Recent storms in Will County brought physical devastation to residents’ properties, and took an emotional toll, as well.
But if anything good could be said to come it all, it’s that there are some generous people willing to help.
Christian Aid Ministries has many of them.
Based in Berlin, Ohio, Christian Aid Ministries is a non-profit, tax-exempt 50(c)(3) organization comprised, primarily, of Amish, Mennonite, and other conservative Anabaptist groups and individuals.
Their mission is multi-fold, including aid to the elderly, assistance to the needy, help for crisis victims, bible supplies around the world, and self-help resources, microloans, agricultural programs and Christ-centered teaching to help fight material poverty.
Its volunteers also work to clean up and restore homes and infrastructure impacted by natural disasters for affected families and survivors in the USA. Nine men and boys showed up in Monee this month with that goal in mind, removing tree limbs downed in the tornado and cutting the trunks into manageable logs.
Helping that day were Kenneth Gingerich, Richard Miller, James Nisley and his two sons Keith, Naaman Nisley, and two brothers Judah and Jabez Yoder–all from Mt. Carroll, Illinois. Also from Arthur, Illinois, were Darrell Hershberger and Joe Miller.
“We are of the Christian faith known as Mennonites,” Richard Miller said. “Our goal is to follow all of Christ’s teachings that we find in the Bible and put them to practice in everyday life.
“We work in conjunction with other organizations such as EMA offices, Salvation Army, Red Cross, etc. The Will County EMA office contacted us, asking for help.
“There are many different branches of CAM,” he explained.
“The Rapid Response Services team is one of 24 teams based in different states and regions across the USA, which reach out to local communities when natural disaster strikes, such as wind, tornadoes, flooding, wildfires, earthquakes, or other disasters.
“The Rapid Response started in 1993 after Hurricane Andrew,” Miller said. “The RRS teams try to help with immediate needs like tree removal, tarping roofs, and cleaning out flooded homes and basements to dry them out before mold sets in. The Disaster Response Services group then comes in to assist with rebuilding if necessary. This is all done with volunteer help and funds.
“There are many other branches of the organization (providing) food and clothing in other needy countries and within the United States, self-help programs, Adopt-A -Widow, Sponsor-A-Child (a school program) in Third World countries, orphan programs, billboard evangelism. TGS Sales does book distribution. The goal of CAM is to show the love of Jesus to the world by giving a physical hand in time of need.
“CAM has groups in Romania, Haiti, Liberia, Ukraine, Nicaragua, Israel and Middle East, and more.
“Loaves & Fishes Food Kitchen is a team that moves in an area immediately after a disaster to pass out hot meals to locals and volunteers.
“There is also a Chaplain team with each RRS team to help people with spiritual and emotional needs.
“Christian Aid Ministries operates on donation funds, with some of the administration staff getting wages but for the most part volunteers donate their time and resources.
“May our testimony be : 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whatsoever ye do , do all to the glory of God,” Miller said.
Volunteer chainsaw crews from Christian Aid Ministries Rapid Response Services, Illinois Baptists, and IDES (International Disaster Emergency Service) currently plan to remain available in the area through September.
Residents needing assistance with fallen trees should:
- Call 2-1-1 and request tree cleanup assistance.
- Complete the Will County Storm Damage Survey at www.willcountyema.org/storm and include their name, address, email address, and phone number.
- Watch for a text message from 2-1-1 containing a waiver. The waiver must be signed before assistance can be provided.
A volunteer cleanup administrator will follow up directly with residents requesting assistance.
Assistance is based on volunteer availability and the type of work needed.
LAUREN, can you box this info and drop it into the story.
For more information, go to www.christianaidministries.org/rr or www.christianaidministries.org. Their mailing Address : Christian Aid Ministries PO Box 360 Berlin, OH 44610. Phone 330-893-4820 Fax 330-893-4899.