May 27th-28th Trip

We arrived in Phil Campbell around 10 o'clock on Friday evening. We divided into two work groups that night. Greg Holleman and Allan Beckner lead the teams. We had a good night sleep on air matresses, floors, and pews. We were blessed to have Debi Potter showed up the next morning with sausage and biscuits. Everyone was on there way to work by 8 am. April, Carol, and Katelyn delivered supplies to a few family and friends of Aprils. Ashley, Debi, and I took supplies to a FEMA trailer park. The trailers were better than the horror stories I have heard about the FEMA trailers. We met Chipper, a 13 year old young man, at one of the first trailers we visited. He jumped in and started helping us deliver to the rest of the trailers. He was a huge blessing, and because of donated gift cards was able to repay him for his kindness. While delivering to one trailer Chipper found out one of his dads best friends was also in a FEMA trailer. They hugged each other several times. There were many stories and tears that came when we delivered here. Greg, Tim, Cathy, Rhonda, Lori, Ryan, and Josh helped at the Cothrum's home. They demolished walls and had the house ready to start rebuilding. Allan, Savannah, Madison, Lexi, Josh, Burt, and Kevin went to a family's property and cleaned up the area. They picked up debris and moved fallen trees. At lunch Cathy joined Ashley and me to deliver more supplies. Gregs group continued to work at the Cothrum's. Allan's group went to the Smith's house to rip up carpet from where their house once stood. They also picked up their belongings scattered in their yard. By two we had delivered all the supplies and Allan's group was finished. We met at East Franklin Junior High where they have turned in the gym to a distribution center and serve the community food. We all went to the Cothrum's where we picked up debris and trash from the yard, and helped box up some of their belongings. At four we were packing up and heading home. We accomplished so much in the short amount of time we were there. I couldn't believe we were able to get home before the sun set. Thank you to everyone who helped out. Through your donations, volunteering your time, and your prayers so many families were helped this weekend.

Leaving for Bama

We have spent the last two evenings sorting and making care packages for the trip. We are loading up vehicles at six tonight and heading to Phil Campbell. Please keep the volunteers going in your prayers as we serve the community. We have twenty-one volunteers currently going from Lifechurch.tv. There will be two work teams demolishing and cleaning up debris for two families. We will also have two compassion teams delivering all the supplies. While I am there I will be tweeting pictures. You can find my tweets on the right hand side of this blog or follow me on twitter @teariweaver. Thank you for all of the donations and prayers to make this trip possible. We also appreciate all of the volunteers who put in their time helping us prepare.

Updated Supply List

Below is an updated list of supplies we are collecting for our next trip on May 27th-29th. Our immediate need is a U-Haul type truck to take supplies to Phil Campbell. If you have a connection or would like to donate a rental please contact us. This collection we can no longer accept any clothes. Also, we are hoping there will be FEMA trailers delivered before we get there and they could live in them for up to 18 months while rebuilding. We prefer to take them new items unless they are in excellent condition. You may donate gift cards to be given to people to use for any needs that may arise. (Visa, Wal-Mart, McDonald's, Captain-D's, Burger King, Taco Bell) These were a huge blessing on the last trip.

Large totes with lids (stores in the area are sold out)
Hammers
Shovels
Rakes
Large Trash Bags
Paper Towels
Brooms
Mops
Dust Pans
Toasters
Coffee Makers
Can Openers
Microwaves
Mixers
Silverware
Plastic Cups/Plates (Non-Breakable)
Set of Dishes (Non-Breakable)
Large Spoons
Pans
Bowls
Toilet Paper
Toiletry Items
Canned Food
Boxed Food
Laundry Detergent

Thank you for your help.

Phil Campbell Trip

We had an amazing experience in Phil Campbell, Alabama this past weekend. Thank you to everyone that donated to and/or went on the trip. We are especially grateful to April's church for allowing us a place to stay and April's mom for the wonderful breakfast. It is difficult to get back into the routine of work knowing that so many people are needing help. We took 23 people from LifeChurch.tv down and met up with people who came to help us from Kentucky, South Carolina, and Ohio. The attitude of our group was amazing. This outreach was put together in only six days. There were around 30 families that recieved plastic bins full of toiletries, food, and supplies. Everything else we donated to groups that were distributing items. We had a team of volunteers at a families house searching for their items around his property. There are many stories of lives lost by the tornados that I can't write about them all. From the mother that lost her son because he stayed on the couch watching tv and told everyone he would see them in 30 minutes when they would come back out of the shelter. To the son who found his parents in a field and pond. Or the young couple who couldn't hang on to their baby when the tornado tore through their house. Then there are many stories of people who are grateful to have their family but lost everything they own. One couple we helped in this situation said they felt guilty to take anything because they feel they are better off than most. Even though their house was completely flattened. Like most everyone that went down to Alabama this weekend, I feel as though I could have done more. It was difficult to leave knowing there is so much that needs to be done. This is why we are going back on Friday, May 27th to Sunday, May 29th. We are no longer accepting any clothing, shoes, etc. We desperately need a uhaul type truck to haul the supplies. If you have a connection in getting us a truck donated please contact us. Also contact us if you would like to volunteer to go and help.

Pictures from May 6-7

Here are a few pictures I took from the trip. We are in the process of compiling the pictures from all the teams, and planning our next trip.

The sorting has started

Today was unbelievable. When I was at church last night working out there was the same pile from Sunday plus four to five more bags. Then I walked in tonight and the entire wall was covered in donations. Plus the pile from Sunday in a storage room. I couldn't believe it. The donations kept coming in all night from our LifeChurch family. Tomorrow I wouldn't doubt the pile to double or triple. I question the fact that I thought so small in this outreach. When God is wanting to take care of his children he isn't going to come through in a small way. Of course he will out do my expectations. I was having a feeling he was about to explode in sending generous people our way when we had a couple of 18 wheelers offered for us to use. I myself can't make a difference in the world, but with God and a few other like minded people we can make a huge difference. I am so humbled tonight. Thank you to everyone who is making this outreach happen. It all started with April going to visit her parents and wanting to fill her car when she went. Now it is 23 people going to deliver several truck loads and working to clean up.

Now that I got that off of my chest there are a few things we are needing. First we need more food to take. Boxed/canned food and always some peanut butter. Well it doesn't have to be peanut butter but we are lacking on food! Second we need a lot more toiletries. We really didn't get much toilet paper or shaving gel. Last is a big one but I know God will provide. We really could use a uhaul truck to get everything there. Right now we have a truck and horse trailer as a definite. Please call me (Courtney) if you have one you could donate. My number is on the right side of your screen.

Thank you again for your generosity and I am so grateful for everyone who has made this happen!

Update

We have found out that the tornado that went through Phil Campbell and East Franklin has been confirmed as a EF5 with winds at 210 mph where the death toll is now at 30. The school I work at has a student body larger than that of Phil Campbell. Today MJMS's FCA started getting information out about Phil Campbell and will be collecting supplies. I have already had couple of parents contact me about big donations and hosting collections at their work. Also we have been offered the use of tractor trailers. We are getting prepared for this outreach to explode. God is definitely at work!