Disaster Response: A Unique Ministry
In 1 Peter 4:10, we are asked to “use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” As Volunteers in Mission (VIM), SUM’s Disaster Response Ministry teams are able to do just that – serve those whose lives have been turned upside down by destructive storms. Since its beginning in 2005, our church’s Disaster Response Ministry has re-emerged over the past two years with two trips to Ft. Myers, FL in May 2023 and January 2024 after Hurricane Ian and a most recent trip to Augusta, GA after Hurricane Helene. In addition, SUM volunteers joined NCCUMC in flood recovery in Vermont in September 2024. We love the model that we've utilized over the last 19 years - one which is a powerful, inter-faith model where individuals from other churches join us. As a collective group of sisters and brothers in Christ, we can serve together as His hands and feet!
From rebuilding a collapsed chimney in Vermont to reconstructing a deck and installing drywall in a home in Georgia, volunteers find ways to help those in need. Working under the UMCOR umbrella, on-site coordinators in the disaster region pair up volunteer teams with homeowners who have been carefully vetted and who qualify for team assistance. ERT-trained volunteers oftentimes serve as mentors to other team members awaiting training, teaching them new skills and helping each other throughout the day. Whether it’s cutting lumber with the skill saw or using a trowel during sheetrock mudding, sharing the workload together makes for lighter work. Jobs other than construction play an equally important team role. The Base Camp Manager – one who volunteers to stay back to cook and do laundry – helps keep the team going with nutritious meals and clean clothes! The Team Listener/Chaplain listens to survivors who may need counsel or a simple listening ear.
As a leader in the NYAC, our Disaster Response Ministry will continue in May 18th-24th to Vermont and again to Augusta, GA in October 15th-22nd. Are you skilled in construction or simply have a desire to learn new skills? Do you have other gifts that would provide valuable support to a team, such as coordinating events or as a fund-raising volunteer? Are you wondering how you can help at home if you can’t join a team?
Tomorrow, Sunday, March 2nd, there will be a VIM Disaster Response Ministry fund-raising brunch in SUM’s Wesley Hall after all three services. Come join us and savor some of our team’s most favorite dishes! Sue and Larry Gannon from NCCUMC will be presenting the message on this special UMCOR Sunday. After the 10:30 service, there will be a short presentation showcasing the January 2025 Augusta trip.
One thing that I’ve learned over the years is this – there will always be a need to provide a caring Christian presence in the aftermath of disasters. I’m honored to have been called into this unique ministry – one of the greatest blessings of my life! I hope you’ll join us tomorrow for brunch!
In Christ’s Service,
Cassandra Broadus-Garcia
SUM Disaster Response Ministry Advocate
Disaster-response@sumct.org