Hey, this is Bob. I realize this is Gail’s channel to share what God is doing through her work as a Trauma Care associate with EFCA’s ReachGlobal Crisis Response. But now I’m in the process of becoming adjunct staff with Crisis Response as well, so we’re both going to share our experiences and observations on this site.
Gail went to Florida to help with the Hurricane Ian response at the beginning of October. (The storm hit on September 28th). I didn’t get to go until October 18th, but I was thrilled to spend two weeks bringing help and hope in the midst of disaster.
Hurricane Ian brought a huge storm surge that filled many homes with four or more feet of water. This dirty storm water soaks walls and insulation, dissolves and delaminates the materials we substitute for wood, and grows mold at an incredible rate. Though it is hard for homeowners to accept in the wake of the storm, most of their homes need to be gutted – taking most of their possessions out to the street, then adding their walls, their cabinets, their carpets and floors to the pile.
It’s hard for the homeowner, but it’s also one of the first things that makes a visible difference in their mess, and helps people feel like they are moving forward. It brings just a little bit of hope to the confusion that follows the storm.
During my two weeks in Florida I got to be involved in demolition for several homes. Here are some pictures of that work, and of some of the homeowners we helped.
I’m looking forward to returning to Florida for a little while in January. Gail will be there for most of the month, Lord willing.
You can help by praying for the effectiveness of the ministry. Pray for God’s presence to be made known in the lives of those impacted by this storm.
You can help by serving in Florida with a church team, a small group or as an individual. Volunteers make a crucial contribution to the long-term impact of this ministry (Contact gail.degray@efca.org or respond@efca.org).
Finally, you can help by giving. The EFCA Hurricane Ian Relief Fund will help in Florida others by providing the equipment needed for effective response and by funding direct help to homeowners. You can also partner with Gail and I personally by making a one-time donation toward our expenses in Florida, or by giving on a monthly basis to support us long-term in this ministry. (Click here to give directly to us). Thanks.
In Christ Bob