Some of you already are aware of my passion for tornado/disaster relief. These past few weeks have been full of amazing time spent assisting folks affected by the Indiana storms on Friday, March 2nd. I was able to make some face to face contacts in Holton, IN during the first week after the tornados and realized just how many people I actually know in Ripley County. During the following weeks, there were so many generous people who wanted to help is whatever ways possible.
Members of a new and immerging local ministry, Hands & Feet, were at the forefront of those wanting to get involved and were traveling to the affected areas in the weeks following the storms. Some of them went to the Chelsea/Paynesville area near Madison, while others then went to the Marysville/Henryville area. Over the past 2 weekends, we were able to organize and mobilize 2 different work trips to Marysville and Holton to do debris cleanup, run chainsaws, and help construct storage sheds…all while trying to bless others as they, in turn, blessed all of us. While we were serving in a “boots on the ground” capacity, others were collecting donations within a local school. The children of one of the branch managers at United Community Bank had taken a 1 classroom collection effort and turned it into a multi-classroom competition. This effort raised enough donated items to fill my suburban as well as a minivan. Brenda Wheat, my son Nick, and I were able to pick up and then deliver those donated items to the Ripley County Food Pantry and the Holton Christian Church on this past Monday afternoon (April 16th).
Nick rode along with me and, on the way home, we were talking. Not sure what exactly was going on in the conversation or why I said what I did but, I made the statement, “I wish I could do this every day. But I don’t know how to earn a living doing it.” This was mid-afternoon on Monday the 16th. To see hurting people and know that you can assist them in different ways was definitely on my heart and mind the rest of the afternoon and into the evening.
Beth needed to run some errands that evening so we hopped in the truck together when I realized that, not only had I left my mobile phone in the truck but, I had missed a call and a voicemail message too. I hit “play” and Beth and I listened to Pastor Bob from Holton talk about their immediate need for a local reconstruction project manager and wanted to know 2 things...one, if I knew any names of qualified people and two, if I was interested in the position. I was a bit dumb-founded by this last sentence of the message and actually listened to that voicemail at least 2 more times before hanging up. Beth asked, “Are they offering you a job?” and all I could do was respond with total silence. A few minutes later, I called him back to discuss his earlier message and get some clarification. As we ended that brief conversation, I let him know that I would have to talk things over with Beth certainly PRAY about it. We agreed to talk again the following day.
As the days of this past week progressed, suffice it to say that God was at work. We were able to work out a scenario whereby I am now contracted by Holton to be 1 member of a 3 member “Long Term Disaster Recovery” (LTDR) team. This is for a minimum of the next 6 months while they secure additional funding for reconstruction projects and support efforts. So, my comment on Monday afternoon was directly addressed in a VERY positive way by Thursday morning. Beginning officially of May 1st, I will be adding this work to my current consulting projects. However, this one should prove to be the most rewarding personally and spiritually. Timing is everything as I was actually able to attend a day-long LTDR training that was held in Henryville yesterday (Friday).
I would like to conclude this initial “HOLTON LTDR” entry with 2 final points. #1 – God also moved in a very stressful customer relationship issue that I have been struggling with over the past few week and concluded it in a very positive way on Thursday morning. In fact, it was concluded just minutes after my final conversation with the Holton folks to accept their position. #2. – God also moved today, Saturday the 21st, as 40+ volunteers came together for the first “work day” to prepare the new location for the Hands & Feet Ministry in Bright, IN at the old “Bright Spot Café”. It was such a humbling day of service to others and with others where God’s love was evident around every corner.
Recently, I’ve been repeating a line that was said by our Senior Minister, Jeff Stone, during a sermon a few weeks ago…”If you really want to experience the love of Jesus, put someone else’s needs ahead of your own.” This concept has become a reality for me this week for sure and will become my mantra for the foreseeable future. (A mantra [1] is a sound, syllable, word, or group of words that is considered capable of "creating transformation" (cf. spiritual transformation).)
As this new chapter unfolds, I hope you will join me for the adventure. Blessings to you ALL.
Wonderful Darin. You are definitely the right person for this leadership role. I will begin daily prayer for you and also for the H & F Ministry project.
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