Photo Credit: Caleb Bass – Jon (Kitchen Cook) and Landon
In the midst of a disaster deployment, the Disaster Relief (DRUSA) office logs multiple hours keeping the church updated with information and images on how the recovery efforts are progressing. Unfortunately, often there is very little time for sharing stories and testimonies. In this issue, I would like to share two stories for our readers. Yes, DRUSA is “More Than Just Serving Hot Meals.” Enjoy!
WEST VIRGINIA: CALEB AND LANDON
Photo Credit: Jon Hoffman – Caleb Bass and Landon
Report by Bill Terry, IPHC DRUSA National Coordinator
Caleb Bass is a member of the Higher Ground PHC, a student in the NC SOM, and an online student at Valor Christian College in Ohio. Caleb deployed with the North Carolina Conference Mobile Feeding Kitchen on June 26, 2016 to White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. In preparation for the trip, he packed items that he felt would be necessary (flashlight, batteries, sleeping bag, etc.) in an area where there was no electricity or running water. Once his bag was packed, he felt impressed to find room to include his Bible.
As the team was preparing to serve meals the next day, Caleb met 13-year old Landon, who was from the community. Landon would accompany his grandparents to the kitchen everyday for a hot meal. Soon after, Landon began to volunteer at the kitchen everyday and struck up a friendship with Caleb. More than a friendship, Caleb sensed a divine connection to share Jesus with Landon. Landon will be entering his freshman year of high school. Caleb encouraged Landon to take a stand for Christ and say “No” to drugs, alcohol, and immorality.
As the days went by, Landon looked forward to being at the kitchen and serving as Caleb’s helper. As Caleb’s time in West Virginia was winding down, the two young men decided to exchange gifts as friends on the last day. Landon’s gift for Caleb was a cold can of diet Pepsi. And Caleb’s gift to Landon… Yes. It was his Bible.
I had the opportunity to visit with Caleb in regard to Landon. He remarked, “If I went to West Virginia for one person, it was for Landon. He stole my heart. I know he will miss me, and I will miss him.”
Since Caleb’s return to North Carolina, he has learned th
at Landon is attending a Pentecostal Holiness congregation in the White Sulphur Springs area. To God be the Glory!
KENNY – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Photo Credit: Billy Woods – Kenny the Birthday Boy
Report by Billy Woods, Golden West Conference M25 CoordinatorHis name is Kenny. When he came to the distribution center on Friday, July 8, I learned two things: 1) Today was Kenny’s birthday, and 2) He came to gather items for his family who lost everything in the fires.
This is a birthday Kenny and his family will never forget. But, this story doesn’t end there. Before Kenny arrived at the distribution center, a woman had donated a car load of new toys. Kenny was able to select a new toy for his birthday. While it was not the typical birthday party, Kenny was able to l
eave the center with a smile and some commodities for his family. Amen!
Thank you to everyone for partnering with us to assist in the recovery process. Your gifts and contributions have and continue to impact the lives of numerous families in the midst hardship. If you would like to make a financial contribution to assist in the continued recovery process, please click the following link. . . DRUSA Response.
Thank you to everyone for your prayers and financial support…
