Church responds to disaster with repairs and support

By BOB CAMPBELL ~ Southeast Missourian

It would be a mistake to think the only thing disaster survivors need is to have their homes repaired or replaced. Very often, they need emotional support as much as or even more than the practical help.

That is one of the lessons learned and applied by the New McKendree Disaster Response Team from Jackson during the catastrophic circumstances in Joplin, Mo., Harrisburg, Ill., Piedmont, Mo., Moore, Okla., and, recently, 190 miles west of Jackson at Waynesville, Mo., where the 25 team members repaired flood damages in Sandy Sterling's basement with drywall finishing, painting and trim and electrical and finish work.

"We are not first responders. The first responders stabilize the situation, and we go in when we're contacted by the Office of Creative Ministries in Columbia, Mo.," group leader Chad Hartle said, noting that Waynesville flooded last August.

"The bigger part of it is that we're not just there to do a task, we're there to help these folks emotionally. When a homeowner comes up, one of us will take time to talk to them. Sometimes you just need to be a good listener," Hartle said.

Sponsored by New McKendree United Methodist Church, the team is recruiting new members and helping LaCroix Church in Cape Girardeau, and the church at Gordonville put similar groups together. Hartle, owner of RCH Development construction company in Jackson, may be reached at 243-1463.

His team will host an emergency first aid class conducted by members of the Missouri National Guard from 8 a.m. to noon April 12 at New McKendree's south campus on Highway 25 in Jackson.

Chuck Lynn, the Pulaski County area construction manager for Community Organizations Active in Disasters and the Long Term Recovery Committee, said groups such as Hartle's play a vital role.

"Some residents who are without adequate insurance or living on fixed or low incomes lack the means to repair their property," Lynn said in a news release.

"These individuals rely heavily on the good faith efforts of organizations like the New McKendree Disaster Response Team. Since Waynesville was never declared a state or federal disaster zone, residents cannot receive any federal funds to repair or rebuild their property."

Hartle said relatively unskilled volunteers are able to work effectively under the guidance of supervisors such as Rob Litz, who specializes in carpentry and the operation of heavy equipment; Brad Davis, Sheetrock, wiring and plumbing; Ryan Shelton, floor coverings; Lynn Cotner, painting; and construction superintendent Zach Ventura. Dr. Doug McIntosh, an emergency room physician, is on the team along with Mark Illers, Brian McCallister and James and Debbie Deneke.

The United Methodist Church-affiliated Office of Creative Ministries, which just held a statewide summit attended by Hartle and other leaders, recently awarded the Jackson group a $3,500 grant.

The volunteers responded to floods at Waynesville March 7 to 9 and Piedmont May 21 to 23 and Oct. 1 and 2 last year; and tornadoes at Joplin Aug. 17 to 20, 2011, Harrisburg in March 2012 and Moore, Okla., in June 2013.

They also work with the Hope Children's Home in Jackson and are involved in missionary work in Haiti.