It’s not all about building houses! The following is based on a story that was sent in by DRS Needs Assessment volunteers Virgil and Esther Baker, from Rock Valley, IA, after their recent assignment in Douglas County, GA. I thought you might enjoy it.
Kenya is a 29 year old single African-American woman who lost everything in her rented apartment due to the flood. She has a mattress on the floor which she calls her bed. A lot of her clothing and furniture was given to her, and for that she is very grateful.
Another big loss in her life was the death of her mother, due to cancer. This happened five years ago. She expressed how angry she was at God for taking her mother after she begged God to heal her “mama.” She kept saying “I was too young to lose my mama - she was the backbone of my life.”
A question in the Needs Assessment survey form asked “Who do you turn to in time of crises?” With tears in her eyes she said, “I have no one.” God gave us a nudge and the courage to talk to her about the God she had turned her back on. She asked how she could make things right when she had said so many bad things to God. God’s grace came in and she wanted us to pray with her. After prayers, tears and the working of God’s Spirit she said she came for help with her flooded house, but instead she found God’s love.
Even though neither of us knew each other, there was a bond in Christ’s name. We promised her our prayers and a Bible, but her real need was met that day when she found her Savior.
We never know how God plans to use us. Thanks to each of you for being willing to be His hands and feet, and ears and voice.
In His Service,
Bill Adams, Director
CRWRC-Disaster Response Services
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,