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Janet Birkmann
S.T.O.R.M. Report Vol. 7 Special Edition No. 7 October 9, 2018. Let brotherly love continue...(Hebrews 13:1).
While keeping a close eye on Hurricane Michael* (upgraded to a Category 4 and forecast to hit the Florida panhandle today with storm surges of up to 14 feet), OPC Disaster Response continues to work with local leadership in North Carolina to provide help and relief in the name of Christ to those affected by Hurricane Florence.
WE NEED YOU!
Despite our appeals for volunteers, and our thankfulness for those who have come forward and have served well, we are not hearing from as many people as we need!
--Can your church round up a team to go and serve for a week?
--Deacons, have you considered sponsoring a volunteer or team to come from your church?
--If you or your team cannot commit to a week, how about just the weekdays or a long weekend?
--Note that employers will often grant days off for disaster response volunteers.
--Would you or anyone you know make a good Site Coordinator?
--Skilled volunteers, this is an opportunity to make great use of your gifts!
--Unskilled volunteers can come and support affected families and skilled volunteers in a variety of ways.
Recovery from such disasters is a longer-term proposition than you may realize based on the rapidity with which they disappear from the news!
Our Hospitality Coordinator in New Bern shared a few samples with us ... A young family needs a trailer to live in while the father (laid off due to flooding at his work place) works on house repairs... An elderly couple with recent onset of serious health concerns now also worries about their house that needs repairs... Some children are not back in school yet due to flooding damage or use of the school building as a shelter... Many homes still need drywall and flooring torn out, a basic necessity which is ideally done immediately after the flood...
And next, Hurricane Michael....*
"A terrifyingly powerful Category 4 Hurricane Michael was poised to become the strongest hurricane to hit the Florida Panhandle in recorded history Wednesday, its rapid strengthening catching some by surprise and leaving anxious officials telling those who didn't evacuate: It's time to hunker down....Among the concerns: Flash-flooding with heavy rain; life-threatening storm surges up to 14 feet high; and devastating winds, not just in the Panhandle, but southern Alabama and Georgia." (CNN.com 9:36 am EST Oct. 10, 2018)
* Update Oct. 12: Hurricane Michael: OPC Spared! Click here for the report!
RESOURCES:
How to Donate to Hurricane Florence Relief
Hurricane Florence Volunteer Application
Print a "Call for Volunteers" poster for your church
Tips on Organizing a Team from Your Church
Seeking Site Coordinators for North Carolina
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