Tell the Story: Disaster Relief
FCCer Aaron Claridy had an incredible opportunity to show Christ's love by helping with disaster relief a few weeks ago following a devastating tornado in KY!
Mayfield Emergency Response Team 10-day Relief Assistance
We asked Aaron to share about how God used this experience to serve that community and to further strengthen and shape him for God's work.
I was selected after a request for volunteers to assist in recovery aid. On behalf of my company, I was deployed in my first disaster relief effort!
We asked Aaron to share about how God used this experience to serve that community and to further strengthen and shape him for God's work.
"Mayfield, a small town in western KY that provided citizenship for about 10,000 residents, was stricken by one of the largest tornados ever to touch down. The tornado was reported to stretch over 200 miles, ripping throughout western KY and parts of Tennessee and severely impacting thousands.
I was selected after a request for volunteers to assist in recovery aid. On behalf of my company, I was deployed in my first disaster relief effort!
However, the assignment was unclear, and the scope of work hadn’t been discussed. The only thing mentioned was, 'They need help, and you have been chosen to help.' At that moment, I knew I was locked in, but no matter the role, I knew that God had deposits for the solution that He had planted inside me. Mission accepted!"
As we drove near the site, we were able to see debris and wind damage miles before the devastation. All we could see was destruction and I began to question, "why me." At that moment, I realized I had been gifted and prepared by God for this time. It was demanding work, but God gave me amazing strength and unwavering endurance.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
—Hebrews 11:1
As a relief member, I was able to work with members of the community by providing meals, emergency products (generators, tarps, fuel, heaters, appliances, etc.,) and emotional support.
As I helped others, it became clear that God had prepared me long before this event. God thought of me, and He not only loved me, but He loved the recipients of the talents He placed in me.
As I helped others, it became clear that God had prepared me long before this event. God thought of me, and He not only loved me, but He loved the recipients of the talents He placed in me.
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
—Philippians 1:6How cool is it to see God use our willingness and expertise to help others in need?! Thanks for sharing, Aaron, and thanks for being faithful to serve!
Btw, a cool fact about Aaron you may not know is that he was recently inducted into the Tusculum Sports Hall of Fame! Read about it here.
Btw, a cool fact about Aaron you may not know is that he was recently inducted into the Tusculum Sports Hall of Fame! Read about it here.
Posted in Tell the Story