On Monday the 7th of October Lindsey Teets of Maple Spring, George Schell and Craig Howard of Brake Covenant Brethren Churches closed the doors on a 26-foot jam packed U-Haul truck and left Petersburg, WV heading for Eastern Tennessee.
They were representing the Central Allegheny Region of the Covenant Brethren Church on their way to link up with Jeremy Dykes, John Swonger, and Scott Kinnick of the Southern Region who, working with a group of volunteers, was leading a feeding and distribution effort in their area to help people affected by the flooding and the workers that were serving them.
Money and items had been collected over the previous four days from churches and the Petersburg community. The load was almost more than the truck could handle but with careful driving the trip was made with no incidents. To say that the people in Tennessee were appreciative would be an understatement. To say that those who had the privilege of making the trip were blessed and moved with compassion would also be an understatement. Although the load and money delivered was substantial, (approximately $35,000 worth of supplies and almost $29,000 in cash and checks) it was a drop in the bucket compared to the need.
As the pictures show, losses were great and extended for hundreds of miles along three major rivers. The recovery will take years but the people there are rolling up their sleeves and pitching in to help their neighbors in any way they can. Groups are coming together to pray; churches are offering their facilities to feed people and distribute needed goods, and God is being lifted up. One impromptu Wednesday night service led by CBC leaders saw 250 people come together in a field to pray and hear God’s word lifted up. Seven people came to Christ that night and were baptized in a horse trough. CBC leaders in the Southern region are using the cash and checks mentioned above to help those who suffered losses in buying perishable supplies or helping to replace lost income due to jobs being shut down. Every dollar will go to help affected people we were assured.
Other members of CBC are preparing to work with Samaritan’s Purse to offer labor and assistance. Directing financial assistance to Samaritan’s Purse is still a huge need and can be done by sending donations through Covenant Brethren Church, Att: Fred Shank, 4955 Thomas Springs Rd. Bridgewater, VA 22812.
Every dollar sent will go to humanitarian relief under a new program with Samaritan’s Purse that has been set up where no administrative costs have to come out of those funds. Besides your prayers, this is a way you and your church can make the biggest difference.
Covenant Brethren Church is trying to do what it can to help with this enormous disaster with love in Jesus’ name. We are but one small part, but you can be sure we will do our part to the Glory of God.
Don’t forget to pray, and if you would like to be a part of a team going to work, be patient, everything is pretty full right now, but help will be needed for a long time. Contact our National Office and let them know of your interest. You can call 304-534-8010 or send an email to contactcbc@covenantbrethren.org. God has more for us to do in all of this to show His Love in action.
