When Storms Come
Greetings-
At The Salvation Army it can be said that “when storms come, we’re not far away,” with help and support. So as we move into summer and have already experienced many instances of severe weather, I want to tell you more about our Emergency Disaster Services team (EDS) and the very special work that they do to help people during times of crisis.
Weather in Missouri and Kansas is unpredictable to say the least and can change in the blink of an eye. The people who live here in what is commonly referred to as “Tornado Alley” are used to severe weather and have grown comfortable in coping with mother nature. But no matter how much experience folks have with the weather, nothing prepares you for losing everything and the immediate aftermath of trying to put the pieces of your life back together.
In the Kansas and Western Missouri Division, we have 28 Salvation Army units strategically spread across our service area to deal with everyday needs, and these facilities are a good place to go and receive help. But in addition to providing social services for folk in every zip code, The Salvation Army is also in the business of bringing help directly to those who have lost everything or are suffering.
The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team was constructed for this very purpose. When storms hit, we head to the scene of a disaster and destruction along with first responders, to render whatever aid and comfort we can. EDS is special, since it’s made up primarily of volunteers, trained to drive our response vehicles to the scene to help feed and start the recovery process. We are one of the major organizations that provide this service on a national level no matter how close or remote the location. We are often the first to arrive and the last to leave.
From straight-line winds to floods, fires, drought, hail, thunderstorms and tornadoes, our Emergency Disaster Services team has seen it all. Depending on the scope of need, our Social Ministries team is also deployed to assist our neighbors with gift cards and in applying for benefits to rebuild. And because of that, we know how hard those first steps toward recovery can be.
In the Bible, Proverbs 3 verse 27 states: “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” (NIV) In our Christian training, helping our neighbors is a primary outflow of our faith, a demonstration of love for God’s creation and for God Himself. And we are here for it.
The Salvation Army’s mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. And at a time of despair and loss, what better time to show compassion and provide hope than after the storm.
Your donations to EDS in the aftermath of local disasters help us to provide these critical services and support. If this mission speaks to your heart and you would like to help, visit: SalArmyMoKan.org for more information.
Warmly,
Kelly