Twice, Marja and I have volunteered to work with Disaster Response Services of the Christian Reformed Church, first in Grifton, North Carolina and then in Munster, Indiana. In both places, severe flooding had displaced people and destroyed homes. In both instances (2003 and 2010), it was immensely satisfying to help rebuild people’s lives. In both volunteer experiences, we came on the scene long after the floodwaters had receded.
Now an urgent appeal has come to us from DRS, informing us that there have never been so many disasters and requests for assistance from so many communities all around the US and Canada. Because of Hurricane Irene, they need volunteers who can work for a week or more in North Carolina and Patterson, NJ. Their job will be to clear downed trees, tarp damaged roofs, gut flooded homes and provide emotional and spiritual support. In the meantime, DRS continues to send reconstruction volunteers to places hit by tornadoes this summer.
So … If you are an individual who could help for a week or more, or if you could recruit a small group from our church or circle of friends, we need to hear from you...ASAP!
Neither I nor DRS can tell you where, when, and how you would be deployed immediately or in the coming months when you are available. But once DRS knows what your skills and availability are, you will be used to meet these pressing needs. Therefore, this week, please contact our Service and Outreach Zone Co-ordinator, Heidi St. Jean, or Marie, the area DRS Co-ordinator about your availability. You can also contact DRS directly by e-mailing drs@crwrc.org or calling 800-848-5818.
If you need a reference, use me. This is an urgent opportunity to make an immediate and significant difference in people’s lives.
I only wish that I could go right now!
- Pastor Peter
So … If you are an individual who could help for a week or more, or if you could recruit a small group from our church or circle of friends, we need to hear from you...ASAP!
Neither I nor DRS can tell you where, when, and how you would be deployed immediately or in the coming months when you are available. But once DRS knows what your skills and availability are, you will be used to meet these pressing needs. Therefore, this week, please contact our Service and Outreach Zone Co-ordinator, Heidi St. Jean, or Marie, the area DRS Co-ordinator about your availability. You can also contact DRS directly by e-mailing drs@crwrc.org or calling 800-848-5818.
If you need a reference, use me. This is an urgent opportunity to make an immediate and significant difference in people’s lives.
I only wish that I could go right now!
- Pastor Peter
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