Disaster Response Ministry - Tioga County Rebuilding

In late summer of 2024 a flood hit the Tioga County. Particularly hard hit was Westfield and the surrounding area. For over a year many residents affected by the flood have been displaced from their homes. They are living in hotels, campers, and with friends. After assessing the damage a year ago and “mucking out” all the mud and debris the floodwaters brought into the homes, the rebuilding began. As many of you know, it is a slow process. Those who are hoping to get into their homes, sooner rather than later, struggle with the long wait. 

Recently, I had the opportunity to tour the area that is most affected and see for myself the homes that are in need. One home had a work team from the United Church of Christ in the Frederick, Maryland area. They had successfully pulled out all the walls saturated with water which had created black mold and were beginning to work on the floors that had been damaged as well. Their goal for the week was to get the house ready for the next crew to come in and do plumbing and electrical work so that insulation and dry wall could be installed. Again, it is a slow process – one step at a time. 

There are many other homes in need of repair. Some won’t require as much work as this particular home, some that will also need to be gutted, and some that need debris and overgrowth removed from the outside.

Work teams are needed. All skill levels are needed. Christmas is coming. Let’s put some families back in their homes for Christmas.

For more information you can call Sara Shaver, Disaster Relief/Volunteers in Mission Coordinator at the conference office (717-766-5376) or Kristin Hamilton, Executive Director of the Tioga County Development at khamilton@developtioga.org, 570-723-8232.

Rev. Sara Shaver

Disaster Response Coordinator

drc@susumc.org

Web: www.susumc.org/drm

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Emergency Response Team Helps in Augusta, Georgia

Steve Runyan, ERT

Hurricane Helene impacted the southeast United States from September 24-27, 2024. On Thursday, September 26, Augusta, Georgia received approximately 8-10 inches of rain. In the very early morning hours of Friday, September 27, at approximately 2:30 am, severe winds hit the area. Estimates indicated winds of 100+ miles per hour. The combination of heavy rain soaking the ground and the strong winds resulted in devastation of the community as numerous trees were ripped from the ground, roots and all. Homes were destroyed, as were cars, fences, sheds and everything else to be found in yards and homes.

On December 1, I departed for Augusta with plans to meet up with ERT’s from the Upper New York Conference on December 2. We had housing arranged and provided by Advent Lutheran Church in Augusta. They also provided all our meals. They were a true blessing to our mission.

On Tuesday, December 3, we started our work. Our arrival was about 10 weeks after the storm, and the devastation observed and the number of people still waiting for any type of assistance was beyond what I can put into words. 

I operated a chainsaw, along with one of the Upper New York ERT’s. We cut any small trees and brush as well as limbing the very large trees that were downed. All material was then transported out to the curb, which was not always a simple feat.

We worked a typical ERT schedule…3 days. We took a day off to rest and recuperate a little, and then worked a second rotation.

We worked at the homes of 10 residents. They were among those most in need and awaiting help. A single mother with 7 foster children, a 73-year-old man with lung cancer, a woman with a disabled daughter in a wheelchair, a man confined to a wheelchair, a widow...the list goes on.

The work was hard, but the looks of hope and thanks from the homeowners when we finished made it worth the sore muscles. Most of the properties we worked at, we did not finish the job…the trees were simply too big for us to deal with. We cleaned up all the small stuff and prepped the big trees for follow-on teams that were coming with heavy equipment.

Deb Currinder

Disaster Response Coordinator

drc@susumc.org

Web: www.susumc.org/drm

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Mission Central Disaster Response We Need Your Help!

The United States has been hit hard by weather-related disasters in 2024. We have seen devastation at levels we haven’t experienced for almost a decade. Throughout this year, we have resourced over 6,000 Flood Buckets, valued at almost $500,000. With our latest shipment to those areas hit by Hurricane Helene, we have NO Flood Buckets left in the building. We usually have several thousand Flood Buckets on hand, to be prepared to send at all times. Unfortunately, our shelves are now empty. We ask for your help in replenishing those supplies, as we expect this is not the end of the need and response in 2024.

If you have been around Mission Central for a while, you might have heard us say that we never send items without being asked. This is imperative during a disaster. The organizations on the ground know the needs best, know what they can handle, and know the right timing. 

It’s our human nature to want to help and to help as soon as we can. But, if we want to help in the right way and ensure the supplies and funds are stewarded well, we have to wait for the organizations we work with to tell us when, where, and specifically what they need. It will be done in God’s perfect timing. 

In order to help us handle these tremendous requests, you can: 

Donate funds to help us quickly purchase bulk supplies, and adapt quickly to changing needs – donate here. 

Donate Flood Bucket and Hygiene Kit supplies (seen on our website: missioncentral.org/kits-projects-and-patterns/) by purchasing in-store, hosting a collection, or shopping from our Amazon Wish List. 

Pray for those affected and visit www.missioncentral.org to see other ways to help and to stay up-to-date on Mission Central’s activities. 

Planning for Disaster Response Victories

Douglas Hoy, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator

In most sports, the coach prepares the team for a game by developing a plan. This blueprint outlines the strategies and tactics to which players will adhere and execute during competition. Using a plan clearly defines roles and responsibilities, establishes goals, and guides the team toward success. When disaster strikes, it is equally important to have a plan and allow God to bless it for success.

This was particularly evident when major flooding swept through the Clarks Summit area (Scranton/Wilkes-Barre District) on September 9, 2023, catching many people off guard. As a result, nearly 300 individuals and/or families in and around this community just outside Scranton found themselves wondering how to address their wet basements and damaged property. And, when the call for help went out, the response to meeting this need mirrored the work of a well-practiced team entering competition.

In the hours immediately following the flood, Rev. Mike Bealla and the congregation at Elm Park UMC opened its doors. It’s not the first time they’ve come to the rescue of their neighbors in need. They worked with the American Red Cross to open a temporary shelter at the church. And, because of this witness in the community, those who were displaced by the flooding were able to find refuge and experience the love of Jesus in action.

Over the next few days, most families utilizing the temporary shelter had made more permanent arrangements until their homes were safe, sanitary, secure, and livable. The decision was made to close the temporary shelter. But the Red Cross still had one family of three that was unable to find suitable lodging. And because of the support and generosity of churches and individuals throughout the Conference, the Disaster Response Ministry provided an additional three weeks of temporary housing that enabled them to focus on putting the pieces of their lives back together.

As the weeks passed, PA VOAD partners planned for and started responding to the needs of the Clarks Summit community, specifically providing basement cleaning/muck out and debris removal. Requests for Conference teams were made. Pennsy Waltman and a team from Mt. Calvary UMC (Harrisburg District) answered the call. And plans were made for the team to spend a week in Clarks Summit. Countryside Community Church offered to host the team, providing lodging and a kitchen. Ministry partners from the Baptist Resource Network provided a shower trailer. Tom Meyer, South Gibson UMC, offered to do some property assessments in advance of the team’s arrival so they could be prepared to start work on their first day. 

Mt. Calvary team was joined by volunteers from Countryside Community Church that week. Five homeowners were blessed. This joint team cleaned/sealed basements, removed debris, accomplished landscaping, removed/repaired drywall, and replaced flooring.

God’s promise is clear. As we plan for and pray about doing what He has called us to do, He will guide us toward success. In Psalm 20 and 21, we are told He will give us those things we desire in our heart and grant us success. And, when that success comes, we can be thankful and rejoice in the victory.

Douglas Hoy
Disaster Response Coordinator

Email: drc@susumc.org
Phone: 717-766-7441, ext. 3402
Website: www.susmb.org
Facebook: @SUSDisasterResponse
Twitter: @UMCDisasterResp

Disaster Response Ministry Blog:  susdisasterresponse.blogspot.com/

Support Tornado Relief Efforts in Mississippi

Widespread atmospheric instability during the evening of March 24, 2023, caused a powerful tornado that was on the ground for more than an hour and traveled at least 170 miles, killing more than 25 people, injuring hundreds and causing damage primarily concentrated in Mississippi. According to weather experts, the supercell that produced the deadly twister in Mississippi also appeared to produce tornadoes causing damage in northwest and north-central Alabama and then Georgia. 

UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) is currently working with the affected conference and local agencies to assess the damage and determine the needs of the communities affected by tornadoes in Mississippi. Please pray for those communities, the victims, and their families, as well as the first responders working tirelessly to help those who have been affected. 

As we wait for updates, please continue to pray and consider donating to UMCOR’s U.S. Disaster Response and Recovery Advance.

The Power to Make a Change!

By Douglas Hoy, Disaster Response Coordinator

“If you walked by a house fully engulfed in flames and you could hear people screaming, would you keep walking? If a car crashed in front of you, would you drive by it? If a child was about to cross a busy street without looking, would you stay quiet? Well, it’s not a fire, or a crash, or a busy street, but people ARE dying and our health-care workers are drowning, and they are seeing things they will never forget….”

These words were shared by a friend on social media a few months ago. Like many of us, she has been frustrated with the pandemic, a lack of concern for those who are suffering, and the declining support for the decision-makers attempting to guide us. 

My friend went on to share that “we have the power to change the outcome, to lessen the burden. We can be part of the solution.” 

As I read her post, my thoughts turned to a cold day in October when I met with some residents of Knoxville (Williamsport District). That meeting was born out of frustration. Flooding had affected this community in August and, because there was no disaster declaration, it was difficult for them to get the assistance they needed. As I listened to their stories and pleas for help, I couldn’t help but think about their suffering. Most were without heat, their furnaces ruined. Some had mold growing in their basements. I could see the suffering in their eyes and hear it in their voices as they shared their circumstances. Colder weather was coming and snow was in the forecast. Without help, they would spend the winter without heat.

As I left that community, I knew something had to be done. After making some phone calls and sending some emails, I was able to arrange some help. With help from an UMCOR Solidarity Grant, our Volunteers in Mission (VIM) teams and VOAD partners went to work. And, by Christmas, the majority of the needs had been addressed.

Recently, I received a text from one of the families thanking me. As a result of the “help your group has given to our family after the flood it is slowly looking like a house again.” 

As I shared in the January issue of the Susquehanna LINK, your generosity allowed the Disaster Response Ministry to support this work, share in their burden, and make a difference.

This month, we will celebrate UMCOR Sunday (March 27). And, communities around the Annual Conference, across the nation, and worldwide continue to suffer from hurricanes, flooding, and wildfires. Your support on this special Sunday allows UMCOR to train Conference Disaster Response Coordinators like me, certify Early Response Teams, keep the office lights on, and maintain its promise that 100% of any financial support to a specific UMCOR project will go towards that project and not administrative cost.

Your sustaining gifts on UMCOR Sunday and throughout the year lays the foundation for UMCOR to equip local churches, annual conferences and nonprofit organizations to be in mission with their communities, respond to those left most vulnerable during these challenging times, and share God’s love with communities everywhere.

To be part of the solution, make a change, and share the burdens of other, support UMCOR Sunday by giving during your congregational offering time. Financial contributions can be collected and submitted through the Conference Treasurer’s Remittance Report in Section A and mailed to the Conference Office. Checks should be made payable to the Susquehanna Conference, with the UMCOR Sunday designation in the memo. To support the ongoing work of UMCOR, please include the appropriate Advance:  UMCOR US Disaster Response and Recovery (Advance # 901670); or, UMCOR International Disaster Response and Recovery (Advance # 982450). If you wish to allow UMCOR to determine where to use the funds, the offering can be designated “Where Most Needed” (Advance #999895).

For individual giving, these same options are available and can be accomplished online by CLICKING HERE: www.umcmission.org/umcor/give/how-to-give#Your_Gift

The Susquehanna Conference Disaster Response Ministry Advance (Advance # 8055) provides another opportunity to support disaster response. Funds designated to this Advance will support response, relief, and recovery efforts within the Conference as well as support Conference teams when they mobilize to other areas.

For more information about UMCOR, visit www.umcmission.org/umcor. To learn more about the Conference Disaster Response Ministry, visit www.susmb.org/ and click on the Disaster Response tab; or follow on Facebook: @SUSDisasterResponse and on Twitter: @UMCDisasterResp

Douglas Hoy
Disaster Response Coordinator
717-766-7441, ext. 3402
drc@susumc.org

Tornado Recovery Support

There are opportunities to financially support tornado recovery efforts as well as send volunteers to the Kentucky and Tennessee-Western Kentucky Annual Conferences.

Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference

Long Term Recovery efforts are being planned through the Fall of 2022 and volunteer teams that are interested in helping should register their interest at VOLUNTEER FORM. 

If you want to send supplies, contact them at SENDING SUPPLIES FORM. 

Financial giving can be accomplished by clicking Donate to Disaster Response Fund or, mailing a check to Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference, PO Box 440132, Nashville, TN 37244. (Please note Disaster Response in the memo line.)

Kentucky Conference

Currently, the Kentucky Annual Conference is only accepting teams that are ERT led, with a ratio of 1:1 (1 ERT trained* to 1 non-ERT). 

When long term recovery efforts begin, more information will be shared. 

Financial giving can be accomplished by mailing a check made out to Conference Treasurer to Kentucky Annual Conference, Attn: Treasurer, 7400 Floydsburg Road, Crestwood, KY 40014. (Please note KY Disaster Response #200902 in the memo line.)

Please remember, if you do decide to send volunteers, contact Douglas Hoy (drc@susumc.org) or Michelle Schwartzman (vim@susumc.org) to register the mission trip, fill out a roster, and receive the insurance paperwork. 

*The Susquehanna Conference currently has three individuals ERT trained. ERT training courses (virtual) are being scheduled and dates will be published.

Kentucky Tornado Support

UMNS photo by Mike Dubose

Responding to a disaster can bring together the connectional system of the United Methodist Church and allow us to be actively involved in supporting the affected area. While we wait for assessments to be completed and plans to be established, there is still much you can do. 

PRAY. Spend time, individually and collectively, praying for the victims, leaders, and emergency responders in these communities. This can be a powerful tool in the immediate and long-term aftermath of a disaster. As you pray, petition God for direction and guidance on how you can be involved.

SUPPORT. The financial need after a disaster is great. Your generous giving makes this possible. To provide financial support, click: UMCOR US Disaster Response and Recovery Advance This will ensure 100 percent of the donation reaches the affected area, supports the work of UMCOR and its partners, and meets the needs of the community.

ACT. While we wait, you can assemble UMCOR cleaning kits, hygiene kits, and school kits. Information about those kits and how to assemble them can be found on the UMCOR website or the Mission Central website.  

UMCOR umcmission.org/united-states-disaster-response/

MISSION CENTRAL missioncentral.org/kits-projects-and-patterns/

Disaster Response Ministry: What’s the Catch?

Douglas Hoy, Disaster Response Coordinator SUSUMC 

Have you ever seen those advertisements offering an all-expense paid, week-long vacation to a tropical location? It’s an offer that seems almost too good to be true, right? Just spend a few hours touring a vacation resort and listening to a salesperson attempting to sell you a condo. No strings attached. Just give them a few hours of your precious time. How bad could it be? Fill out the registration form. Provide them with your mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address. Convinced it’s worth it because all expenses are paid? It’s a great opportunity because you were planning to take a vacation anyway. Then, you start receiving junk mail and spam e-mails. Your phone rings constantly. The texts never stop. You discover the airfare is free—well, except for the taxes and fees. Suddenly, what seemed like a great opportunity with no “catches” has turned into an expensive, time-consuming nuisance.

Recently, I felt like one of those sales persons. I was assessing a home that had been damaged from one of the storms that passed through Knoxville in north-central Pennsylvania. As the homeowner accompanied me, we documented the damage and discussed what needed to be done to fix it. Remove the mud. Dispose of the debris. Re-build the basement staircase. Replace the hot water heater. Inspect and repair the electrical service. As we talked, I could see the concern becoming evident in his eyes. He was already overwhelmed by the circumstances surrounding the flood and being forced from his home. 

Then he asked the question, “What is this going to cost me?” What’s the catch?

This year, the Disaster Response Ministry was active in supporting the relief and recovery efforts for multiple disasters. Of course, supporting the on-going pandemic is at the top of a list that also included helping with storm clean-up at Camp Penn; resourcing various Conference and local church ministries, providing national crisis hotline operators to record disaster needs; doing flood relief, cleanup, and rebuilding in multiple locations throughout the Conference.

We learn from scripture that “God loves a cheerful giver.” More specifically, 2 Corinthians 9:7 clarifies that we should give without reluctance or compulsion. The people of the Susquehanna Conference have been generous with its financial support. And, that generosity has enabled the Disaster Response Ministry and UMCOR to be a caring, Christian presence in the aftermath of these disasters. We have been able to meet the needs of survivors by providing them with temporary heating, replacing medical equipment, paying for utilities, meeting essential needs, and awarding grants to assist with recovery to name a few.

As I spoke with that homeowner a few months ago, I thought about your willingness to give without hesitation. I turned to the homeowner and confidently shared that he would not incur any costs. Immediately, I could see the relief in his eyes. The stress he was experiencing faded quickly as he processed that idea that there was no “catch.”

As we move into a new year, I look forward to continuing in ministry and mission with you, being the hands and feet of Jesus, and sharing His love with those who are suffering ... with no catch! Contact me at drc@susumc.org or call 717-766-7441 ext. 3402.

 

 

Volunteers in Mission: Faith Bellefonte and Mt. Calvary Harrisburg

 

By Pennsy Waltman

Faith UMC, Bellefonte, and Mt. Calvary, Harrisburg, were so blessed to return to Carteret County N.C. this fall after having served there in the spring. There are 250 families still waiting for help from the 30 inches of rain in 24 hours in 2018 which came up through the floors and rotted them from the bottom up. We helped three families in the spring and two on our trip in October: a grandmother raising four grandchildren (wonderful kids!) and a retired gentleman on disability who had a broken back and neck and isn't able to do a lot of repairs himself. Both homes should have been condemned! Floors were rotted out so that you had to walk on the floor joists in order to cross the room and not fall through the floor. You could see the earth beneath the floor while using the bathroom. Insulation was hanging two feet above the bunk bed where a teenage granddaughter was sleeping. Four tarps on top of each other was keeping some of the rain from coming into the home. The back porch had fallen down onto the concrete making it unsafe to enter the house that way. In one home there has been no hot water since 2018! 

The job/housing coordinators are working six days a week without financial compensation but are greatly compensated by seeing what God is accomplishing through His children in mission. We were able to install shower/bathtubs, toilets, new flooring, new roof, a hot water heater, drywall, and much more. The day after we left, God sent another team to finish where we left off. Praise God both families are back in their homes.

We always invite past and present families we have served to join us for dinner and it was a joy to have them all together and hear their stories. The son of the gentleman homeowner helped us on his days off and is taking vacation to join us on our next trip in the spring because "I haven't seen my Dad smile in 3 years and he's been smiling all week!" A couple we helped in the spring thought God had forgot all about them and lost their faith, stopped going to church, and gave up. Seeing us driving all the way from Pennsylvania, sleeping on the floor, and helping people they never saw before brought them back to God and they paid it forward with a check for $1,000 to help us help someone else! 

As we all say, "We always get more than we give on these trips!! Maybe God just wants us to keep paying it forward!"

For more information contact Volunteers In Mission Coordinator Michelle Schwartzman at 717-766-7441 ext.3105 or email VIM@susumc.org or visit susmb.org/vim