Photo by Sammy Deacon
By Ron Hawes, Brethren Disaster Ministries volunteer from Paxton Church of the Brethren, Atlantic Northeast District
Over the past couple of years, I have wanted to volunteer so I can use my God given skills and my hands to help others. As an introvert, it can be difficult to move out of my comfort zone but earlier this year I had a conversation with Pastor Kirby Dubble at Paxton Church of the Brethren regarding volunteering for disaster missions. After our conversation, I looked on the Brethren Disaster Ministries(BDM) website for a volunteer opportunity this spring but could not find a time to fit my schedule. However, with God’s perfect timing, Pastor Kirby received an email regarding a short-term opportunity to serve in North Carolina in May. I was hesitant at first but when God says go, you go, and I am so thankful I did.
For my first volunteer opportunity with BDM I spent the week of May 11 based in Spruce Pine, N.C., helping to restore a flood damaged house in Green Mountain (about a 35-minute drive from Spruce Pine). The trip was well coordinated and the administrative team at BDM equips volunteers with all the information needed to have a successful trip, including a packing list to ensure that you bring everything you will need.
When I arrived in Spruce Pine at our housing location, I quickly learned how loving and welcoming all the BDM leaders and volunteers are. I cannot say enough about how their humility, caring, joyfulness, and love put my introvert tendencies at ease. The fellowship I experienced throughout the week was amazing. The coordination and leadership of Sammy Deacon and John Mueller was very appreciated.
While on site at the project house, the BDM project leadership team pairs volunteers with a specific job based on what they shared during the registration process. I worked on the plumbing team led by Doug Campbell who provided the instruction needed to successfully complete the tasks to get the house’s plumbing in order. Even if you do not have previous experience or skills, your hands are needed (Matthew 25:34-40) and you will learn new skills.
What I did not realize prior to this volunteer opportunity is how churches of different denominations work together to help restore lives in these disaster areas. The First Presbyterian Church in Spruce Pine blessed us with spaces for overnight accommodations, a kitchen for our excellent BDM household leaders Mary Mueller and Nancy Kopp to make nourishing meals, and the reception hall which provided more than ample space for breakfast, dinner, and fellowship. The Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church Disaster Ministries was our rebuilding partner. They provided equipment and building materials for the project as well as guidance on building codes. During the week, we enjoyed fellowship meals with both partners, which allowed for the opportunity to hear stories about how the people in the disaster affected areas were impacted by the flooding.
Please continue to pray for those impacted by flooding, tornadoes, wildfire, and other disasters months and years after they occur. Also pray for the BDM leadership and volunteers as they display God’s love through action. Overall, this experience has left me deeply moved and I am looking forward to my next BDM volunteer opportunity.
This reflection was originally featured in the summer issue of Bridgesproduced by Brethren Disasters Ministries. Learn more about Brethren Disaster Ministries and its volunteer opportunities at www.brethren.org/bdm. Support the volunteers who go when God says “go” at www.brethren.org/giveBDM.