On the morning of July 16, 2011, our Mission Team discovered that the Volunteer Coordination Center in Ringgold, GA. was closed due to construction projects not yet approved and cleanup jobs completed. A representative from the Center had indicated by telephone and emails that a job would be available to us in Ringgold, but did not advise that the Center would be closed; her instructions were not complete, and she could not be contacted on Saturday, July 16.
Fortunately, our host where we stayed at Tunnel Hill United Methodist Church, Pastor Mike Shearon, had a backup plan for us: Helping to cut and clean trees and limbs in nearby Apison, TN. where destruction was even worse than in Ringgold, GA. A resident of Apison, TN. named Jojo Macatiag had organized a base camp in Apison which he calls “Open House” where volunteers can find out where work is available, get directions to the job site, and possibly even borrow tools if needed. Lunch was provided to us and other volunteers at base camp by local residents.
Joining me on this mission trip of were Dale David, Greg Floyd, Lynn Floyd, Mike Gordon, Carl Griffin, and Sharon Habel. Also, working with us in Apison, TN. were Pastor Mike Shearon, Bucky Strickland, and Alison Strickland from Tunnel Hill United Methodist Church. We felt a connection with the victims in Apison, TN., and believe that God sent us there. Many thanks to these volunteers for their service to our church’s missions, and to members of our congregation who supported our mission team with your donations and prayers.
During the Pre-Fourth HFUMC Mission Team sold snow cones. We sold $170 worth that day. Those profits bought food,snacks, and drinks for the Mission Team who left Friday and some construction supplies. Thanks to those who worked the booth and those who bought snow cones!
Please be in prayer for our Mission Team that left yesterday(July 15) to travel to Ringgold,GA. The people who comprised the team are Charles Pace(Mission Leader), Dale David, Greg Floyd, Lynn Floyd, Mike Gordon, Carl Griffin,and Sharon Habel.Volunteers from Tunnel Hill UMC Mike Sharon (pastor) and Bucky Strickland will be working with us on our project. Our assignment is to tile floors in homes.
Please pray for our safety as we represent HFUMC in disaster
relief.
If anyone else wants to go on the Ringgold Mission Trip July 15-17, or if you know of someone else who wants to go, please email me at cbpace@gmail.com or call me at 706-436-2630. I will send you an email questionnaire about skills to complete and return to me. Also, interested volunteers please read the liability form here which Cindy Pace has attached to the website. You may download, print, and sign the form or wait until our Mission Team Meeting on June 11 to sign the form then. I will bring copies of the form to that meeting for anyone who prefers not to download and print the form. But remember first to contact me and complete the email skills questionnaire (this week)!
Our Mission Team will have a brief meeting on Sunday, July 10 at 11:00 AM following the Contemporary Service in the Fellowship Hall. If any mission volunteers are planning to attend the Traditional Service at that time, please let me know, and I will meet you at 10:45 AM in the lobby outside the Fellowship Hall.
Many thanks for your continued support of and interest in our church missions!
Charles Pace
On June 25 during the 4th Extravaganza,please drop by the First United Methodist Booth and purchase a snow cone for $1.00. All proceeds will go toward our Ringgold tornado relief fund.
So come cool off for a good cause.
