More people of Valdosta, GA, can get around town and repair their homes after Northern Illinois Conference’s early response volunteers removed fallen trees in that area during a Nov. 12-21 work trip. The team cut up  trees that damaged homes, blocked roads, and took out power.

Hurricanes Helene and Milton left a trail of devastation across much of the southeastern U.S. this fall, and NIC’s team received a call to help.

Colin Monk, the conference disaster response coordinator, reported daily on the ministry’s Facebook page. They worked with Bemiss United Methodist Church in Valdosta and a local resident joined them.

“It is always a great feeling when we complete a job and the homeowner sheds a few tears of joy,” Monk said. “God is good!”

On the second day of work, the team observed the number of roofs that had been damaged (and have been given some temporary covering) by falling trees. This meant there were still plenty of downed trees to cut up and move.

“The crew worked like lumberjacks,” Monk observed.

In addition to the much-needed tree removal, other needs emerged. In the afternoon of the third day, a neighbor asked the team to check the damage to her house, which had been hit by a large tree.

“The good news was the tree was removed but the bad news was that the woman’s home lost electrical power,” Monk said. The point at which electrical service is wired into her home had been heavily damaged.

The team took the initiative to contact the city’s building code supervisor and the electrical system director. They approved the team’s plan to install a temporary electrical service pole for her, as she was in dire need.

The funds that NIC people generously donated enabled the team to purchase the necessary materials. They finished building the pole by 5 p.m. and the house was ready to receive power the next day.

Generosity is a crucial way to participate in compassion ministry, such as disaster response.

“What a great way to see how generous donations can bring hope and joy to others,” Monk said. “Thanks so much to all that have donated!”

The team was pleased to have comfortable overnight accommodations at Camp Tygart, a United Methodist facility.

They ask Northern Illinois United Methodists to continue to pray for those still needing hurricane relief help.