We had a plan. The fifteen youth and adults who volunteered for the week of June 22nd were supposed to work in three houses: Petrucia’s, to mud and texture; Vicki’s, to lay tile and grout; and Arlene’s, to sand, mud and texture.
Things don’t always go according to plan. Luann Rice is a homeowner in Sonshine village, where Vicki lives. Luann’s mom owned the house when Hurricane Ian devastated it, but she wasn’t well, so Luann did as much as she could to get the house rebuilt. Luann got electrical and plumbing repairs, and some of the drywall hung, but not on the exterior walls. During this long time Luann’s mom passed away. Last month Luann learned that her permit to rebuild would expire on July 3rd. She needed to have all the drywall up to pass the rebuild inspection.
On Monday Luann ran into a neighbor whose home we had rebuilt. She mentioned her need, and the homeowner told her that Crisis Response might be able to help. Later that day she talked with Katrina Welch, our site leader. Kat couldn’t make any promises to finish the drywall in time, but she said we would try.
So the plan was changed. On Tuesday morning we picked up the fifty sheets of drywall needed for Luann’s house. The team of seven that was supposed to be at Arlene’s was moved to Luann’s, and the team that was supposed to be at Petrucia’s also spent a day and a half helping. None of these young people had ever hung drywall before, but the staff did some teaching and was there to help.
(Volunteers learning to hang drywall)
The project was accomplished. By Thursday afternoon all the drywall was in place except for two pieces. Luann was free to get her inspection, which means she can finish her house – and we can finish it with her.
But it’s not about the project. It’s about people – and Jesus. During the week as we worked, Luann was invited to pray with us, to talk and tell her story, to sit at lunch and hear testimonies of faith from the volunteers and staff. At one point she mentioned that though she didn’t go to church anymore, she was interested in studying the Bible. By God’s design, we recently started a Bible study in Luann’s neighborhood. It meets on Thursday. Luann attended and loved it. By the time we cleaned up on Friday Luann was calling the work that had been done “a miracle” and the connections that had been made “a blessing.”
(Luann with part of the team that helped at her house)
And it’s not over. A new team will begin working in Luann’s home next week, and as teams help her with drywall finishing, painting, trimming, flooring and cabinets, there will, Lord willing, be many opportunities to talk about the Bible, about a relationship with Jesus, and about a walk of faith. Pray that Luann’s life will continue to be changed by the presence of God’s people and through God’s Holy Spirit.
This is what Crisis Response is all about.
P. S. If you would like to support Bob and Gail as they invest in these lives, visit Bob and Gail DeGray’s Giving Page. One time or ongoing gifts are greatly appreciated – and needed.
Praise God and you and your team too! I can’t remember who it was from DTS who admonished his seminary students ” you must be ready to preach, pray or die at a moment’s notice”. Sounds like you guys adhered to that prioncipal. Thanks for sharing.