• Home

printer-friendly email a friend

No Skill Required

See Photo Gallery

By Jill E. Krone

Emory United Methodist Church’s recovery team just returned from the Orange/Bridge City region where we offered cleanup and recovery assistance for 1 ½ days. You may find yourself asking, “What can three people do in that limited time?”  The answer is – LOTS!  There remains such a great need for help in removing debris, tearing out flooring, taking down walls and pulling out cabinets. I had not been on a mission trip previously and was concerned as to what I might be able to do with limitations and no construction skills. I quickly learned that this wasn’t a problem or a hindrance in this type of ministry. 

I was able to remove nails from walls and cabinets that had been taken down.  These nails are removed as a courtesy to the debris removal crews.  Measuring and marking a line for cutting in the walls didn’t require special skills yet this action allowed for minimal removal of walls/drywall while ensuring that no wet areas remained when cuts were made.  Help was also needed in sweeping up, following the crew and making certain that work areas were clear of dangers and that homeowners weren’t left with a new mess.    

And, I could listen. The greatest blessing for me came in the connection made with the people as we worked in their homes.  They welcomed us warmly and with such relief to have whatever help we would offer.  Some still needed to share their stories and tell of their blessings.  It was a joy to visit with them and hear their witness to God’s faithfulness in the midst of the storm. 

One homeowner shared, “I just can’t believe that you would come down here and do this work for us.”  And another offered pleasure for the crew’s efforts in preparing their home to the point that they could now make some decisions on how they would proceed with rebuilding. 

It will still be a long time before the majority of those affected by Ike can return to their homes.  Once the small number of salvageable possessions is removed, the house must be cleared of debris before sitting for a month or so to air out.  While this is happening, so is the paperwork for temporary housing and financial assistance.  It was very dismaying to learn of just one family who experienced separation until mid-November when they were finally able to get their FEMA trailer established on their property.  This family of two parents and two teenagers are expecting to spend the next 18 months living in the trailer as they work on their home. 

It’s in learning of these stories that I understand how I can help – my presence and willingness to do whatever I can does make a difference!  You, too, can make a difference by joining your church, district or group of friends in organizing and participating as a recovery team in a short or long term mission trip. 

See more stories and photos