ICE STORM UPDATE

Disasters are just that...disasters......And because of that, sometimes the logistics of organizing and running relief efforts (especially with other organizations) can become disasters in their own right. As the church in Kennett, MO. has found out working with the Red Cross in a sheltering situation. Anyway, we are very impressed and proud of the Slicer Rd. church for opening up their building and reaching out to their community allowing 400 or so to come in to the warmth for rest and nourishment. Unfortunately the Red Cross saw things a little differently, closing the shelter at the church and moving all the people to the V.F.W. for shelter.

There is still need for assistance in Kennett, Missouri, I will keep you posted as to specific needs.

Due to the above situation, there was no longer a need for us to be located directly in Kennett. However we will still be close by. We will be working with the Crowleys Ridge College, Hillcrest Church of Christ as well as several other congregations in the area of Paragould, AR.

Almost the entire area is without power. The rural areas are not expected to receive power for (1) month! Many church family members have trees down, some on houses. Most all are without power.

We will also be working with congregations in Kentucky so I'll keep you updated on those efforts as well.

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE IMMEDIATELY NEEDED:

50k Generator/s/ -- To run kitchen in church building in Paragould, AR. and other areas. (Donation of rental or Full donation for future uses)

Financial Donations

Volunteers

Bottled Water

Flashlights

Heaters

Gasoline in gas cans

Blankets

Generators

Tarps

WHAT WE'LL BE DOING:

• Providing Hot Meals for church family members and communities.
• Door to door needs assessments
• Chain Saw Crews.
• Tarping/Repairing of roofs, etc.
• Evangelism

AS YOU KNOW, TO ACCOMPLISH THIS WE NEED TO ALL WORK TOGETHER.

LET'S WORK TOGETHER TO HELP OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS

SHARE THE LOVE OF JESUS BY LOVING AND SERVING OTHERS!!

Email or Call Laura with locations to deliver donations of items or to volunteer.
disasterrelief@hotmail.com 937-308-2259

Financial Donations can be made through PayPal online through the website: http://www.churchesofchristdrt.org/

Or By Postal Mail To:
Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team
810 Hollywood Blvd.
West Melbourne, Florida 32904

ICE STORMS ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Following a severe ice storm that has left residents desparate,
and in dire need of community support, Slicer St Church of

Christ has been a beacon of hope and help to those who need it by
serving as an area warming center and shelter. (DDD staff photo
by Deanna Coronado)

Slicer Street Church serves as beacon of hope during dark and dire times.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009Deanna Coronado and Mike Buhler, Daily Dunklin Democrat


In the midst of dark and dire times in the Bootheel, Slicer Street Church of Christ has been a beacon of hope and help to those who need it in Kennett.
The church is the home to the city's Red Cross shelter and has been providing shelter, food and heat for the town's citizens.
"I think that it's a wonderful group of people "

said Red Cross volunteer Margie Morgan of the 100 members that have volunteered. "Everybody has been very cooperative, working together as a team. The church is just marvelous. It's the most wonderful group of people I've worked with at a church before."
The church fed 300-400 people on Wednesday evening -- including utility crews, the approximately 150 people staying at the shelter, and in Morgan's words, "anybody that's hungry."
Two of Slicer Street's volunteers are church members David and Cindy Johnson, who have also been staying at the church since the storm.
"The church here has done a really admirable job of deciding what to do and doing it very quickly to help all these people," David Johnson said. "But as much as we work, it wouldn't have been near as successful without the merchants like the grocery stores and Walmart just really being willing to open at any time when everything else was closed and help us out quite a bit."
The shelter has been a blessing for Edna Adaway, who is currently staying at the shelter.
"It could be worse," said Adaway. "We're a lot thankful that we've got the shelter. They've fed us and (gave us) a place to stay for the night. (Tuesday) night I stayed in my apartment because I figured the lights were going to come back on, but they never did. But I thank the Lord that we do have shelter, a place to stay the night and food to eat. It could have been worse."
In addition to Slicer Street Church of Christ, the local VFW is also serving as a warming shelter to area residents in need.

********

The Slicer St. Church of Christ is one of the churches DRT will be helping following the ice storms that have left countless cities crippled with downed power lines, trees down and on top of houses. No heat, water or means of cooking. If you are able to help please contact Laura at: disasterrelief@hotmail.com or 937-308-2259. Volunteers and Funding are needed. You may donate through PayPal on our website at: http://www.churchesofchristdrt.org/ or by postal mail to:
Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team
810 Hollywood Blvd.
West Melbourne, Florida 32904

Christmas, Colorado, Texas, Washington and Stuff

I've gotten way behind on this blog so I have a lot to get caught up on. :)

I've spent this week in Colorado Springs with many youth ministers and their wives. I had a booth set up to raise awareness of DRT and the need for volunteers as well as funding. I've had the opportunity to meet many wonderful brothers and sisters who were here to learn and spend some time in fellowship. They were here because they are commited to training our youth teaching them what our Lord wants for them in their lives. It was also great seeing many friends I've met along the way in our journeys through disasters as well as a couple friends from "back home" (Daniel and Jason) :) who have now moved on to other areas. I've also had the opportunity to listen to many thought provoking keynote speakers. This has been a week that has blessed me in so many ways and I'm thankful to God for allowing me to be here.
And let me add the ribbing wasn't even "too" bad when "THE" O.S.U. lost the Fiesta Bowl. :)

Tomorrow I fly back to Bridge City for a few days where everyone is hard at work. A few changes are taking place as the relief effort evolves as it always does. Friday will be our last day of serving meals to the community. That is a good thing. :) We feel the community is "on their feet" enough to prepare their food in their homes (FEMA trailers) now. However we are still distributing supplies which include food boxes, cleaning items, personal care, clothing, etc. We will be evaluating this in the near future as well. Many of you have been coming in and volunteering! We appreciate you so much. Without YOU this effort would not be possible. There are still been houses that have recently been gutted but mostly we are in the rebuilding stage. Mainly sheetrock and insulation are being installed right now.

THANK YOU....THANK YOU......THANK YOU......to all of you who helped with the Children's Christmas Wish Lists. They were ALL fulfilled and delivered in time for the parents to put under the tree before Christmas!! You made many parents and children extremely thankful and very happy!

Next, I will be heading to Arlington, TX to set up a booth at Winterfest Jan. 16-18. If you'll be there, be sure to stop by and say hello!

I'm also keeping an eye on the flooding in Washington State. I'll update as I have more information on that.