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. 

Embody Compassion, Serve as God’s Light, and Be Love in Action

Douglas Hoy, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator

In John 3, we learn that Nicodemus came to see Jesus during the night because he was afraid or ashamed to be seen with Him. Nicodemus questioned Jesus and the two had a candid discussion about spiritual matters. Jesus welcomed Nicodemus in the darkness and provided him with the understanding he needed to develop his own faith. As part of that conversation, Jesus tells Nicodemus that “no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

According to Pastor Rick Warren, a life without meaning “has no significance or hope.” Without hope, our lives would be empty. It can be difficult to find hope after a disaster. Those affected by disasters are left with feelings of pain, despair, and loneliness. At a time when it may feel like they have lost so much, survivors need to know there is hope. That’s where UMCOR comes in. 

UMCOR and its volunteers embody compassion and serve as God’s light for people who feel caught in the storms of life. UMCOR comes alongside those who suffer from natural or human-caused disasters to help relieve suffering. They provide a loving, caring, Christian presence during those dark times of need. They share the light of their faith so that others can see and eventually enter the kingdom of God. 

Forrest White, director of missions for the First United Methodist Church of Lakeland, Florida, said it best after Hurricanes Ian and Nicole devastated his state. “Scripture tells us that we are called to nothing less than to show our Christian love in action. If we show up for people affected by disaster…we are tangible reminders of God’s love and God’s presence.” 

On Sunday, March 10, we will celebrate UMCOR Sunday. Please consider giving generously so that UMCOR can focus on providing compassion, healing, and hope to communities and individuals going through crises and disasters. To give online, visit UMC.org/SSGive. To give by check, mail your checks to: GCFA, P.O. Box 340029, Nashville, TN 37203. Please include “UMCOR Sunday” in the note section.

When you support UMCOR, you become part of something much larger than yourself, help that light shine even brighter in the dark shadows of disaster, bring hope to those in need, and allow the church to be a living example of God’s love in action.

Douglas Hoy

Disaster Response Coordinator

Email: drc@susumc.org

Phone: 717-766-7441, ext. 3402

Website: www.susmb.org/drm

Facebook: @SUSDisasterResponse

Twitter: @UMCDisasterResp

Disaster Response Ministry Blog:  susdisasterresponse.blogspot.com/

Mission Central's Response to Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria

Mission Central focuses on mission outreach, mission education and disaster relief. In 2022, we gave over $700,000 in supplies to assist with disasters. Through our partners, we distribute about 20% of our resources internationally.

Last month’s devastating earthquakes resulted in over 44,000 deaths in Turkey and over 5,900 in Syria. The total accounted-for number of deaths and injured continues to rise.

Survivors are struggling to stay hydrated, warm and fed. Emergency crews are continuing to use axes, shovels and jackhammers to dig through twisted metal and concrete, but in some places, they switched their focus to demolishing unsteady buildings.

These recovery and rebuilding efforts will take time. Through our international partners, we have already sent medical goods to Turkey and Syria. We will continue to support these efforts and initiatives as they recover and rebuild from the devasting earthquake.

Thank you for supporting Mission Central and assisting us in fast disaster response as well as longer term rebuilding efforts. We are grateful to you.

Please consider donating to Mission Central to help replenish our disaster relief supplies and allow us to continue this critical work. 

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Other ways you can support Mission Central...

Mission Central Online Auction

Our first online auction will be March 23 - March 27, 2023.
We have great packages available!
Check it out on www.biddingowl.com/missioncentral

Mission Central Fun Run/Walk

Join us for our virtual run/walk!
Run/walk whenever you want between April 15 - April 30 to support an amazing cause!
Find out more at missioncentral.org/events 

Commentary: Great Is Thy Faithfulness

By Douglas Hoy, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator

A few weeks ago, I was struggling. Facing health- related issues and problems at work, I was looking forward to a weekend camping trip. It was going to be a great opportunity to put those troubles and concerns behind me, if only for a few days. I packed the camper Friday morning and started my weekend, intending to meet my wife when she finished working that evening. I was 30 minutes into my trip when I felt the camper bounce and sway. And, before I knew it, I was sitting along the side of the road. 

The camper had sustained a flat tire. As I got out of my truck to inspect it, I saw rubber from the tire lying on the road, accompanied by torn air conditioning duct work and plywood. My heart sank. Approaching the back of the camper, I found the tire had shredded and had ripped away portions of the weather barrier and subflooring. The wire that reinforced the duct work was tightly wrapped around the axle of the camper. At that point, it became obvious that my relaxing weekend was over. I left the camper on the side of the road, called my wife to inform her that our plans had changed, and returned home to figure out my next steps.

I spent that evening removing the wire from the axle, with the help of my oldest son and some of his friends. I towed the camper to the garage and made arrangements to get an estimate for repairs. We made the best of the remainder of that Saturday. I was carrying the burdens of my health and work issues, along with my concerns about the camper as we walked in to the sanctuary Sunday morning. The service began and the praise team started singing.

“Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father, there is no shadow of turning with thee. Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not; as thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.”

The band played. The voices of the congregation filled the room. And try as I may to prepare my heart and mind for worship, I could not stop thinking about the problems I was facing. Then, as the chorus rang out, I heard a voice. It was soft but distinct. I listened closely and the words of the chorus became extremely clear.

“Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed thy hand hath provided. Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!”

I turned around to see a blonde-headed boy, not more than six or seven years old, with a big smile and singing with conviction. The words I heard were reassuring. Everything I needed would be provided, including solutions to all my problems. Just be faithful. As everyone continued to sing, I felt the burdens I had been carrying being lifted. I took a deep breath and joined in the last verse. 

“Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide, strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!”

Thomas O. Chisholm wrote the words of this poem based on Lamentations 3:22-23, which eventually became the well-known hymn: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

While it may seem strange to find comfort in a book of the Bible filled with expressions of grief or sorrow, we can be assured by these verses that God will be faithful, no matter what. He knows what we are going through. His presence provides all the hope, joy and strength we need to successfully confront our challenges. And, eventually we can take pleasure in the blessings He provides as we move through them.

When the world around us seems noisy and stress-filled and our lives look as messy as a shredded camper tire, take time to reflect on God’s faithfulness and the enduring peace and blessings He has provided.

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/

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/

Your Neighbors Need Your Help

By Doug Hoy, SUSUMC Disaster Response Coordinator

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”  Galatians 6:2

Since recent hurricanes and storms passed through the east coast, your neighbors and friends have been working to address the destruction that has been left behind. Many are cleaning out flooded, wet basements, removing debris from their properties, and making necessary repairs to their walls and roofs. And, they need your help.

In Galatians 6, we are called to share one another’s burdens. And, as you can imagine, recovering from a disaster can be accompanied by some very heavy burdens. Are you called to be the “hands and feet” of Jesus? Do you have the gifts to be a caring, Christian presence in the lives of those who are struggling to address their disaster needs? In scripture, Jesus offers rest to those who labor and are burdened. Can you carry your neighbor’s burdens and provide them with an opportunity for respite? Matthew 11:28-30 also tells us that we are to take up the yoke of Jesus, one that is easy and light. Consider becoming yoked with Jesus and one another to lighten the load of your neighbors. And, as you do, know you will “fulfill the law of Christ.”

The Disaster Response Ministry has been awarded an UMCOR Solidarity Grant to assist in the disaster relief efforts taking place within the Annual Conference. In addition to the need for volunteers, there is also a need for local coordinators to assist with organizing the effort and working with other organizations to provide for community needs.

Williamsport District

The community of Knoxville (Tioga County) is struggling to recover from flooding left behind by Hurricane Henri. Many households have reported some kind of damage and indicated they have a need for help. The Knoxville UMC sustained a flooded basement that damaged everything and the church was without gas and electric service for some time.

York District

Communities throughout York County are working to recover from Tropical Storm Fred and Hurricane Ida. Efforts to provide assistance to nearly 500 households are ongoing. Work includes mucking out basements, clearing outside debris, assessing and tarping roofs, mitigating mold, removing drywall, and beginning the rebuilding process.

If you are interested in helping your neighbors in their time of need, please contact the Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, Douglas Hoy, at drc@susumc.org or call 717-766-7441, ext. 3402.

Wandering Through a Pandemic

By Douglas Hoy, Disaster Response Coordinator

As we approach the one year mark since the pandemic forced us all to change the way we go about daily living, I am reminded of the challenges faced by the Israelites in Egypt. While enslaved there, God protected them and provided for their needs. He sent Moses to demand their release. Each time, when Pharaoh refused, God inflicted plagues on Egypt. He turned the Nile into blood, covered the land with frogs, turned dust to gnats, brought flies into the houses of Pharaoh, and sent disease and disaster to kill Egyptian livestock and people and destroy crops. Exodus 12 reveals to us that God then brought about plague to kill all firstborn Egyptian males. Before doing so, He instructed Moses to tell the Hebrew people to cover their door in the blood of a lamb, leaving a sign of protection for their families. After spending more than 400 years suffering in slavery, God, through Moses, led them to freedom.

As they made their way to the “land of milk and honey,” the people began to question if they would survive or die in the desert. Their fear grew as the armies of Egypt pursued them. God provided a miracle by allowing Moses to part the Red Sea. After crossing the sea to safety, the people praised God but soon began to question their supply of food and water. Again, God provided, sending manna from heaven. The Israelites faced war during the exodus, and God provided them with victory. For months, God provided safe passage, eventually bringing them to Mount Sinai. And, during this time, God gave Moses the Ten Commandments and covenanted with the people.

Of course, there is much more that occurred during the Israelite’s trip to the “promised land,” a trip that eventually lasted 40 years. But, each step of the way, God met them where they were. He provided for them in his own time. And, He did not keep them in the desert forever. It wasn’t easy. But, in the end, it was worth it.

As we continue to face the challenges presented by the pandemic, consider looking back over the last year. Think about the trials you faced? Did God meet you there? If you are like me, you certainly had questions. Did you take them to Him? And, did He provide you with answers? What miracles have you experienced during the pandemic?

I pray we do not have to wander through this pandemic for 40 years. The days and months ahead may be difficult at times. And, we will become frustrated and have questions. But, we must rejoice in difficult times “…knowing that suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character, and character produces hope” (Romans 5:3–4). Remember your covenant and find hope and reassurance that God is with you, just as He was with Moses. He promised “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14). Commit to trusting Him every day. He will answer your prayers, provide for your needs, and give you rest. It will be worth it.

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Contact Doug at drc@susumc.org. Check out the Disaster Response Weekly updates at tinyurl.com/DRweekly