Crisis Response Ministry

A brief history:

Before hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, RCC was in the beginning stages of forming a Crisis Response Ministry Team.  After Katrina it became important for RCC to be involved in recovery efforts and Ed & Kate Hein stepped forward to coordinate this much needed ministry team and have helped lead multiple groups to the Gulf Coast Region. Not long after Katrina, a collection of clothing, toys, shoes were taken to a central location for later delivery and distribution. These efforts led immediately to an opportunity to work in a distribution center in central Louisiana. Four congregants made the trip a few weeks after Katrina. We worked in a warehouse and unloaded trailers, sorting, boxing, and placing items on pallets for later delivery. Staying at a church camp, with evacuated people and other volunteers, offered them even greater insight as to the loss and the impact it had on people. The message was clear - people with faith knew God was ever-present.

There have been six trips to the Gautier/Long Beach, Mississippi area.

The range of participants is from one to forty. All but the "one" had participants from several Illinois churches. During all these trips we have stayed at one of the local Methodist churches, as those have served as our coordination locations. We provide information about the level and type of skills the participants have and the coordinator at the other end matches us up with projects. Examples of what have been done include counseling, prayer time, roofing, plumbing, tile installation, electrical work, cabinet installation, checking appliances or installing new ones, dry walling, painting, clean up. There is always something that can be done, no matter what a person's age or ability!

Purpose:

This ministry exists to provide assistance to those who have been affected by a natural disaster (hurricane, tornado, etc.) and respond quickly with personnel and supplies appropriate to the situation. Whether in Mississippi or central Illinois, we want to be there to help.

Upcoming Trips:

none at this time

Ministry Needs:

none at this time