Testimonials
From Ross Duhaime: Deacon on the Disaster Response Team
Subject: Lake Mack Tornado
Yesterday, a group of us traveled to Lake Mack, just outside of Paisley, to participate in a good old fashioned barn raising. We weren't sure what to expect, and we thought it odd that we would be working on a barn. Why a barn? Why not a house? Why not clearing debris? Well, we quickly found out why.
We gathered in the chilly fog at the Lake Mack fire station at about 8:00 am Saturday. There were FEMA trucks, Red Cross trucks, police cars, rescue vehicles, and security details. A volunteer group was making a fantastic breakfast (of course we had already eaten - had we only known!) as we signed the volunteer forms. We were then directed to climb back into the minivan and head for ground zero, to meet up with a crew working on the barn. We were soon to discover that something more rugged than a minivan would be better, but regardless, we made our way down the bumpy and potted dirt road, avoiding front end loaders, garbage trucks, and bobcats (the machines, not the animals). When we set out from the station, everything looked as it should, in its proper place - sleepy homes, barking dogs, beautiful trees. When we turned onto Cooter Pond Road, we were met with a sight that can only be defined as life changing.
You've seen it on television and read about it in the paper. In addition, we all lived through the Charley, Frances and Jeanne triplets of 2004, but none of that can describe what we saw. Pieces of crumpled metal were sitting at the curb, which we later discovered were the remains of homes. Cars had been tossed about like toys, as if a giant had played a sinister game in the night. Insulation hung from trees like moss, great pine trees had been snapped like toothpicks. This was unbelievable, but that was just the beginning. We drove by the Downing's home, where mother, father and son had been killed. The Baysinger's home was next, and all that remained was a wooden porch. Then the Nolan's, where a young mother had lost her husband and son. These were no longer pictures in the paper - these were hard working and God loving people that had perished only days before while sleeping. We felt as though we were on hallowed ground, invaders in a land where we didn't belong, yet we knew we were called here for a purpose.
Then we reached the site of the barn, and believe it or not, because it was the only wooden structre in the neighborhood, it was one of few structures left standing, though roofless. It was explained to us that the single, pregnant mother had survived the night in her trailer, with her three boys. The animals had broken loose from the broken barn and were wandering in the dark. We introduced ourselves and began ripping off the twisted tin and old wood from the roof. We dragged pieces of the tin to the side so we could begin working on the new roof. We began to understand that were doing something tangible, something that would provide shelter for the pigs and horses, not just for the single mom, but for the neighbors as well.
These proud people do not take handouts. It was difficult to get them to accept the help, but Steve Bruton from Northland had been living and working among them since just after the disaster struck. He had built their trust, and they finally relented to allowing outsiders to volunteer in the clean up. By the end of the day, most of the roof was on and would be finished on Sunday. We discovered that nearly everyone working on the barn would be back on Sunday morning, and nearly all wanted to participate in a morning worship and prayer session before commencing with their work.
On this day, we had worked alongside a disabled Vietnam veteran from Ft. Lauderdale, who had been suffering from the affects of Agent Orange poisoning. We worked among locals from Lake Mack, Deerhaven, and Forest Hills, all rural communities in the area. We worked among church
members from other congregations, and we worked under the supervision of licensed carpenters that had put aside their own families and projects to be part of the rebuilding team. We learned something about ourselves as well. We learned that, even though we can barely swing a hammer, God can use us. He can use us in seemingly small ways, which at the time may seem like nothing to us, but may end up bringing healing mercy and justice to a grieving, struggling community.
In the coming weeks and months, there will be many projects that we can partner on with this community. It could be building a house, putting up a fence, painting a room, or just offering prayer and support. To that end, I would encourage each of you to think about how you can be of service to people in need - not just in Maitland and Altamonte Springs, but across the entire central Florida area. The needs of our own body are great to be sure, but we are called to be a blessing to all.
One last note if I may. While walking through a stand of broken trees I came upon a birthday card that had somehow survived the turmoil. In that card was a personal love note from one spouse to another. I'm not sure which house it came from, but you couldn't help but wonder whether the couple had been united in eternity, or if one or both of them were still here, trying to make sense of it all. Only God knows, but I know that I am different today as a result of yesterday.
I look forward to serving Christ alongside each of you in the future...
In His Service
Ross Duhaime
From Ginger Flack, Habitat Blitz Homeowner:
"I wanted to again, thank you for all you, and your church, have done for my daughter Amaya and I. Our blessings, as you prayed, have been overflowing, and for that I am truly thankful. What is so wonderful about giving to your community, is that its a gift that keeps on giving. You restore faith in humanity, you give people hope for a better future, and let them know there are great people out in this world who care. Being in the program with Habitat has shown me how this world is full of giving, loving people. Your church has done so much for my family, and long after the dust has settled, that gift will still be giving to us. Its a better life we are soon to start. I cannot truly express how grateful I am, other then returning the gift of giving. Many people need help, and I intend of doing just that, as a way to keep God's work going forward. Many blessings to you and your family."
From Louise Franklin, For Bibles:
"The Bibles are most appreciated".
