Epworth United Methodist Church

September 29, 2007.  Three of our members participated with Epworth Youth and Adults for a Missions Day last Saturday, September 29. We traveled to Ottawa Ohio, just west of Findlay where we were able to provide a total of nearly 120 service hours helping those in need.

We were somewhat skeptical of the post storm needs in the Findlay/Ottawa/Carey areas. As we talked with the Ottawa Ohio residents, we learned they received 27 inches of rain in just about 70 hours and lost electricity for three days. That combination of rain and loss of power created anywhere from 2-4 feet of water in their homes!

Our skepticism disappeared as we quickly realized that when someone loses EVERYTHING they own in a storm --- it really does not matter if the storm was a tornado, hurricane or torrential rains! Losing EVERYTHING with insurance companies not paying added up to a huge loss with deep agony and pain and great despair!

So for a short time last Saturday, we were able to be the hands and feet, and the heart and ears of Jesus as we served in His name. If you weren't one of the twenty four flood relief participants --- you missed a great day being able to help nearby neighbors who need a ton of help!

Many of those we served wanted to say thanks and do something in return for our travels to help them...... but their tears of joy and appreciation said it all for us!

We broke into three work crews.  Venture Crew participants included Diane Baughman and Bruce Dunzweiler, and youth Austin W. and Kevin B.  Other workers included Epworth Youth Group members……

Our job was to help home owner Mrs. Smith whose home is in the flood zone and she has flood insurance.  Mrs. Smith’s dilemma is not having received money from the insurance company and having been informed she does not have sufficient coverage to pay for all of the costs necessary to repair her home.

Although much of the first floor of the house had been gutted, we focused on the back three rooms to remove all nails, plaster, dry wall, lath, insulation and floor coverings.  The job was very dusty and dirty.  Our group became known as “home wreckers” as we became very proficient at ripping out walls and creating a mess.  By the end of the day, we had accomplished the tasks we set out to do.  We were all very sweaty and dirty.  Even though we all wore masks we were all coughing and blowing snot rockets.  The owner should now be able to proceed with remodeling of the laundry room and mechanical room for heat.  The walls and floor should be ready for the electrician, plumber and drywallers.

Mrs. Smith spent most of the day crawling and removing debris from the crawl space, checking for foundation insulation and cleaning the area to spray for mold from the flood waters.

Mrs. Smith explained that family friends and three other volunteer groups have helped her so far, but Mrs. Smith has many more projects to complete before the house is again habitable.