news article
Upper New York Early Response Team deployed to serve in Hurricane Helene clean-up
December 16, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
With the sound of chainsaws ripping through fallen trees and broken tree limbs, an Early Response Team (ERT) can be seen clearing brush and debris from homes affected by Hurricane Helene in Augusta, Georgia. “There’s a lot of work to do so let’s get to it!,” exclaimed Mark Stengel, volunteer from the Cal-PAC Conference.
At the start of Advent, a team of six volunteers made their way to the North Georgia Conference area to help survivors of Hurricane Helene. The catastrophic tropical cyclone made its way inland of Augusta on September 30, 2024 with tremendous force during the night, causing widespread devastating damage. This Upper New York team consisted of volunteers from Albany, Massena, Skaneateles, and Buffalo. Two others that rounded out the team came from the California-Pacific and Susquehanna Conferences.
The initial joy heard on the other end of the phone and then in person brought tears of gladness and hope to all involved in this mission trip.
“As the Magi made their way to Bethlehem to bring gifts to the newborn King, I would like to think we brought hope, comfort, and the love that the families we met were not experiencing. Gratitude for no injuries but frustration, anger, and isolation just to name a few emotions,” said ERT leader, Robin Searles.
Even the blustery storms in Buffalo, NY wreaking havoc on travel plans didn’t stop volunteer, Ralph Bathelt, from providing his assistance in Georgia. “I knew I was going to be ok. And I had a calling.”
Darcianne Leizer took a quick break to talk about her experience as a volunteer on the team. “These survivors have amazing stories. Everyone has their own stories and experiences, but it was devasting and scary for everybody, so it was interesting to hear them and see into a little bit of their world. And they’ve all be very grateful.”
Georgian homeowner, Clarence Joe, expressed his gratitude toward the ERT volunteers. “This has been a true blessing. We’re all over the age of 70 and we just don’t have the skills to cut down some of these trees. This team has done a marvelous job cutting down these trees and make it as simple as possible. And they’re so neat and polite. I’ve made six new friends today! They are a true blessing to the whole area.”
This ERT trip to serve and assist in the clean-up has proved to be a great experience for all involved. “There is no irony in this. It is what we are to do, be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in all ways,” explained Searles.