Another Day at the Office

 
On Monday night I received a telephone call from the Winn/Bur/Sew Fire Department Chief.  He asked if New Life Bible Church would like to be a “Stranded Motorist Center” for those who would be caught in the snow storm that was supposed to be coming in on Tuesday.  I said that it would be no problem and that we would love to do it.

My Tuesday went as normal, except I dealt with the Red Cross most of the day.  They brought in 20 cots, water, and some snack food.  Before they left they told me “God bless” let us know if you need any more cots… then left with a smile on their faces.

I took a late lunch and came back to New Life. While at lunch I packed a small bag with contact solution, my glasses, deodorant and a change of clothes.  I also picked up a few groceries for myself too…

I returned to the church and set up the cots in classrooms.  I put out the Playstation, the Wii, the Game Cube and a computer so those that come in could email or Facebook their friends and family.  I also set up the antenna to get television to watch the news and entertain myself and the others. 

At 5pm I cooked a frozen pizza and ate.  The snow was falling and the wind was howling.  But I was warm and cozy just waiting for the crowds of people to come in from the snow.  I wasn’t sure what to expect.  I was praying that no one was hurt in the storm and that those who did need assistance would get it.  I went from thinking no one would come all night to a possible full house.  I had visions of New Life looking like the Super Dome in New Orleans after Katrina…. Cots and people everywhere…

The night drug on and I contemplated taking a nap.  The problem was that I did not want to be asleep if anyone came in… I wanted to be ready… The snow fell and the wind blew.  Then around 3am a convoy of 4 wheel drives and SUV’s pulled in behind a HUGE road plow tractor. 

They dropped off 3 people.  While they (the fire dept., police, and other rescue people), were at New Life I fed them sandwiches, chips and pop or coffee.  They seemed to be pleased. 

Later the convoy was back with 2 more people.  That was it for the night. Five stranded people and me.  They all were fed and made comfortable then went to bed. I stayed up to see if any others would be coming in.  No more did.

Around 7AM the 2 men were picked up by friends on snowmobiles. At 10AM one young man was picked up by his father.  That left a young couple who had both of their vehicles left along the road in rural Winnebago. Around noon, I was about shot… I decided to try to take them home myself… DUMB mistake!  We traveled down Hoisington, which was barely one lane.  We made it to about Edwardsville (where they live) and got stuck… really stuck… A nice gentleman, who chewed us out for being on the road, used his tractor to plow us out. We  then returned back to New Life. I called the Assistant Fire Chief and asked if they could get snowmobiles to take this couple home. He was successful and the couple got a ride home around 4pm.

Ugh… That is my Storm 2011 summary.  A day at the office!   People have been very excited on the way we stepped up and helped serve our community.  Honestly, I failed miserably.  Next time we will be more organized.  But the good news is that we did the best we knew and people were comfortable after being in uncomfortable situations.

I do want to thank my wife, Shelly, for being awesome.  She was fine with me being gone through the worst storm we have seen since we were kids. My kids were ok with me being gone also.  I also need to mention that our snowplow guys (Mark and Corey) were amazing too… They were doing all they could to keep our lane open to the church building.  It was near impossible considering all the snow and drifting. Another mention would be Tracey and Dalton Garst.  They came out and cleared the sidewalks and kept me company during my last hour at the church before I could leave.  I really needed them at the time.  PT was about to breakdown.  I was tired!   I started my day on Tuesday at 8:30AM and ended at 4PM on Wednesday. 

All in all… It was another day of ministry… Thanks to everyone who was praying for me or sent encouraging text messages, emails and/or Facebook comments.  I think it’s time for a nap.