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On Sunday, November 4, 2007 Crossett FUMC became only the second UMC church in Arkansas to have a UMCOR approved Disaster Relief trailer (the other is in Villonia).  Rev. Maxine Allen, Minister of Missions and Ethnic Ministries, traveled to Crossett to deliver the message at the morning worship service and to participate in the dedication of the trailer.

 

 

Rev. Allen delivering her message 

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 Disaster Relief Committee members Dan and Judy Kersey receive UMCOR certification

 

Left to right: Ken Taylor, Rev. Allen, Emily Chisholm, Dan   Kersey, Justin Howell  

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The trailer grew out of a UMCOR-conducted Disaster Relief training session in April 2007 attended by Ken Taylor and Justin Howell.

Its purpose is to support the logistical needs of 3 to 10 volunteers who will go into a distressed area (by invitation of UMCOR) for up to 3 days to help with clean-up and rebuilding.  It contains the tools mostly likely to be needed by the workers (rakes, brooms, shovels, axes, etc.) plus the items needed to feed and house them (tent, stove, fans, cots, a 500-watt generator, etc.) so that they will not an added burden on an already over-burdened community.  

In March Disaster Relief training was conducted and over 20 people were certified as Disaster Relief team members. 

The trailer's baptism came on February 11, 2008 when the church was asked to send volunteers to Junction City to help with clean-up and repair of the First United Methodist church building damaged by a tornado on February 5.  

It was called out again on May 13.  5 people (Ken and Janice Taylor, Nancy Toon, Justin Howell, and David Johnson) traveled to Greer's Ferry to help with tornado clean-up.  They were gone 3 days.

Below are a few pictures taken on this second trip.  All are thumbnails.  Click to enlarge.

 

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The team getting ready to leave.

 

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First sight of the damage.

This new house was never occupied.

 

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Salvaging reusable material.

Making a wish.

 

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Ken hard at work with the chainsaw.

Unexpectedly good quarters.

Good hosts.

 

Last Updated 07/08/08