Growing up seeing news reports on natural disasters and the tragedy they caused, I couldn’t help but be heart broken for the people that had to endure it. I always had such a desire to help out hands on. The wanting to do something about it seemed to end with the want because I didn’t think it would be possible to help in such a way. I have had that mindset even up to after being accepted into the World Race.
Oklahoma was devastated by an EF-5 tornado on May 20, 2013. Two-dozen people lost their lives, hundreds were injured, and thousands of buildings sustained damage—from minor problems to complete razing.
Adventures in Missions announced that they would be hosting teams and individuals to go and help clean and pour out Gods love to the victims. I immediately had that same feeling I have always had during natural disasters; that feeling of wanting to be a helping hand but feeling as if I couldn’t.
God began to make it heavy on my heart and began to reveal to me that I was the only one holding me back from following the desires and passions He has instilled in me. It was like a slap in the face. Like He was saying, how come you think I can’t send you there when I’m about to send all over the world!
Like many other times when God was calling me to do something, I couldn’t ignore it. I told my friend, Meredith, how I felt about going and she too had a desire to go and help.
So here we go, pre-World Race missions. Like I have mentioned in prior blogs, it starts here and now. Where we are now is God’s purpose for our lives and we have to be wiling to take that next step when He calls. The World Race isn’t a “greater calling” but just another step, a season in which God has called me to endure.
Me, Meredith, and her roommate Charlotte will be traveling to Oklahoma on July 19-24. Through Adventures in Missions, we will be involved with local Adventures in Mission’s ministry partners on the ground in Moore, OK. These partners will be pointing us toward meeting the greatest and most current needs. Led by our Adventures Project Leader, we expect to help victims by cleaning debris from yards, retrieving personal items, helping with distribution of donated goods and consoling those affected by the tornado. Here are some items that you can donate:
- non-perishable food (canned is best); PB, oatmeal, beans, other veggies.
- grab- and- go snacks (fruit snacks, crackers, granola bars, individual PB packets, trail mix, pretzels, fruit cups, applesauce, etc.)
- water or Gatorade (cases only)
- travel size hygiene products (shampoo, conditioner, soap, shaving cream, disposable razors, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant)
- Wal-mart gift cards
- stuffed animals (a great thing to give to kids… can help them have something special)
- empty backpacks
- work gloves
- tarps
- gas cans
- gas cards
- safety glasses
- black trash bags (lawn and garden)
- sunscreen
- bug spray
- duct tape
- batteries (AA, C, D)
If you have any donations, please contact Matthew Fitzgerald or Meredith Amason.
Matthew Fitzgerald:
Phone: (912) 536-8347
Meredith Amason
Phone: (912) 270-5877
P.S. Be in prayer for the victims that we will be reaching out to and also us as we travel and be the hands and feet of Jesus in Oklahoma!
