Wednesday, 10 members of the Schweitzer UMC Disaster Relief team, headed by George Blowers, traveled to Harrison, Arkansas to assist with ice storm cleanup. The effort was coordinated with the pastor of Southern Hills Missionary Baptist Church just south of Harrison. With that pastor and one parishoner working right along side, we were able to put chain saws and strong backs to work clearing five yards. By the end of the day, five households of very grateful elderly and financially or physically challenged folks had properties cleared of storm debris. One of the elderly ladies stood on her porch in chilly weather the entire time watching and smiling. As we prepared to move on to the next property, she couldn't stop telling us thank you, and even tried to offer us money, eventually giving it to her pastor. As he tried to give it to us later in the day, we told him he could do one of two things with the money....either ask her to take it back while expressing our appreciation that she offered it, or put it in his own church's offering plate.
Ladies from the church provided a wonderful lunch for us during the day...and we won't tell who those were that had seconds on some very delicious home baked deserts!!
As we returned to Springfield Wednesday afternoon, we had 10 volunteers who were very tired, but also feeling very blessed for the experience.
Doing this type of work is definitely one of those situations where the volunteers are blessed beyond measure. Amidst all of the chainsaw noise and dragging of brush, I KNOW the spirit of God touched everyone involved in this effort.
Phil
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