Storm Update

Earlier this year we responded to three tornadoes in the TAG Region: Birmingham (AL), Brent (AL), and Prattville (AL). The Prattville site wrapped up fairly quickly, but just last Saturday I visited Brent Presbyterian Church and Briarwood Presbyterian Church to pick up unused and returned resources and supplies--most notably, chainsaws, generators, and unused tarps--to return to the Rome Georgia warehouse for deployment to future storms.

Just days before, on August 19, rainfall from Hurricane Fred caused flooding in western North Carolina. (We sent relief supplies from the Rome Warehouse to North Carolina on Saturday). 

That same day, torrential rainfall in Tennessee resulted in devastating flash flooding that, at last count, killed more than 20 people, with dozens still missing. On Sunday, MNA Disaster Response TAG Region checked on churches in the area. On Monday, we connected with a team from Nashville Presbytery to help support their efforts, and on Tuesday, 200 flood buckets were delivered to Dickson, Tennessee for distribution to affected areas.

While it is still early, we will keep you informed of the relief efforts in the middle Tennessee area as we know more. In the meantime, please pray for those impacted by the flooding and for those who are seeking to show Christ's mercy to those who have been devastated by the floodwaters.

Quick Notes

• Future Work Days - Mark your calendars for upcoming work days at the warehouse:
  • September 11
  • October 9
  • 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 - Year-to-date we are about even with where we were last year with contributions. That's a praise, as last month, we were about $2000 behind where we were at the same time last year. Due to the many storms in our region this year, our expenses have been higher than normal as we have used TAG Region funds to deploy trailers loaded with tools and supplies and have had increased travel expenses overall.
• Training Calendar - Now is the time to get on our calendar for training and church visits this fall and winter. We love to visit churches to share about the ministry. Please contact Mike Kennamer to schedule a visit.
• Training at the MNA Warehouse - Some have asked if we would host a half-day training session at the MNA Warehouse in Rome Georgia on a Saturday. Please reach out to Mike Kennamer to express your interest and we will get one on the schedule.

Ways to Serve
by Mike Kennamer

The most popular training session I do is entitled, "16 Ways to Get Involved in Disaster Response Ministry". Last month we discussed developing a disaster response plan for your church and family. This month, our topic is hosting disaster response training.

Host a Disaster Response Training

I've spent most of my career in education. I started teaching emergency medical technician (EMT) classes at community colleges in the late 1980s and early 1990s. From there, I was promoted to various jobs and currently serve as a dean at one of the community colleges where I started teaching in 1990. Although I didn't set out to become an educator, I quickly learned that I enjoy teaching--sharing my knowledge of a topic with others.

One of the things I like most about being on staff with MNA Disaster Response is that I get to visit churches and share the ministry with them. Whether it is a 5-minute missions report in worship or a half- or full-day training session, I enjoy relating my experience of the ministry in hopes that it will encourage others to join us as we seek to show Christ's mercy to those who are experiencing what might be their worst day ever.

One way that you can become involved in disaster response ministry is to set up one of these trainings at your church to see who is interested enough to invest a significant part of a day to learn more about the ministry. We find that people who attend these training sessions are often looking for a way to serve and this ministry provides avenues for service for people of various ages, skill levels, and interests.

These training sessions include such topics as:

• MNA Disaster Response: Who We Are and What We Do.
• Why We Do Mercy Ministry
• Preparing for Storms: MNA Warehouse
• DR Basics: What You Might Be Doing
• Building Your Team
• and much more...

Blessings,
Mike

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