Disaster Relief in Minnesota
Disaster Relief in Minnesota
by Diane Burnett, Sheldon Baptist Church
On August 24, I received a call-out to assist in the Minnesota Disaster Relief effort. Before accepting, I wanted to review the requirements and responsibilities expected. I felt I had the training and spiritual attitude focused to meet the challenge. Would my medical and physical health limitations hinder or enhance my performance? Lastly, I reviewed the personal attitude check list provided in the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief manual:
- Do I have a servant’s heart or am I thinking about my needs much of the time?
- Am I willing to take directions from others or am I resentful of demands made of me?
- Do I know how to be part of the team or do I need to be in charge?
- Am I willing to work wherever needed or am I inflexible?
These are good questions to ask myself each day, not just on call-out. Feeling comfortable with my decision, I referred to the manual’s packing check list, cancelled appointments, acquired a dog sitter, rescheduled my activities for the next ten days, and returned a Yes answer.
Little destruction could be seen on the main road, but just a few miles away in the lower areas were rows of homes completely destroyed or severely damaged by water, mud, and mold. The roads and bridges had extensive damage and a segment the railroad was twisted like a pretzel. Some home owners on the bluff of the river lost up to ninety feet of property, leaving the homes dangling in thin air. There was a trailer park in Stockton that was completely swallowed by the mud slide. Most residences had no flood insurance.
Everyone had a story to tell. A debt-free, retired couple now face a mortgage. School children relive their nightmare in dreams. One man tied his boat to a tree limb so he would not be swept away. A few stories made the news, but most are written in the minds of those trying to put their lives back together. The children talked freely of school starting in a week, losing their homes, parents not having jobs, the cold weather approaching, and families being split up.
My heart wanted me to stay longer but it was recommended to stay a week only. Would I do it again? You bet!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
Diane Plott Burnett
Sheldon Baptist Church
Last Published: November 29, 2007 2:47 PM
