see if people needed help and also invited them to have dinner with us.
On Wednesday night several of the boys read scripture, offered prayers and George and Alan led the singing. It was a wonderful way to end the day and close out our week, listening to young voices singing praises to God.
I also want to thank the parents of each of the teens and the chaperones. This was the best bunch of kids we have had here over the years, you can see that each of them loved the Lord, were very well behaved and worked very hard without complaining.


Your Brother in Christ
Dave Halligan

YES......YOU ARE NEEDED!!

Mark and I have completed our assessment of the Endwell - Conklin - Binghamton, NY flood areas.
There is a definite need for volunteers as well as funding.
We assured them that we have terrific volunteers. Let's help them reach out to their community through disaster relief.

IF YOU CAN.... "Muck out" houses
IF YOU CAN.... wash glassware, etc.
IF YOU CAN.... tear out sheetrock
IF YOU CAN.... spray a bleach/water mixture all over the inside of a house
IF YOU CAN.... Give a hug to someone who just lost everything.
IF YOU CAN.... Help distribute supplies
IF YOU CAN.... Go door to door checking on members of the church and community .
IF YOU CAN.... Send a donation to help purchase building material and furniture.
IF YOU CAN.... Do ANY of the above.......


THEN YOU ARE DESPERATELY NEEDED!!!!

Please contact me at 937-308-2259 to volunteer
Please mail donations to : Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team
Somerset Church of Christ
P.O. Box 247
Somerset, Ohio 43783

(OR) You may donate online on our website -- www.churchesofchristdrt.org

Please check back for pictures of the area. I'm dealing with a bit of a software issue right now :/
I hope to have the pictures online by tomorrow.

NEW YORK FLOOD

Mark and I are here in Endwell, NY. assessing the damage from the recent flood and helping the Endwell church get their relief effort up and running.

There is a great need for volunteers in this area. Help is needed to "muck out" the houses and to just be there for some of these people. It is overwhelming to them when they go into their house and EVERYTHING is covered in "muck". The sooner everything is able to be removed from the houses the better chance they have of keeping the mold down.

Volunteers will be housed here at the church building and served continental breakfast as well as evening meals.

FEMA is setting up an office today just down the street from the church building, so I will be going down there and talking with them today,

The following is what is needed:

VOLUNTEERS
CLEANING SUPPLIES
POWER WASHERS
FINANCIAL DONATIONS

There are a couple families from the church here that have lost everything. We are getting financial assistance together for them. If you are willing to help with this please mail donations to:
Somerset Church of Christ
Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team
P.O. Box 247
Somerset, Ohio 43783

Please earmark it "Endwell church families."
You may also donate through the website: www.churchesofchristdrt.org

NORTHEAST FLOODS

Several of you have asked about the northeast flooding.........
Mark and I were on our way back to Mobile, Alabama today when I received an email from the Endwell Church of Christ in Endwell, NY requesting the assistance of the Disaster Response Team. We had driven about 7 hours from Ohio towards Mobile......No Problem.......we just turned around and headed right back (after making phone calls to make sure we had enough coordinators and volunteer help in Mobile) We are on our way back to Ohio as I write this. We will transfer our things into the Motorhome and hook up our tow vehicle, we'll get a few hours sleep and be on our way to Endwell, NY.....You know what they say.....All's well that End(s)well :)

From what I understand, the homes in this area have approx. 2' of mud in them. Furniture needs removed and the muck shoveled out. Volunteers are desperately needed!!! Please contact us for further information. markcremeans@churchesofchristdrt.org or call my cell phone at 937-308-2259.


ALABAMA, MISSISSIPPI, LOUISIANNA
We still have coordinators in the gulf coast area. Much skilled help is still needed there. We are still working on drywall and painting.

WE NEED YOU!!

While we are continuing our work in the gulf coast area, we are also in the process of getting ready for this current hurricane season. I thought this would be a good time to let you know some things that are needed for Katrina as well as any other disasters that may head our way.

1. Laptop computers

2. Drivers that can be on call to take disaster vehicles (1-ton or less trucks pulling trailers) into a staging area 1-2 days before a hurricane actually hits (the staging areas are in a safe location and out of harms way) This is for "Immediate Response" Vehicles. All others are as noted.

3. Drivers that have a tractor to pull our 2 semi trailers to the disaster location (1 semi will need to be there 2 days following a disaster, the other semi will need to be there within 1 week.

The following is a list of vehicles that will need to go into a disaster area. All the trailers, etc. are ready, we just need drivers who can use their own truck to pull them. If you are interested in being on call to bring one, please email us at www.disasterrelief@hotmail.com or www.markcremeans@churchesofchristdrt.org



34' Airstream Motorhome pulling a 30' mobile field kitchen. (Immediate Response)

16' Enclosed Tool Trailer (Immediate Response)

37' Travel Trailer (Within 3-5 days of disaster)

20' Enclosed Food Trailer (Within 2 days of disaster)

20' Flatbed Trailer with Water Tank for Shower Trailer (Immediate Response)

30' Enclosed Shower Trailer (Immediate Response)

25' Travel Trailer (Within 3-5 days of disaster)

20' Flatbed Trailer loaded with 40 x 100 Tent (Immediate Response)

48' Moving Semi Trailer (Within 2 days of disaster)

48' Moving Semi Trailer (Within 1-1/2 Week of disaster)

(2) 8' Enclosed Trailers (Within 2-3 weeks of disaster)

WEST TENNESSEE GROUP

WEST TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS!!!

ENCOURAGING!!
That is how I would describe this week. We have approximately 200 volunteers from 13 congregations in the West Tennesee area. They are an amazing group and are really working for the LORD. The congregations represented are: Clarksburg, Huntingdon, West Dyersburg, McKenzie, Maple Hill, Troy, Campbell St., Estes, Main St., Sitka and Starkville.
Below are some comments from a couple of the volunteers. We will feature more in the coming days.

I saw Jesus in a friend being willing to take the last shower of the group after being one of the hardest workers......Jeffrey -- Starkville, Ms.

We arrived at our worksite, Ralph P. home, we were talking to him. He said we probably could not do much work he had been trying to get a electrician for 10 mths. We told him we had an electrician with us. He started to cry, that was worth my trip. I had to walk away to keep from losing it. I saw Jesus at work today with these kids...annonymous

This little boy came and he studied us for a while, while we were having our devotional and while we were singing. Then he just wanted to work with us. He didn't want to leave! At first when I started I was tired & didn't want to work & when the boy came I was like if he can work & he is way smaller than me, then so can I! It was neat.......Jennifer -- Martin, TN.

Watch for more of these wonderful comments.

ONLY 2 DAYS AWAY!!

2006 HURRICANE SEASON
YES…….It is that time again….ALREADY!!
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) released the predictions for the 2006 hurricane season. The complete prediction for the season is 13-16 named storms, 8-10 being hurricanes and 4-6 of those being major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher.

The DRT is currently in the process of cleaning, reconditioning and servicing tools, generators, chain saws, etc. Care packs are being prepared and many other details that go into the preparation of responding to a disaster are being completed.

Due to the generosity of many of you, several tool trailers and RV’s have been donated. We thank our GOD for you!! We are also in the process of purchasing a mobile kitchen that can serve 3,000 people per day. If you are willing to help financially with the purchase of this, it is greatly needed and appreciated. Please just earmark it “mobile kitchen”.

Have you ever wanted to throw your computer out the window and just go back to pen and paper?? Well me too!! However......my computer is FINALLY up and running and so is my internet service. Imagine....both things working at the same time!! :)

Anyway all this computer trouble reminds me that sometimes it's just best to talk in person.

Speaking of which...Cox Blvd. Church of Christ in Sheffield, Alabama is hosting a meeting for the Disaster Response Team to explain how congregations can help in disaster relief. Following is the letter that was sent out to area congregations, we'd like to extend the invitation to all of you as well.


A letter from the Cox Blvd. Church of Christ 303 Cox Blvd. Sheffield, Ala. 35660

Dear Brethren,The Gulf Coast hurricanes displaced many families and created unbelievable physical, financial and spiritual hardships. Now, almost eight months, later there are still hundreds of thousands of people that cannot live in their homes. Uninsured flooding has made this an impossible situation for not just a single city but for the entire Gulf Coast region.Donations of goods and money are still necessary and are being provided by both non-profit and for profit organizations along with the Federal Government but presently, manpower is the most pressing need. Many Christians do not know of the needs and manpower shortage that still exist and the situation becomes more desperate with each passing day. We have found most churches are also not aware of the highly organized operation by the elders of the Somerset Church of Christ, Somerset, OH. Cox Blvd Church of Christ, Sheffield, Al. has made five mission trips to date and helped rebuild fifteen homes with no wasted time or effort due to the organizational skills of brother Cremeans. These trips to the Gulf Coast are truly missions of mercy, Christianity at work.On Saturday, April 29, 2006, at Heritage Christian University there will be a meeting to inform all interested Churchesof Christ about this available mission. Mark Cremeans works under the Somerset eldership as the Coordinator, Disaster Response Teams in the Gulf Coast area, along with Dave Neal, one of the Somerset elders, and Don Hudson who coordinates public relations efforts for the Disaster Response Teams, will be present to answer any and all questions.Each congregation that chooses to be involved will work independently of all others and each congregation can work as much or as little as they please. No group is too large or too small. People who are willing to work may be unskilled, semi-skilled or highly skilled. Each church will coordinate their visit with our missionary brother, Mark Cremeans, who will make sure each trip is productive. Please send a representative of your congregation to this meeting. NO DONATIONS WILL BE SOLICITED.Meeting Location Heritage Christian Un, Florence, Al.Telephone 1256-766-6610Date Saturday, April 29, 2006Time 10:00 am.-11:30Please rsvp 1-256-383-1618 or 383-1905 Cox Blvd. Church of

WONDERFUL GIVERS

Here we are......on the road again (someone should write a song about that) :)


The Disaster Response Team has been blessed with wonderful donations recently.



We are on our way back from picking up an enclosed trailer that the PERRY CHURCH OF CHRIST IN BELLVILLE, OHIO so graciously donated to the Disaster Response Team. We are thrilled with it and appreciate the congregation there so much. That trailer will be used to build into a mobile shower unit, something VERY needed in disaster areas. The MELBOURNE CHURCH OF CHRIST IN MELBOURNE, FL. has offered to take on the task of building it and we are very grateful to them!!

A member of the PERRY CHURCH OF CHRIST IN BELLVILLE, OHIO has donated 170 square of shingles, PRAISE GOD!! Those shingles are going to be put on a 48' moving semi trailer that has been donated by a group in INDIANAPOLIS, IN.

Now.......All we need is someone to bring it down to Mobile. If you know of anyone who has a semi tractor that can bring it down, please let us know.

Mark and I will be leaving March 7 to fly to TACOMA, WA. to pick up a motorhome that has been donated by a wonderful brother and sister in Christ there.

An ARIZONA mail order company is donating $100,000. worth of new clothing that will be taken to our distribution site at the Bay St. Louis Church of Christ.

We are so blessed to know so many wonderfully generous people all across the United States.

Mark and I will be doing quite a bit of traveling over the next month setting up at lectureships, etc. in hopes of getting more funding and volunteers. We have terrific and very capable coordinators at all of our staging sites so don't let that stop you from coming and volunteering. As always.....feel free to call us anytime with questions or information you might have. Our contact information is on our website. www.churchesofchristdrt.org

HAVE YOU MET MS. MARGE??

This is my new attempt to try to keep up with this blog!! :)
Things get hectic and I don't take the time to sit down and type like I should, do I Wanda and Lynn?? :)

Have I told you recently how amazing you all are? Mark and I are so blessed to know all of you!

Before I go into the nitty gritty of disaster relief, I'd like to tell you about one of our AMAZING volunteers...............Her name is Marge Wood. She is affectionately referred to around here as none other than Marge the Sarge. Marge is from Lancaster, Ohio and we are very thankful to her congregation for allowing her to be with us! I'm sure she is being very missed at home and you'd agree if you saw all the wonderful cards she is getting from her home congregation. I don't know what we'd do without her. She is one of those special volunteers that will do anything that is asked of her. Well....actually she doesn't have to be told what to do, she looks around and just takes care of what needs done. Whether it is cleaning the restrooms, getting the rooms ready for our volunteers, shopping for the food for the continental breakfast that is provided, getting up early to put the coffee on and get the continental breakfast ready, putting care packs together, being her wonderful cheerful self welcoming the volunteers coming in and occasionally cooking evening meals for all of us. We love Ms. Marge and would like for all of you to meet her too, here's how:

WE NEED YOUR HELP!!

Much is being accomplished because of the many wonderful volunteers who have come in to help. The church is making a wonderful impact on the gulf coast area. Houses are being rebuilt, friends are being made, Bible studies are being taught, and many are obeying the gospel! PRAISE GOD!!

Please be a part of this wonderful mission. You don't need a passport and you don't need any special skills other than Loving our LORD. You can help for a day, a week, a month.......
Let me remind you of just some of the areas we need help in:

Mobile, Al. -- Drywall/sheetrock installers/finishers
Insulation installers
Roofers
Help in Disaster Response Team Office
Follow Up Assessments

Bayou La Batre, AL. -- Drywall/Sheetrock Installers/finishers
Insulation installers
Roofers
Help Distributing Supplies at church Building
Follow Up Assessments
Interpreters (Vietnamese)

Bay St. Louis, MS. -- Yard Work
Trees Cut
Houses Gutted
Drywall/Sheetrock Installers/finishers
Insulation Installers
Roofers
Help Distributing Supplies
Follow Up Assessments

Slidell, LA. -- Yard Work
Trees Cut
Houses Gutted
Drywall/Sheetrock Installers/finishers
Roofers
Help Distributing Supplies
Follow Up Assessments

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!!!

I MISSED YOU !!

It's been quite awhile since I've blogged!! I miss talking to you :) I was waiting on updates to give you and at times......things move slowly and changes have to be made.
Our saying is....."Welcome to a disaster area"

As I stated in my last post, we are helping the Division St. Church of Christ in Biloxi. We have made the decision to actually "set up" a relief effort at the Bay St. Louis Church of Christ. They have welcomed us with open arms. We will be distributing supplies out of our 40 x 100 tent on the Bay St. Louis church property rather than directly in Biloxi. We felt the area we planned to set up in, in Biloxi was not safe enough for our volunteers so we've made the decision to go west.
HOWEVER......we will still be helping the Biloxi congregation and working from Biloxi to Bay St. Louis out of the Bay St. Louis location.

All the needs that were stated in the last post are still the same, just needed in the
Bay St. Louis location. Bay St. Louis still has people living in tents and there is a desperate need in this entire area.

We will be moving all of our RV's to Bay St. Louis tomorrow as well as setting up the tent. Please continue to pray for these efforts!! The following is what is still needed in all of our locations.

MOBILE, AL.

Volunteers Needed:

• Sheetrock Installers and helpers
• Roofers and helpers

Supplies Needed:

• Drywall
• Roofing
• Drywall tools
• Funding to purchase the above

SLIDELL, LA.

Volunteers Needed:

• Sheetrock Installers/helpers
• Roofers/helpers
• Insulation Installers

Supplies Needed:

• Roofing
• Drywall
• Drywall tools
• Insulation
• Funding to purchase the above

BAY ST. LOUIS/BILOXI, MS.

Volunteers Needed:

• Distribute food and supplies
• Cook Meals
• Gut houses
• Bleach houses
• Install insulation/drywall/roofing
• Cut trees

Supplies Needed:

• Food Boxes
• Cleaning supplies
• Personal Care Items
• Appliances
• New or "Gently Used" Furniture (please call 1st about this)
• Drywall
• Roofing
• Insulation
• Funding to purchase the above

NEW URGENT NEEDS FOR BILOXI AREA

We are getting organized for our Biloxi location. Since their church building has to be tore down,
we have come across some additional needs so I'm hoping some of you can help or know of someone who can.
There is such a huge need in Biloxi. They seem to have become the "forgotten city". We will be setting up relief efforts in a park close to the Division St. Church of Christ. Just across the street from the park are families living outside their houses under tarps. They don't even have tents! They are cooking on small grills for entire neighborhoods. This is 4-1/2 months after the hurricane! If you can help with these items or funds to purchase them it is greatly appreciated!!

1. We are in need of at least 2 large commerical size tents in which to distribute supplies.

2. 1-2 additional semi trailers to store supplies.

3. RV's donated to house volunteers.

4. Mobile Kitchen Unit/s

5. (2) 24' - 30' enclosed trailers to build portable showers and laundry facilities.

6. 20' - 24' flatbed trailer (a very heavy duty one) to haul drywall and shingles.

And as always..........we are in desperate need of volunteers for all of our locations!

Mobile, Al.,
New Orleans, La.,
Slidell, La.,
Biloxi, Ms.

Which Location Would YOU Like To Work In??

We are blessed with more wonderful volunteers this week!! We have a delightful family from Bartlesville, Ok., a very determined and hardworking group who've returned from Sheffield, Al., we have a return group from Nashville coming in on Friday and a return group from Mid-County Church of Christ in Ohio coming in on Saturday. Notice how many groups are "return" groups?!? :) There's a reason for that......come see for yourself! :)

We have many new and exciting things happening around here!! Please come and be a part of this amazing ministry. Remember....whether it is for a day, a week, or longer you can be a wonderful part of this ministry. The following is a schedule of some of the events taking place.

Sunday - January 15 ---
Starting Disaster Relief Effort in Biloxi with the Division St. church of Christ.

Volunteers Needed:
Distribute supplies
Cook Meals
Make up "Packs of Love" Care Packs
Make up food boxes
Help community fill out forms for items/work needed.
Clean tools
Gut out houses
Yard work
Make phone calls
Send out mailings to recruit more volunteers/funding.

Items Needed:
Space heaters
Cleaning/laundry Supplies
Personal Care Items
Baby Items
Non-Perishable Food Items
Sheets/Blankets
Towels
New toys
Monetary Donations to purchase supplies needed.


Our staging at the Creekwood Church of Christ, Mobile, Al. will continue as well.

Volunteers Needed:
Skilled Drywall hangers and finishers
Skilled Roofers
Cook Meals
Painters
Cabinet Installers


Items Needed: Monetary donations for purchase of Building material.



Our Staging area in New Orleans continues also:

Volunteers Needed:
Distribute Supplies
Organizing of supplies as they come in.
Make "Packs of Love" Care Packs
Make Food Boxes
Gut out houses.
Skilled Drywall hangers and finishers.
Yard Work.

Items Needed:
Personal Care Items
Cleaning/laundry Supplies
Baby Items
Space Heaters
Non-Perishable Food
Sheets/blankets
Towels
Monetary donations to purchase supplies needed.


We have a meeting Saturday with another congregation in Louisiana. We may be needing volunteers at this location as well. More to come on that later.
As you can tell, God is using this ministry to reach out to these communities in an awesome way. Come be part of it!! Please continue to keep this mission in your prayers!!

MAJOR UPDATE FROM THE GULF COAST

Bay St. Louis/Waveland area


Bayou La Batre




Mark and I traveled the gulf coast Tuesday to check on the needs of congregations and to see of what assistance we can be to them. It's just unbelievable how much damage and destruction remains even after 4 months. I understand that those who are not right here tend to think things are getting back to normal especially since things are no longer in the news. I'm going to try my best to describe some of the things we saw on our travels across Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.

We started out going to Pascagoula, Ms. This is just one of many scenes in Pascagoula (picture bottom right) and remember.....these pictures were just taken one week ago and others when we were traveling this Tues. Jan. 3!!

We went through Bayou La Batre....the scene there is much the same as Pascagoula. Many of these people have also lost their livlihood of fishing, their boats are destroyed, their houses are destroyed, they have no income.

We stopped at the Slidell Church of Christ and spoke with a couple of the sojourners working there. It's time once again for me to say how much we LOVE the sojourners!! :) They were putting in electrical boxes for Don and Carrie Schmidt. Don and Carrie were working here with us in Mobile and are now going to be coordinating the efforts in Slidell. They are a wonderful family and we are confident they will do a great job in Slidell. The area around Slidell still has much work ahead of them as well.

From Slidell we journeyed on to Bay St. Louis and the Waveland area. This is where the hurricane made landfall. IT LOOKS LIKE DAY 1 IN THIS AREA!! Families are still living in tents (it gets cold at night......tonight they are forecasting it to get down to 29 degrees!!) There are still many areas without electric. We then stopped at the Long Beach Church of Christ and spoke with Mark Hodges the minister there. They have been doing a wonderful work reaching out to their community. They are currently in need of a lift that will take shingles to the top of roofs if you know of one available, please let us know.

Our last stop of the day was the Division St. Church of Christ in Biloxi. WOW!! All relief agencies have pulled out of Biloxi (which is what we have found in most places another reason for our slogan "FIRST IN - LAST OUT") Anyway we spoke with Paul Warren the minister there. We've been working with the Biloxi church taking supplies there, but now they really have an excellent opportunity to reach out!! Paul spoke with the city officials that morning. Since all other agencies have pulled out and there is still a DESPERATE need, they want his congregation to take over all distribution for the Biloxi area!! This will entail working out of one of the city parks distributing food, cleaning supplies, personal care items, etc. A major undertaking but terrific opportunity! We will be working with Biloxi to accomplish this, we sure need help as well though. The best part of all about Biloxi............So far they have baptized 16 people since the storm!! PRAISE GOD!!

I'm sure by now you're asking yourself, "how can I help?".........WELL......I'm glad you asked :)

1. Pray for this effort and for all those in Bible Studies.

2. Send this blog address and our website address to EVERYONE you know.
www.disasterresponseteam.blogspot.com www.churchesofchristdrt.org

3. Volunteer--between our 3 different sites we can handle about 300 volunteers each day.

4. Help with funding. This is needed to help purchase building material and supplies for those without insurance. As an average each house has been running about $5000. - $8000. in building supplies.

5. Talk to your congregations about this effort. Ask for their support in funding and sending volunteers.

6. Items Needed: Lift for taking shingles to roof tops.
Roofing Supplies (shingles, nails, felt paper)
Drywall Supplies (drywall, joint compound, tape, tools)
Food (already boxed up) call us for details.
Personal care items
Cleaning Supplies.
Semi trailers donated to store supplies/make into dorms/make into a mobile
kitchen

I know this was a long entry....thanks for staying with me!! :) Please continue to keep all of us in your prayers!

What Are Your Hopes And Dreams For 2006??

Here we are......the first day of 2006!! Can you believe it? Time goes by so quickly. As I think about the past year, I'm remembering all of you that we've worked so closely with us through disaster relief. Whether I've known you for years or I just met you this past year, I want you to know that I thank GOD for you and I feel so blessed. GOD has put so many wonderful people in our path through this life. You've been an inspiration to me and it's you who keeps me going even when I'm so tired I'm not sure I can take another step or I'm homesick and missing my mother, children and grandchildren. It's been your prayers, your encouraging emails, your cards and letters, your smiles, your hugs, writing letters of encouragement to hand out to the victims of disaster, your volunteering in whatever way, whether it is here in the disaster area or in your local area making care packs, shoe boxes of toys, sending the items we need as soon as we call and ask for them (Atwood COC), doing our financial stuff and being so patient with me when I don't get the info to you as soon as I should (Nancy :) Listening to us and being joyful with us everytime we call to say we have another grandchild on the way!! we appreciate you so much!! By the way.....we have "another" grandchild on the way!! We are thrilled! :)

I'm thinking about my hopes, dreams, plans and goals for 2006 and wondering what yours are.
I want to be in prayer to GOD more, to do what HE wants and how HE wants it done, I want to be a more loving and patient wife to my wonderful husband, I want to spend more time looking at flowers and birds and the sky with our daughter Ashley, taking time to really appreciate God's World. I want to be a better example to our children, grandchildren, sons-in-law and daughter-in-law in hopes that "all" of them will understand GOD'S LOVE and want to serve HIM faithfully. I want to reach out and be a tool for others to reach out through disaster relief to show the LOVE OF JESUS to a world that needs HIM so desperately. Do you have any of these same hopes, dreams, goals and plans? Let's work together, ok? Encouraging one another in spirit and in truth.

If you think things along the gulf coast are pretty much back to normal, this group from Huntsville, Al. will disagree with you. They were here working this week and took these pictures. Things are not even close to being back to normal for so many along the gulf coast. Please keep them in your prayers and consider joining us for a weekend or longer. 

Bywater Church of Christ, New Orleans 

As you can see, there is work for volunteers of any age. 

Nathaniel Jones (Bywater Church of Christ - New Orleans) along with the Disaster Response Teams very own Mike Baumgartner (red shirt) and Mike's son-in-law and 2 grandchildren.