DRT is closely monitoring the storm system moving across the Midwest today. The following is an excerpt from Accuweather.com:
The heavily populated Midwest will be the target of a major outbreak of violent thunderstorms today into tonight. This outbreak threatens to become the worst severe weather event of the year.The area of greatest concern for widespread damaging severe weather lies from eastern Iowa and northern Missouri to Ohio. This includes Cedar Rapids, Chicago, Kirksville, Peoria, Indianapolis, South Bend, Kalamazoo and Dayton.
Please keep checking for more information or follow us on twitter and facebook for up to the minute information.
http://www.facebook.laura.cremeans.com/
Friday, June 19, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
West Virginia and Kentucky Flooding
We are staying in contact with congregations in the flooded areas along the river in West Virginia and Kentucky. We've also contacted The Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort, Inc. out of Nashville, TN.
Mingo County in West Virginia has over 4,000 houses that have been damaged by flood waters. We have coordinators that will be heading that way to qualify areas and assess needs to see where DRT is most needed.
Pike County in Kentucky is also an area that will be assessed. Around 1700 were affected by flood waters and/or mudslides in this area.
Funds are URGENTLY needed for this disaster as well as future disasters. If you would like to help those affected by disaster, you may donate online by PayPal through our website: http://www.churchesofchristdrt.org or by Postal Mail To:
Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team
810 Hollywood Blvd.
West Melbourne, Florida 32904
Mingo County in West Virginia has over 4,000 houses that have been damaged by flood waters. We have coordinators that will be heading that way to qualify areas and assess needs to see where DRT is most needed.
Pike County in Kentucky is also an area that will be assessed. Around 1700 were affected by flood waters and/or mudslides in this area.
Funds are URGENTLY needed for this disaster as well as future disasters. If you would like to help those affected by disaster, you may donate online by PayPal through our website: http://www.churchesofchristdrt.org or by Postal Mail To:
Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team
810 Hollywood Blvd.
West Melbourne, Florida 32904
Monday, May 11, 2009
Flooding in Kentucky and West Virginia
We are praising GOD that the Santa Barbara fires are 70% contained!
Our eyes are now turned towards the Kentucky and West Virginia flooding that has taken place over the weekend.
Please continue to check the blog and website as we assess the situation. We will update as we have information.
Our eyes are now turned towards the Kentucky and West Virginia flooding that has taken place over the weekend.
Please continue to check the blog and website as we assess the situation. We will update as we have information.
Friday, May 08, 2009
Santa Barbara Wildfires/Midwest Storms
The elders and minister of the Turnpike Church of Christ in Santa Barbara, CA. were here at the Pepperdine lectures until they were called home this morning due to mandatory evacuations from the wildfires. I spoke with one of the elders today immediately after they arrived at their daughters home from evacuating. He gave me a few updates letting me know that 3 of the 5 elders were under mandatory evacuations as well as the area that the church building is in as of this morning. The fire has split with the west side being the one that is of most concern to all of them. This is the one that has potential of affecting so many houses. Currently DRT is on standby. We could go in at a moments notice with the mobile kitchen to begin serving food to those that have been evacuated as well as to firefighters
There have also been many severe storms moving across the midwest today bringing tornadic activity causing damage in several towns in Missouri. We will keep you informed on this as well.
Please continue to check back often for updates.
There have also been many severe storms moving across the midwest today bringing tornadic activity causing damage in several towns in Missouri. We will keep you informed on this as well.
Please continue to check back often for updates.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
CALIFORNIA HERE WE COME.......
You know.....there are always things in life that can get us down if we let them. I know....I've had my share and happen to be experiencing one of them right this very moment. If you're interested in the gory details, feel free to read my facebook page for the "hour by hour" experience of our travels to Malibu this week! Satan was working overtime and I was determined to not let him stop me. Meanwhile detailing our experiences on facebook by way of song lyrics. It was helping me stay "fairly" (for me) ;-) cool, calm and collected, I do believe I was annoying Mark and Ashley, being 14.. just kept saying ...."Mooommm" letting me know what an embarrassment I am.....even though of course I'm not and I keep telling her how "cool" I am. Of course I probably just blew it right there.....I don't think "cool" is the word being used right now......What's a cool mom to do?!?! I have managed to keep our 1 and 3 yr. old granchildren that we brought with us entertained!! "They" think I'm a Cool Nana! :-) Which says I'm on a 1 and 3 yr. old level.....what can I say? It's a great level to be on :-)
Anyway......we've arrived in California in almost 1 piece.... albeit a day late......and I'm the one bringing the DRT display. But it'll be ok ........we made it, we've got the display, Sid is here waiting on me....our class is set and we can't wait to share the many wonderful ways in which GOD is working in this ministry!!
We feel so blessed that Pepperdine asked us to speak this year at the lectureship.
Sid Smith and I will be speaking on Friday at 8:30 - 9:30 am in the Irvine Room in the Payson Library- Upstairs on the 2nd floor.
Sid Smith is our full time cook/evangelist who is supported by Churches of Christ across the U.S. to work with DRT. He has an amazing story himself of how he came to work with DRT as well as wonderful heart warming stories by those whose lives have been touched by the many people GOD uses through disaster relief. I've asked him to share some of this during our class time on Friday.
Our Class Title is: Disaster Relief: A report from the front lines.
The class will be on: Who are the Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team (DRT)?, A report from the front lines, What goes on "behind the scenes", What is needed and How YOU can Help from Near or Far, and.......How you can start a Local Response Team in your own community.
See You There!!
.
Anyway......we've arrived in California in almost 1 piece.... albeit a day late......and I'm the one bringing the DRT display. But it'll be ok ........we made it, we've got the display, Sid is here waiting on me....our class is set and we can't wait to share the many wonderful ways in which GOD is working in this ministry!!
We feel so blessed that Pepperdine asked us to speak this year at the lectureship.
Sid Smith and I will be speaking on Friday at 8:30 - 9:30 am in the Irvine Room in the Payson Library- Upstairs on the 2nd floor.
Sid Smith is our full time cook/evangelist who is supported by Churches of Christ across the U.S. to work with DRT. He has an amazing story himself of how he came to work with DRT as well as wonderful heart warming stories by those whose lives have been touched by the many people GOD uses through disaster relief. I've asked him to share some of this during our class time on Friday.
Our Class Title is: Disaster Relief: A report from the front lines.
The class will be on: Who are the Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team (DRT)?, A report from the front lines, What goes on "behind the scenes", What is needed and How YOU can Help from Near or Far, and.......How you can start a Local Response Team in your own community.
See You There!!
.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
A Reminder and Overview of DRT
Evangelism is THE entire purpose of DRT. The Disaster Response Team uses the examples Jesus set for all of us of serving others as they are being taught.
GOD has truly blessed the ministry of DRT!! In June it will be 5 years ago that "DRT" was first established. Although Mark and I had 12 years experience in disaster relief prior to this, through much prayer and spiritual guidance we stepped out on faith and started what is now known as the Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team. It began in 2004 with Mark and I going full-time in this ministry, a handful of volunteers from our ho
me congregation in Troy, Ohio and (1) 8 x 10 trailer that was donated to the work and filled with Mark's personal tools.
Fast Forward to 2009......
The purpose of DRT is to reach out spiritually to survivors of disaster by building relationships as we work alongside them helping to rebuild their lives and homes.
How Is This Done?...........
The Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team (DRT) is a 1st Response Organization dealing mainly with catastrophic disasters. When DRT first began, we would call the churches in the disaster areas asking if they needed assistance, etc. now as time goes on and DRT has helped in so many areas word has spread about the wonderful disaster assistance DRT provides to congregations in the disaster areas. Now congregations call DRT asking for assistance.
DRT has (18) trained volunteer coordinators. (we are always looking for more) :-)
DRT sends trained coordinators into the disaster area to work with the local congregation/s. We "help them" set up and/or run their relief effort. This includes cooking meals for the community and volunteers as well as providing the food. (DRT also has a mobile kitchen available if needed that can serve up to 3,000 meals per day) and a full-time cook/evangelist.(who has received his own support through COC congregations) Our coordinators are also trained in the distribution, clean up and rebuilding phases of disaster relief as well as evangelism which is our main purpose.
DRT also helps to purchase building material for those who are without/under insured.
DRT has over 6,000 volunteers in our database (and continue to seek more) :-) from all across the U.S. as well as several foreign countries that we pull from when a disaster strikes to come and assist DRT and the local congregations in all of the above mentioned phases.
Volunteers that come to work with DRT are always assured of housing (usually in the church building), hot showers (DRT brings a shower trailer with instant hot water), 3 daily meals, jobs already lined up and waiting for them :-) as well as the tools and building material to do the work. DRT brings several tool trailers completely stocked with all the tools needed for whatever disaster we are on as well as job site coordinators to work with the volunteers teaching and training certain skills if needed. This is all provided to the volunteers at no cost, thanks to the funding provided by congregations all across the U.S. that realize the need for the Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team (DRT).
Lives are changed because of the DRT. Not because of Mark or I at all, there is no way we could have done this. THIS IS ALL A GOD THING!! Because of GOD, DRT has grown and continues to grow, the church has grown, we know this because of the many baptisms that have taken place all over where the DRT has been and served......YOU....the members of the churches in the disaster areas....the volunteers......those of you that are praying for this ministry.....
GOD is using YOU to bring the lost to JESUS through disaster relief!! PRAISE GOD and Let us not grow weary!
GOD has truly blessed the ministry of DRT!! In June it will be 5 years ago that "DRT" was first established. Although Mark and I had 12 years experience in disaster relief prior to this, through much prayer and spiritual guidance we stepped out on faith and started what is now known as the Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team. It began in 2004 with Mark and I going full-time in this ministry, a handful of volunteers from our ho
me congregation in Troy, Ohio and (1) 8 x 10 trailer that was donated to the work and filled with Mark's personal tools.Fast Forward to 2009......
The purpose of DRT is to reach out spiritually to survivors of disaster by building relationships as we work alongside them helping to rebuild their lives and homes.
How Is This Done?...........
The Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team (DRT) is a 1st Response Organization dealing mainly with catastrophic disasters. When DRT first began, we would call the churches in the disaster areas asking if they needed assistance, etc. now as time goes on and DRT has helped in so many areas word has spread about the wonderful disaster assistance DRT provides to congregations in the disaster areas. Now congregations call DRT asking for assistance.
DRT has (18) trained volunteer coordinators. (we are always looking for more) :-)
DRT sends trained coordinators into the disaster area to work with the local congregation/s. We "help them" set up and/or run their relief effort. This includes cooking meals for the community and volunteers as well as providing the food. (DRT also has a mobile kitchen available if needed that can serve up to 3,000 meals per day) and a full-time cook/evangelist.(who has received his own support through COC congregations) Our coordinators are also trained in the distribution, clean up and rebuilding phases of disaster relief as well as evangelism which is our main purpose.
DRT also helps to purchase building material for those who are without/under insured.
DRT has over 6,000 volunteers in our database (and continue to seek more) :-) from all across the U.S. as well as several foreign countries that we pull from when a disaster strikes to come and assist DRT and the local congregations in all of the above mentioned phases.
Volunteers that come to work with DRT are always assured of housing (usually in the church building), hot showers (DRT brings a shower trailer with instant hot water), 3 daily meals, jobs already lined up and waiting for them :-) as well as the tools and building material to do the work. DRT brings several tool trailers completely stocked with all the tools needed for whatever disaster we are on as well as job site coordinators to work with the volunteers teaching and training certain skills if needed. This is all provided to the volunteers at no cost, thanks to the funding provided by congregations all across the U.S. that realize the need for the Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team (DRT).
"This is an excerpt from an email I received from a brother in Christ that has worked with DRT.
PS. Mark and Laura the fields are still being harvested in BLB (Bayou La Batre .ed)due to what you two started. Dave Neal and Doug Oakes were recently down there and more have been taught and baptized. Don, Rosemary and Mike are going down to do follow-up next week. We continue to pray for their efforts. Russ"
Lives are changed because of the DRT. Not because of Mark or I at all, there is no way we could have done this. THIS IS ALL A GOD THING!! Because of GOD, DRT has grown and continues to grow, the church has grown, we know this because of the many baptisms that have taken place all over where the DRT has been and served......YOU....the members of the churches in the disaster areas....the volunteers......those of you that are praying for this ministry.....
GOD is using YOU to bring the lost to JESUS through disaster relief!! PRAISE GOD and Let us not grow weary!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wildfires in South Carolina
We're staying in contact with the Myrtle Beach Church of Christ. Currently they are 10 miles away from the fires and have had no members affected. We will keep you informed if the need arises for DRT to go to assist in the Myrtle Beach area.
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - A coastal wildfire spread Thursday toward one of the busiest tourist stretches in South Carolina, burning dozens of homes and forcing 2,500 to flee in the middle of the night.
Gov. Mark Sanford on Thursday declared a state of emergency for the area, saying the fire had consumed 15,000 acres, or about 23 square miles — nearly double earlier estimates. The declaration frees up more resources to battle the blaze.
At least 40 homes have been destroyed and 100 damaged.....
Garry Alderman, the county fire chief, described some homeowners as having been left with only "skeletal remains."
"I've never seen anything this bad," he said.
Even as hundreds of firefighters, two dozen bulldozers and a water-dropping helicopter were deployed, Sanford said the fire was continuing to spread and more people may be affected.....
No cause determinedAbout 2,500 people in a four-mile stretch on the western side of the waterway were told to leave their homes overnight, Aiello said. No injuries have been reported...
"What we have on is what we got away with," said Sherlene Pinnix, 63.
Besides the wind, Horry County Fire Rescue spokesman Todd Cartner said crews were having trouble getting to the flames because of the dense vegetation and were using bulldozers and tractors to cut paths to it.
Adding to the problem were heavily vegetated patches called Carolina Bays that caught fire and fueled the blaze. The shallow, egg-shaped depressions pockmark the coast and range in size from a few to thousands of acres. The bays are densely filled with plant life and often have boggy bottoms where peat, if it catches fire, can burn for days or weeks.
Tropical downpours are often needed to extinguish such fires, said state Forestry Commission spokesman Scott Hawkins.
"Once you get a fire in a bay, it's very, very hard to put out," he said.
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - A coastal wildfire spread Thursday toward one of the busiest tourist stretches in South Carolina, burning dozens of homes and forcing 2,500 to flee in the middle of the night.
Gov. Mark Sanford on Thursday declared a state of emergency for the area, saying the fire had consumed 15,000 acres, or about 23 square miles — nearly double earlier estimates. The declaration frees up more resources to battle the blaze.
At least 40 homes have been destroyed and 100 damaged.....
Garry Alderman, the county fire chief, described some homeowners as having been left with only "skeletal remains."
"I've never seen anything this bad," he said.
Even as hundreds of firefighters, two dozen bulldozers and a water-dropping helicopter were deployed, Sanford said the fire was continuing to spread and more people may be affected.....
No cause determinedAbout 2,500 people in a four-mile stretch on the western side of the waterway were told to leave their homes overnight, Aiello said. No injuries have been reported...
"What we have on is what we got away with," said Sherlene Pinnix, 63.
Besides the wind, Horry County Fire Rescue spokesman Todd Cartner said crews were having trouble getting to the flames because of the dense vegetation and were using bulldozers and tractors to cut paths to it.
Adding to the problem were heavily vegetated patches called Carolina Bays that caught fire and fueled the blaze. The shallow, egg-shaped depressions pockmark the coast and range in size from a few to thousands of acres. The bays are densely filled with plant life and often have boggy bottoms where peat, if it catches fire, can burn for days or weeks.
Tropical downpours are often needed to extinguish such fires, said state Forestry Commission spokesman Scott Hawkins.
"Once you get a fire in a bay, it's very, very hard to put out," he said.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
This year has started out busy as usual! We closed the relief site in Bridge City, Texas and have been in touch with and working by phone with many congregations in the tornado stricken and fire damaged areas with the storms that passed through the Midwest a couple of weeks ago.
WHAT ARE WE DOING NOW... YOU ASK??
Glad you asked :-)
All of our coordinators are at home (although most are still working on DRT things, trying to make things better.....more organized....more efficient :-) just can't get 'em to stop :-) However we hope and pray they are getting some much needed and well deserved rest!
One thing we all are working on are articles for our next newsletter. I've been extremely lax at keeping up with the newsletters and have received many requests for them. So each coordinator is writing an article about the Bridge City Relief Effort from their perspective for the next issue. I'm looking forward to y'all getting a copy of it, we've got some wonderful coordinators doing extremely good work for the LORD!
Sid and Debbi Smith are the DRT cooks (excuse me Sid) Executive Chefs ;-) Believe me....they deserve that title.....the food is awesome! Anyway....when we are not at a disaster, Sid goes around speaking at congregations for DRT. He's been quite busy lately, so many of you have worked with us or have heard about us and are seeing how needed this ministry is, Praise GOD! GOD continues to bless the efforts of DRT and as congregations hear about us and want to know more, we send Sid to do a presentation. Sid does an excellent job with this...he's a natural speaker....he tells things in a very interesting way, totally holding your attention.....keeping you on your toes.....and has plenty of personal stories from the disaster sites that he likes to share with you. If your congregation is interested in a presentation.....please have your minister or one of the elders contact me at 937-308-2259 to schedule Sid for a presentation. Now is the time, he obviously won't be available during disasters to do this.
Mark and I have been in Melbourne, Florida this past week meeting with the DRT committee and the elders that oversee the work of DRT. I can't say enough about this wonderful congregation and the leadership here. We are SO blessed to have them as our overseeing eldership! Check out my facebook page for more comments :-)
Mark, Ashley and I (and Gizzy, Chloe' and Jewel ;-)) will be heading to Pepperdine to set up the DRT booth at the lectures on May 5-8. I will be speaking there on Friday, May 8 @ 8:30am. I'm not in the program--- so please look me up!! ;-) Come join us to hear the latest on disaster relief directly from the front lines as well as how you can help your own communities get through the smaller disasters.
The following is the Schedule of where the DRT exhibits and/or Speakers will be.
April 26 (am) Buna COC - Buna, TX- Sid Smith -
April 26 (pm) Kountze COC - Kountze, TX - Sid Smith
April 29 - West Houston COC - Houston, TX. - Sid Smith
May 1 - Heritage University - Sid Smith
May 3 (am) - Cox Blvd.COC - Sheffield, AL. - Sid Smith
May 3 (pm) - Moulton COC - Moulton, AL - Sid Smith
May 5 - 8 - Pepperdine University- Malibu, CA - Mark and Laura Cremeans
May 8 - 8:30 am - Pepperdine lecture- Laura Cremeans
June 2 - 7 -Florida Bible Camp(DRT WORK CAMP)(YOU)WE NEED WORKERS! :-)
DRT Coordinators--email for more details -mailto:-disasterrelief@hotmail.com
June 4 - 6 - Quest- Oklahoma Christian University- Laura Cremeans
July 2 - 4 - Lipscomb Lectures - Sid Smith
July 20 - 24 Blue Ridge Family Encampment
July 25 - 31 Tahoe Family Encampment
Sept. 4 - 6 - SonQuest - Orlando, Fl.
Sept. 27 - 30 - Harding Lectures
If you're attending any of these events-- stop by and say hi!! We'd love to see you!
WHAT ARE WE DOING NOW... YOU ASK??
Glad you asked :-)
All of our coordinators are at home (although most are still working on DRT things, trying to make things better.....more organized....more efficient :-) just can't get 'em to stop :-) However we hope and pray they are getting some much needed and well deserved rest!
One thing we all are working on are articles for our next newsletter. I've been extremely lax at keeping up with the newsletters and have received many requests for them. So each coordinator is writing an article about the Bridge City Relief Effort from their perspective for the next issue. I'm looking forward to y'all getting a copy of it, we've got some wonderful coordinators doing extremely good work for the LORD!
Sid and Debbi Smith are the DRT cooks (excuse me Sid) Executive Chefs ;-) Believe me....they deserve that title.....the food is awesome! Anyway....when we are not at a disaster, Sid goes around speaking at congregations for DRT. He's been quite busy lately, so many of you have worked with us or have heard about us and are seeing how needed this ministry is, Praise GOD! GOD continues to bless the efforts of DRT and as congregations hear about us and want to know more, we send Sid to do a presentation. Sid does an excellent job with this...he's a natural speaker....he tells things in a very interesting way, totally holding your attention.....keeping you on your toes.....and has plenty of personal stories from the disaster sites that he likes to share with you. If your congregation is interested in a presentation.....please have your minister or one of the elders contact me at 937-308-2259 to schedule Sid for a presentation. Now is the time, he obviously won't be available during disasters to do this.
Mark and I have been in Melbourne, Florida this past week meeting with the DRT committee and the elders that oversee the work of DRT. I can't say enough about this wonderful congregation and the leadership here. We are SO blessed to have them as our overseeing eldership! Check out my facebook page for more comments :-)
Mark, Ashley and I (and Gizzy, Chloe' and Jewel ;-)) will be heading to Pepperdine to set up the DRT booth at the lectures on May 5-8. I will be speaking there on Friday, May 8 @ 8:30am. I'm not in the program--- so please look me up!! ;-) Come join us to hear the latest on disaster relief directly from the front lines as well as how you can help your own communities get through the smaller disasters.
The following is the Schedule of where the DRT exhibits and/or Speakers will be.
April 26 (am) Buna COC - Buna, TX- Sid Smith -
April 26 (pm) Kountze COC - Kountze, TX - Sid Smith
April 29 - West Houston COC - Houston, TX. - Sid Smith
May 1 - Heritage University - Sid Smith
May 3 (am) - Cox Blvd.COC - Sheffield, AL. - Sid Smith
May 3 (pm) - Moulton COC - Moulton, AL - Sid Smith
May 5 - 8 - Pepperdine University- Malibu, CA - Mark and Laura Cremeans
May 8 - 8:30 am - Pepperdine lecture- Laura Cremeans
June 2 - 7 -Florida Bible Camp(DRT WORK CAMP)(YOU)WE NEED WORKERS! :-)
DRT Coordinators--email for more details -mailto:-disasterrelief@hotmail.com
June 4 - 6 - Quest- Oklahoma Christian University- Laura Cremeans
July 2 - 4 - Lipscomb Lectures - Sid Smith
July 20 - 24 Blue Ridge Family Encampment
July 25 - 31 Tahoe Family Encampment
Sept. 4 - 6 - SonQuest - Orlando, Fl.
Sept. 27 - 30 - Harding Lectures
If you're attending any of these events-- stop by and say hi!! We'd love to see you!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
CONGREGATIONS IN NEED
We are so blessed to have such a wonderful network of volunteers from all across the U.S. we thank our LORD for you!! Many of you have been calling wondering where you are needed,where we will be, what is needed, etc. since the extreme weather system swept through the midwest the other night. We've also been receiving calls from those in the disaster areas that are in need of assistance or who know of someone in need. Due to the large distance between disasters....Wild fires in Texas and Oklahoma to Tornadoes in Arkansas - Alabama - Tennessee - Georgia, etc. logistics will be somewhat different than usual. The following is the information we have so far:
Tornado Relief
Murfreesboro, Tennessee:
We will be working with (4) congregations in some capacity. (details still to be determined)
**VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AND BEING ACCEPTED**
Tornado Relief
Mena, Arkansas
Northside Church of Christ
We will be working with this congregation in some capacity (details to be determined)
They are to receive a truck of supplies from Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort, Inc. (Nashville) tonight.
**If you are able to volunteer in either of these areas, please go to the DRT website and fill out the registration form. Please make sure to state which location you want to work at.
***If you are with a congregation in one of the disaster areas and in need of assistance or if you have information to share, please contact me.
disasterrelief@hotmail.com 937-308-2259
Keep checking the blog, website, twitter and face book for the latest information.
http://www.churchesofchristdrt.org
http://www.twitter.com/LauraCremeans
http://www.facebook.com Laura Baker Cremeans
Tornado Relief
Murfreesboro, Tennessee:
We will be working with (4) congregations in some capacity. (details still to be determined)
**VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AND BEING ACCEPTED**
Tornado Relief
Mena, Arkansas
Northside Church of Christ
We will be working with this congregation in some capacity (details to be determined)
They are to receive a truck of supplies from Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort, Inc. (Nashville) tonight.
**If you are able to volunteer in either of these areas, please go to the DRT website and fill out the registration form. Please make sure to state which location you want to work at.
***If you are with a congregation in one of the disaster areas and in need of assistance or if you have information to share, please contact me.
disasterrelief@hotmail.com 937-308-2259
Keep checking the blog, website, twitter and face book for the latest information.
http://www.churchesofchristdrt.org
http://www.twitter.com/LauraCremeans
http://www.facebook.com Laura Baker Cremeans
Friday, April 10, 2009
WILDFIRES - TORNADOES
Midwest City, OK. Wildfires 4/10/09
Over 49 injured - Over 100 houses burned in Oklahoma County.
Sunset, TX. Wildfires 4/10/09
Mena, AR., - EF-3 Tornado 4/9/09
3 deaths - 30 injured (1) of those in critical condition.
NBC News is reporting over 600 structures damaged in Polk County.
Murfreesboro, TN - Tornado 4/10/09
2 deaths - 41 injured (7) of those in critical condition.
Over 250 homes damaged/destroyed in the Murfreesboro/Rutherford County area.
Minute By Minute Info on Wild Fires and Tornadoes
Keep in touch with me on http://www.twitter.com/LauraCremeans and on http://www.facebook.com Laura Baker Cremeans
I'll be posting continuous updates on weather situations as the storms are moving through and as we continue to receive information on damage, etc.
I'll be posting continuous updates on weather situations as the storms are moving through and as we continue to receive information on damage, etc.
WILD FIRES - TORNADOES
We are closely monitoring and have been in contact all night with people on the ground in the areas of the tornadoes in Louisianna and Arkansas, etc. as well as the wild fires in Texas and Oklahoma. We will update as we have more information. Also check the DRT website for information. http://www.churchesofchristdrt.org/
The DRT Exhibit Upcoming Schedule of Events-- Check Out the Latest News and Information
If you are with your youth group at the Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes Convention in Orlando, Fl. or Indianapolis, IN. this weekend, please stop by the DRT exhibit to say hi and see the latest information.
Mark Cremeans is in Orlando
Sid Smith is in Indianapolis.
Crowleys Ridge College Lectureship - Paragould, AR. - April 12 - 15 (Sid Smith)
Pepperdine University Lecturship - Malibu, CA. - May 5 - 8 (Mark & Laura Cremeans)
DRT Work Camp -- @ DRT Florida location (Florida Bible Camp) - May 25 - 29
(service & clean tools, trailers, make care packs, rearrange/organize food semi trailers, etc)
**We need all the help we can get!- please plan to come and help us prepare for the next disaster--remember our Florida location isn't far from Disney ;-) work for a couple days - then go have some fun in the sun! :-)
For information please contact Laura - disasterrelief@hotmail.com
The DRT Exhibit Upcoming Schedule of Events-- Check Out the Latest News and Information
If you are with your youth group at the Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes Convention in Orlando, Fl. or Indianapolis, IN. this weekend, please stop by the DRT exhibit to say hi and see the latest information.
Mark Cremeans is in Orlando
Sid Smith is in Indianapolis.
Crowleys Ridge College Lectureship - Paragould, AR. - April 12 - 15 (Sid Smith)
Pepperdine University Lecturship - Malibu, CA. - May 5 - 8 (Mark & Laura Cremeans)
DRT Work Camp -- @ DRT Florida location (Florida Bible Camp) - May 25 - 29
(service & clean tools, trailers, make care packs, rearrange/organize food semi trailers, etc)
**We need all the help we can get!- please plan to come and help us prepare for the next disaster--remember our Florida location isn't far from Disney ;-) work for a couple days - then go have some fun in the sun! :-)
For information please contact Laura - disasterrelief@hotmail.com
Friday, March 27, 2009
FARGO, ND
Sid has had many people stopping by the DRT exhibit at ISWW in Tulsa asking if we're going to Fargo, ND. We're praying the dikes hold and they won't need us however if we're needed you know we'll be there.
Sid has talked with many from the Fargo area and also had Walter Clark, minister from the
Bismarck, ND. Church of Christ stop by the booth today to talk about our plans. Brother Clark told him that Fargo has no minister right now and is in the process of looking for someone to fill that position but is going to have one of the elders contact us. He also stated that all the members of the Fargo congregation that he knows about have evacuated.
I will update as I have more information.
Sid has talked with many from the Fargo area and also had Walter Clark, minister from the
Bismarck, ND. Church of Christ stop by the booth today to talk about our plans. Brother Clark told him that Fargo has no minister right now and is in the process of looking for someone to fill that position but is going to have one of the elders contact us. He also stated that all the members of the Fargo congregation that he knows about have evacuated.
I will update as I have more information.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
HISTORIC FLOODING IN THE MIDWEST-SEVERE STORMS IN THE SOUTH
**1st I'd like to let you know that if you are at the Tulsa Soul Winning Workshop this weekend, please stop by our booth and say hi to Sid and Debbie Smith who are working the booth while the rest of us are still in Texas. Sid and Debbie are some of the newest members of DRT but very knowledgable and will give you all the latest updates.
We are monitoring the weather situations across the country and will keep you informed through email, this blog, the DRT website and Facebook as to what help if any is needed. We do know that we all can begin praying right now for those being affecting by these weather disasters.
We had numerous storms throughout the south yesterday and last night. The forecast is for this weather pattern to continue through Friday. Below is an accounting of some of the damage from last nights storms provided by wjtv.
Media ReleasePublished: March 26, 2009
Pearl – Governor Haley Barbour declared a State of Emergency today for the severe weather system that affected parts of the state late Wednesday afternoon and Thursday and for the threat of additional storms and damage due to forecasted storms over the next several days. The State of Emergency will allow state resources to be used throughout the affected areas to assist local governments as they respond to this disaster, said MEMA Director Mike Womack. The following are updated damage reports received by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency’s State Emergency Operations Center:
· Adams: Numerous trees and power lines down county wide.
· Amite: Trees and power lines down and wide spread power outages.
· Jasper: Three homes damaged, one injury.
· Jones: Five homes damaged, three injuries.
· Lauderdale: Two homes major damage, nine homes minor damage, one business destroyed, one business minor damage.
· Lawrence: Three homes damaged.
· Lincoln: Trees and power lines down.
· Madison: Trees and power lines down.
· Simpson: 60 homes damaged, 20 injuries; 13 patients transported to Magee General, four patients transported to Simpson General, three patients taken to UMC.
Emergency crews are doing additional surveys for damage. MEMA will continue to provide updates as they become available.
FLOODING***
The following information was provided by kvly.
Volunteers and Fargo officials were heeding the mayor's call Thursday to add another foot of dike protection against the rising water.
In the Fargodome, where a sandbag-making operation was working furiously, public works official Bruce Grubb was struck by the variety of people helping out.
"Any time you see Bison football T-shirts and Sioux hockey T-shirts working side-by-side and smiling, we've really come together," Grubb said, referring to students from North Dakota State and its rival, the University of North Dakota.
The river was at 38.19 feet early Thursday. The National Weather Service predicted the Red River would crest at 41 feet, raising concerns about massive flooding among residents in this city of about 92,000.
Mayor Dennis Walaker described 41 feet as "uncharted territory," noting the Red's record high at Fargo was 40.1 feet in 1897. Walaker said he was still confident the city would beat the flood, but that contingency plans were needed.
"We're into the contingency dikes now, and what they are is a secondary dike to protect the city in case the first line of defense fails," Walaker told the CBS "Early Show" Thursday morning. City officials opened a planning meeting with a prayer, and Walaker said: "We need all the help we can get."
Officials said they would build their dikes a foot higher than planned, to 43 feet.
Evacuations of flooded homes south of Fargo continued on Thursday morning. Cass County Sheriff Paul Laney said authorities had 11 requests for evacuations. The Coast Guard and local rescuers and emergency officials have been using airboats to evacuate flood-stranded residents.
On Wednesday, 46 people were evacuated from 15 homes in rural areas south of Fargo. A dozen more rescues were planned Thursday.
"As the river's moving north, our issues are moving north," Laney said.
On Wednesday, Police Chief Keith Ternes urged people with disabilities to consider leaving the city, saying: "If they expect us to get to them and get them out, they should give serious consideration." Hospital officials were also identifying patients that might need to be moved early.
Officials in Fargo and neighboring Moorhead put out another call for volunteers. Fargo requested more than 2,000 volunteers to complete sandbag dikes.
In Bismarck, officials canceled a request for sandbaggers to protect a mobile home court in the south part of the city. But residents were warned not to let their guards down despite the lowering river.
"I am praying we're out of the woods because of the 2-foot drop, but I think we have to be prudent," said Lt. Dan Murphy, a North Dakota National Guard spokesman. "We just don't know."
The guard said tributaries feeding into the river had gone down.
Also, demolition crews blasted chunks of ice Wednesday to break up an ice jam that was causing water to back up behind it and flooded Bismarck.
Water backing up behind the dam of car-size ice blocks had forced the evacuation of about 1,700 people from low-lying areas in North Dakota's capital city of about 59,000. Fox Island, which has several dozen upscale homes, was flooded.
Crews from Advanced Explosives Demolition, with help from National Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Coast Guard, drilled 80 holes in the ice to detonate clay-like explosives. Greg Wilz, the state's homeland security director, said salt would be used to help speed the breakup and officials were considering backhoes to break up ice sheets near the river's west bank.
Residents of low-lying subdivisions in Bismarck and neighboring Mandan had been told to evacuate.
President Barack Obama declared the entire state of North Dakota a disaster area late Tuesday in response to widespread flooding. The Minot Air Force Base was deploying two rescue helicopters to Bismarck, in case people need to be saved from floodwaters.
Mike Hall, who is in charge of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's North Dakota response to the flood, said the agency is shipping almost 20,000 meals, 4,500 blankets and hundreds of toiletry kits to the Grand Forks Air Force Base. From there, the supplies will be distributed as needed, Hall said.
More sandbagging was planned in part of Grand Forks, the city hardest hit by the 1997 Red River flood. An elaborate dike system was built after that disaster. The Red rose to 42.5 feet in Grand Forks by midday Wednesday with a crest near 52 feet projected for Monday. The record there was 54.4 feet, set in 1997.
We are monitoring the weather situations across the country and will keep you informed through email, this blog, the DRT website and Facebook as to what help if any is needed. We do know that we all can begin praying right now for those being affecting by these weather disasters.
We had numerous storms throughout the south yesterday and last night. The forecast is for this weather pattern to continue through Friday. Below is an accounting of some of the damage from last nights storms provided by wjtv.
Media ReleasePublished: March 26, 2009
Pearl – Governor Haley Barbour declared a State of Emergency today for the severe weather system that affected parts of the state late Wednesday afternoon and Thursday and for the threat of additional storms and damage due to forecasted storms over the next several days. The State of Emergency will allow state resources to be used throughout the affected areas to assist local governments as they respond to this disaster, said MEMA Director Mike Womack. The following are updated damage reports received by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency’s State Emergency Operations Center:
· Adams: Numerous trees and power lines down county wide.
· Amite: Trees and power lines down and wide spread power outages.
· Jasper: Three homes damaged, one injury.
· Jones: Five homes damaged, three injuries.
· Lauderdale: Two homes major damage, nine homes minor damage, one business destroyed, one business minor damage.
· Lawrence: Three homes damaged.
· Lincoln: Trees and power lines down.
· Madison: Trees and power lines down.
· Simpson: 60 homes damaged, 20 injuries; 13 patients transported to Magee General, four patients transported to Simpson General, three patients taken to UMC.
Emergency crews are doing additional surveys for damage. MEMA will continue to provide updates as they become available.
FLOODING***
The following information was provided by kvly.
Volunteers and Fargo officials were heeding the mayor's call Thursday to add another foot of dike protection against the rising water.
In the Fargodome, where a sandbag-making operation was working furiously, public works official Bruce Grubb was struck by the variety of people helping out.
"Any time you see Bison football T-shirts and Sioux hockey T-shirts working side-by-side and smiling, we've really come together," Grubb said, referring to students from North Dakota State and its rival, the University of North Dakota.
The river was at 38.19 feet early Thursday. The National Weather Service predicted the Red River would crest at 41 feet, raising concerns about massive flooding among residents in this city of about 92,000.
Mayor Dennis Walaker described 41 feet as "uncharted territory," noting the Red's record high at Fargo was 40.1 feet in 1897. Walaker said he was still confident the city would beat the flood, but that contingency plans were needed.
"We're into the contingency dikes now, and what they are is a secondary dike to protect the city in case the first line of defense fails," Walaker told the CBS "Early Show" Thursday morning. City officials opened a planning meeting with a prayer, and Walaker said: "We need all the help we can get."
Officials said they would build their dikes a foot higher than planned, to 43 feet.
Evacuations of flooded homes south of Fargo continued on Thursday morning. Cass County Sheriff Paul Laney said authorities had 11 requests for evacuations. The Coast Guard and local rescuers and emergency officials have been using airboats to evacuate flood-stranded residents.
On Wednesday, 46 people were evacuated from 15 homes in rural areas south of Fargo. A dozen more rescues were planned Thursday.
"As the river's moving north, our issues are moving north," Laney said.
On Wednesday, Police Chief Keith Ternes urged people with disabilities to consider leaving the city, saying: "If they expect us to get to them and get them out, they should give serious consideration." Hospital officials were also identifying patients that might need to be moved early.
Officials in Fargo and neighboring Moorhead put out another call for volunteers. Fargo requested more than 2,000 volunteers to complete sandbag dikes.
In Bismarck, officials canceled a request for sandbaggers to protect a mobile home court in the south part of the city. But residents were warned not to let their guards down despite the lowering river.
"I am praying we're out of the woods because of the 2-foot drop, but I think we have to be prudent," said Lt. Dan Murphy, a North Dakota National Guard spokesman. "We just don't know."
The guard said tributaries feeding into the river had gone down.
Also, demolition crews blasted chunks of ice Wednesday to break up an ice jam that was causing water to back up behind it and flooded Bismarck.
Water backing up behind the dam of car-size ice blocks had forced the evacuation of about 1,700 people from low-lying areas in North Dakota's capital city of about 59,000. Fox Island, which has several dozen upscale homes, was flooded.
Crews from Advanced Explosives Demolition, with help from National Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Coast Guard, drilled 80 holes in the ice to detonate clay-like explosives. Greg Wilz, the state's homeland security director, said salt would be used to help speed the breakup and officials were considering backhoes to break up ice sheets near the river's west bank.
Residents of low-lying subdivisions in Bismarck and neighboring Mandan had been told to evacuate.
President Barack Obama declared the entire state of North Dakota a disaster area late Tuesday in response to widespread flooding. The Minot Air Force Base was deploying two rescue helicopters to Bismarck, in case people need to be saved from floodwaters.
Mike Hall, who is in charge of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's North Dakota response to the flood, said the agency is shipping almost 20,000 meals, 4,500 blankets and hundreds of toiletry kits to the Grand Forks Air Force Base. From there, the supplies will be distributed as needed, Hall said.
More sandbagging was planned in part of Grand Forks, the city hardest hit by the 1997 Red River flood. An elaborate dike system was built after that disaster. The Red rose to 42.5 feet in Grand Forks by midday Wednesday with a crest near 52 feet projected for Monday. The record there was 54.4 feet, set in 1997.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
IPOD WINNERS
(2) IPOD TOUCH'S were donated to be awarded to (2) DRT volunteers. Everyone who wore their RED DRT shirts on Saturday of each event were eligible to register for the drawing.
IPOD WINNERS
CYC - GATLINBURG, TN.
Josh Walker - McKenzie, TN
WINTERFEST - GATLINBURG, TN.
Goshen, Ohio
The Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team Volunteers are AWESOME!!
We are so BLESSED by ALL of you!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
CYC
CYC THIS WEEKEND IN GATLINBURG!!
YOU COULD WIN AN:
IPOD TOUCH!!
All you have to do to register is:
1. Help us promote The Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team(DRT) by proudly wearing your RED (DRT) shirt all day on Saturday at CYC (not under other clothes, we want to SEE it) :)
(not under other clothes, we want to SEE it) :)2. Come to the (DRT) Exhibit Booth and register for the Ipod Touch anytime on Saturday.
IT'S THAT EASY!! :)
The drawing will be held Saturday during the evening session. The winning name will be posted at the (DRT) Exhibit Booth.
How Do You Get A (DRT) Shirt??
Come by the (DRT) Exhibit Booth and we'll show you how to get a shirt. :)
We are thankful to our anonymous donor for donating (2) Ipod Touch's to be given to (2) DRT volunteers. (1) was given this past week at Winterfest .
I'm looking forward to seeing all of you!! Stop by and say hi!
Laura
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
ICE STORM URGENT NEEDS
THE NEED IS URGENT!!
VERY COLD AND NO POWER!!
We have coordinators continuing with the work in Bridge City, Texas following Hurricane Ike. We now also have coordinators working in Paragould, AR. following the ice storms and we are currently delivivering generators, equipment and supplies to Marion, Paducah, Mayfield and Murray, Kentucky. The phones are ringing constantly with more and more congregations in need of assistance the latest one being Marion, Kentucky.IT IS VERY COLD- THOUSANDS HAVE NO POWER--NO HEAT......IT COULD BE A MONTH BEFORE POWER IS RESTORED IN ALL LOCATIONS!!
PEOPLE ARE DYING FROM HYPOTHERMIA.
We received a call from Andy Walker, Minister of the church in Marion, Kentucky. He told us that Marion is a coal mining/farming community of about 2500 people. The entire town is without power and is also running low on food. So far he has been unsuccessful in getting any supplies brought in to his church and is desperately wanting to reach out to his members and community who are so much in need. We've also received calls from other congregations telling us about the urgent need of this congregation and town as well as the sad financial condition the town is in.
DRT is going to help Andy and his congregation reach out to their community showing the LOVE AND COMPASSION OF JESUS!! Which means we need YOUR help as well. :) We're a TEAM remember? ;) Lets help our brothers and sisters!!
We are also going to be helping the other congregations mentioned above and there will probably be more added to the list, so please be prayerful about how you can help.
DRT has purchased additional generators above what we already had in stock to loan out to congregations to use but many more are needed.
Below is a list of items URGENTLY needed:GENERATORS
HEATERS
CHAIN SAWS
FLASHLIGHTS
WATER
CANNED FOOD (reg. sizes for making family boxes and #10 sizes for serving to community)
PASTA
MANUAL CAN OPENERS
"HEATER TYPE" MEALS
"TO GO" MEAL CONTAINERS
BLANKETS
**FUNDING**
The funding will especially help, DRT is purchasing the needed items daily to help the congregations affected. We will also be purchasing fuel to help keep the generators running. An ice storm can be very costly.
To Donate Items: Please contact Laura at: 937-308-2259
For Funding You May Do So Through PayPal On Our DRT Website: http://www.churchesofchristdrt.org
Or By Postal Mail To:
Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team
810 Hollywood Blvd.
West Melbourne, Florida 32904
Friday, January 30, 2009
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.
Volunteers
Bottled Water
Flashlights
Heaters
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
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 DonationsVolunteers
Bottled Water
Flashlights
Heaters
Gasoline in gas cans
Blankets
Generators
Tarps
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
Thursday, January 29, 2009
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
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)
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.
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
Friday, January 09, 2009
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.
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.
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