It reminded me of a similar response from the people of the church that I have been told about that occurred after a natural disaster in our community. On September 20, 2002, a tornado touched down in various places from the southwest to the northeast across nearly the entire width of the state (other tornadoes touched down that day in Indiana as well). It caused extensive damage wherever it appeared.
One place the tornado hit was right here in Southport and nearby communities. The damage was devastating - homes, apartments, restaurants, the YMCA, stores, fire stations, all were all heavily damaged. The church was not hurt, but seemingly all around it was ravaged. Parents of children here at Imagination Station were trying desperately to pick up their children, but roads were closed everywhere, and traffic was in a snarl. It was 9:30 that night before some of the children could be picked up.
The next day, the people of Southport UMC swung into action! Staff and volunteers put together a plan to help people who had lost everything. You began collecting household items, clothing, furniture, toys, books, linens, towels, soap, laundry detergent, whatever was needed for the people in the community to start over. The Gathering Place was filled with all of the donations so people could come to our church and get whatever they needed.
Bea Wayman was awesome, I hear! She was in charge, and here every day, and kept things organized. Everyone who came into the building left with something they needed, and most left with trash bags filled. Several of the men from the church headed out with their chain saws to help clean up the community. What a special feeling to help your neighbors and rebuild your own community.
I really stand in awe sometimes of the people of Southport United Methodist Church, and what you are willing to do help those in need. Whether it's for those right here in our community or from halfway around the world, you will do what it takes to help and heal and restore and rebuild. I don't wear a hat much, but if I did, it would be off to you for the gracious and generous ways you serve and give to others.
Grace and Hope,
Pastor Duane
