DRUSA (Disaster Relief USA) is the action arm of the IPHC. Under the directive of Bill Terry, National DRUSA director, a team was dispatched to the tornado territory of Mayfield, Kentucky.
The team included two components. First, a 26-foot DRUSA truck with relief supplies was driven by Ronnie Basden and Dennis Daniels from Ahoskie, NC. The genesis of the supply truck was by Gordon Knox (NC DRUSA Mobile Kitchen director). This team successfully delivered water, baby diapers, and other essential goods stacked high on wood pallets to a local distribution center.
The truck then rendezvoused with the second component of the team led by Bishop Tommy McGhee and accompanied by DRUSA board member Rick Haug. This team surveyed the Mayfield area to evaluate immediate and future needs. Local contacts provided invaluable insight and a reliable distribution source. Aiding the efforts as a point of contact was Chaplain (COL) Roger Heath (US Army, Retired). Roger grew up in Mayfield and was able to provide guidance and direction for the team’s efforts.
An exploration of the Mayfield debris field led the team members to consult and develop a plan of action. Supplies are coming in from a nationwide effort, but the long-term recovery for this devastated community will take years. The entire central and downtown of Mayfield was flattened and many of the poorest residential areas were absolutely devastated. Debris lines the streets and highways for miles.
Reporting back to DRUSA National Director Bill Terry, the team submitted its findings and recommendations. The IPHC is at its best in times of crises and once again it is reaching out to the tragedy in Kentucky, and is making a difference. We implore pastors and churches of the denomination to give generously and support the DRUSA effort in helping restore the Mayfield community.
