As the Disaster Response Director for Engineering Ministries
International; Scott is involved with monitoring disasters around the world and
being ready to quickly respond by mobilizing a team of trained
engineers. Little did we know that on June 11, 2013, Scott would be
actively engaged with disaster response in our own community. On that
unforgettable day just a few miles and minutes from our home a wildfire raged
out of control in Black Forest and destroyed over 500 homes and 13000
acres. Our church, First Baptist of Black Forest, was immediately thrust
into disaster response and ministry. As a church staff member, Scott,
along with the rest of the staff worked tirelessly to ensure our church and
community members were accounted for. Not only were we responding to the
needs of our church, we were also responding to the needs of our eMi staff as
Scott's boss' home was in danger and his family had to find a place for
evacuation. While we were relocating his boss' family , Scott received a
call from his brother in Black Forest that he needed to evacuate. So
Scott's brother and family moved in with us for a few days.
After the firestorm ravaged Black Forest the impact on our church
is huge with over 20 families completely losing their homes and many more
displaced due to property and smoke damage. Scott's boss' home was miraculously
saved though heroic firefighting efforts after having caught on fire; however
they sustained severe smoke damage and will be displaced for several
months. Through these tragic circumstances we have witnessed God's grace
and seen beauty emerge from the ashes. Scott had the privilege of accompanying
2 families back to their lots with nothing but ash left of their homes.
The reality of walking with people who have lost everything "yet have lost
nothing" as one family shared is truly humbling. Please pray for us
and our community as the recovery efforts will be a long term process. We
praise God for the many ways the local body of Christ has reached out to engage
hurting people by meeting real physical and spiritual needs. Thank you
for your partnership with TeamPeck enabling us to respond to disasters both at
home and abroad.
"to
bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead
of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."
-Isaiah 61:3
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