“The comfort God pours down on us
Can flow to others too.
A neighbor, storm tossed and distressed,
May need support from you.
When God’s pure love o’er flows our lives
And in His grace we stand,
We can receive, release and give
With open hearts and hands.”
-Bigger Than the Storm
As the voices of those gathered joined together in singing this song, tears flowed openly at the dedication of Raymond and Carolyn Forrester’s new home. The main room was packed, so outside, on the new deck overlooking the old home destroyed by Helene, voices rose into the woods and on up to the sky.
Standing against the wall in their good clothes, some without shoes, were the teens who came from Indiana to help make this miracle happen. In the kitchen, their leaders stood with the Forresters and volunteers from around the area.
This miracle came about through the combined efforts of the Johnson County Long Term Recovery Group, Mennonite Disaster Service, Samaritan’s Purse, United Way and others.
But the quiet crews from Acknowledging Christ Through Service (ACTS) are the ones who put their shoulders to the wheel, rebuilding not only the Forresters’ home, but helping restore their lives.
This is the first of more than 30 homes ACTS will be rebuilding or repairing in Johnson County. Their dedication for all those gathered there concluded with the words, “Bless all those who enter these doors, family and guests, with the presence, peace and love of God.”
Thank you. We felt the blessing.
Please keep in mind that these volunteer crews still do not have a place to stay in Johnson County and are driving each day from Hampton. Efforts are still underway to find them a place where they can rest after a long day without facing that drive. If you have, or know of anyone who has, a place that could house this group together, please contact the Johnson County Long Term Recovery Group at (423) 460-1021.
