Faith, Change, and Disasters

by Mike Kennamer

When I came on staff with MNA Disaster Response in December 2015 I did so with the understanding that I would do all that I could while working around the responsibilities of my full-time job. Essentially, this means that much of the work has been done nights, weekends, holidays, and by taking vacation days. And that is the way I had been serving since 2005. I'd take my vacation to go on a relief trip or, in the case of the 2011 tornadoes, work during the day and do site manager tasks in the early morning, evenings, and Saturdays. It was a schedule that worked.

I accepted the call to serve with MNA Disaster Response with the thought that one day I would retire from my full-time job to devote more time to the ministry.

After much prayer and consideration, on October 1 I announced my intent to retire from my full-time job at the end of 2021. I started at the community college as an adjunct instructor in 1990, was hired as a full-time program director in 1993, moved into administration in 2000 and have been in my current job and office since 2005. Leaving a job you have been at for 30+ years is difficult, especially when the work is fulfilling and your co-workers are top-notch professionals. But I am convinced that the timing is right and that the Lord is calling me to another level of service to share Christ's mercy with those whose lives have been impacted by disaster.

If you are the praying type, I humbly ask that you pray for this transition. I am beyond excited at the prospect of having the freedom to serve in this ministry on a full-time basis. However, it is quite a change and there are many details that are unknown. Your prayers are needed to fuel this ministry now more than ever.

Quick Notes

• Future Work Days - Mark your calendars for upcoming work days at the warehouse. We start at 9 am Eastern time. Please notify Mike Kennamer if you plan to attend.
  • November 13
  • December 11

• Skid Steer Loader Training - We have another skid steer loader training scheduled for Saturday, November 6. If you are interested in registering, please contact Mike Kennamer. The course is limited to the first six who inquire.
• Financial Update - Thanks to a generous contribution from a lovely supporting church in Georgia, our income through September 30 is about $2,300 higher than the same period last year, which offsets the approximately $1,800 of increased expenses year-to-date. Praise God for His provision!
• Certified - Mike Kennamer recently received Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) certification from the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC). The CLT certification recognizes mastery of the core competencies of material handling, warehousing, and transportation through successful completion of the certification assessments. 
• Training Calendar - Now is the time to get on our calendar for training and church visits this winter and spring. We love to visit churches to share about the ministry. Please contact Mike Kennamer to schedule a visit. Thanks to the churches that have already scheduled your dates.
• Training at the MNA Warehouse - We will host a training session from 9 am - 3 pm at the MNA Warehouse in Rome, Georgia on Saturday, January 22. Topics to be covered include: Who We Are and What We Do, 18 Ways to Serve, Disaster Response Basics--What You Might Be Doing, When the Storm Comes to You, The Lifecycle of a Response, Why We Do Disaster Response, Caring for the Hurting, and more. To learn more and to register, visit this link: https://012222mnadrtag.eventbrite.com.

Connect with Us!

Please feel free to reach out if we may be of service.

Mike Kennamer
MNA Disaster Response Warehouse
4063 Martha Berry Highway
Rome, GA 30165
256-899-4966
mkennamer@pcanet.org

Online giving: give.pcamna.org/to/mike-kennamer