Westminster Church of the Nazarene

Windsor Disaster Relief Trip Report

Summary Report

June 21, 2008

Report Date: June 26, 2008

Project Report:

On Saturday, June 21^st, 50 volunteers and 3 pastors from Westminster Church served on a Disaster Relief Team effort to the Windsor area in the aftermath of the tornado that hit Northern Colorado on May 22^nd. The team met at the church for a disaster relief work orientation by our Local Missionary, Janette Mikatich, and a time of prayer.

As we headed north on I-25 one of our shuttles broke down. The other two vehicles pulled off on an exit to redistribute passengers. We sent the van back to pick up the passengers from the other shuttle while our faithful Facilities Manager, Craig Peterson, worked on getting the shuttle repaired. Though arriving later than planned, the group immediately went to work clearing debris from along a roadside area.

As the sun moved higher in the sky and the temperature began to soar, the group took a much deserved hydration break. When everyone was refreshed and finished with their designated area of debris clean up, the group was treated to a brief guided tour of the affected areas by our Local Missionary while making our way to the Distribution Center where we volunteered for the remainder of the day.

 The Distribution Center is where those impacted by a disaster come to receive donated items such as clothing, food, personal hygiene products, cleaning supplies, appliances, etc. They bring in paperwork from a Red Cross or FEMA case worker confirming their legitimate need for the supplies.

Initially we worked in four separate teams doing various tasks including loading a trailer, moving donated furniture, sorting and hanging clothes, completing the required paperwork with clients, documenting items selected by the clients, etc.

Following lunch we all came together to make a huge impact in moving boxes to make room for displaying items on newly donated or purchased shelving units. The task seemed overwhelming for the few individuals who staff the Center on a daily basis, but when 50+ individuals work as one, it’s quite amazing what can be accomplished!

During our morning disaster relief work orientation we were encouraged by our Local Missionary to be watching for opportunities to interact with those impacted by the disaster and to lend a compassionate and listening ear. Yes, we were there to be Jesus’ hands and feet and to accomplish the physical work, but we were also there to be His ears and His heart; to be used for eternal purposes. Meaningful conversations flowed when we made ourselves available in this way.

We go to be a blessing, but we end up being blessed. The heartfelt thank you’s heard throughout the day only added to the joy of serving. Our neighbors to the north will be in the rebuilding and healing process for several years to come. May we never forget and always keep them in our prayers and be ready to serve again as the Lord leads.

Thank you to the following team members who took a day out of their summer fun to help those in need. May the Lord richly bless you!

Team Members: (53 member team)

·         Andy Albright: Mid-high Youth Pastor

·         Laura Alexander

·         Jarrod Anderson

·         Jason Anderson

·         Suzanne Beyer

·         John Brown: Shuttle driver

·         Shandy Brown

·         Sue Brown

·         Marissa Cain

·         Bud Duncan

·         Kathy Duncan

·         Linda Duncan

·         Jon Gamble

·         Joshua Giles

·         David Gonzales

·         Andrew Hall: Summer Youth Intern

·         Nicholla Hamilton

·         Belinda Harrington: Remedy

·         Sarah Harrington: Remedy

·         Jennifer Harter: Van driver

·         Tim Harter

·         Jason Johson

·         Carissa Kulaga

·         Jasmine Liscano

·         Elizabeth Machamer

·         Brianna Marko

·         Colby Marko

·         Faith Martin

·         Gabrielle Martin

·         Jacob McIntosh

·         Janette Mikatich: Local Missionary

·         Jeff Motter

·         Tabitha Motter

·         Truitt Murrow

·         Ashley Myhre

·         Jonathan Neidhart

·         Amy Peach: Shuttle driver

·         Brooke Percy

·         Karla Pickens

·         Benita Puck

·         Brian Puck

·         Katrina Puck

·         Jon Roedel

·         Tim Ross

·         Brianne Schledewitz

·         Brooke Schledewitz-Jacobson

·         Katharine Sexton

·         Carly Stewart

·         Lacey Stewart

·         Mikayla Tallbear

·         Ryan Tracy: Remedy

·         Emily Wantuch

·         Ronnie Wilson: Senior High Youth Pastor