Apostolic Christian World Relief

On May 1st and 2nd, 2010, torrential rains fell across central Tennessee with as much as 18 inches of rain falling during a twenty-four hour period. The ground was already saturated from rains received during the previous week leaving little capacity to absorb any more. As a result, what were once gently flowing streams quickly became raging rivers of destruction and horror.

Interstate highways flooded so rapidly that stranded motorists were forced to flee leaving their vehicles to be immersed in the raising flood waters. Neighborhoods located along waterways or in low-lying areas were forced to evacuate with little or no time to remove any of their belongings.  In some instances, buildings were swept from their foundations, whole buildings were seen floating down Interstate 40 along side submerged vehicles.

As a result, thousands of homes were flooded, some with basements filled with water, others with water into the second story. Although the waters quickly receded, the damage had been done and the loss was enormous. A long and difficult road faced many shocked and bewildered victims. Few homes were covered by flood insurance since this area was not considered a flood plain.

This event is considered by authorities as a “thousand year flood” – a very rare occurrence. Proceeds from FEMA or other government programs are insufficient to cover the cost of materials and hiring the work done. There is a great need for help and a great opportunity to share the love of Christ.

For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.     Deut. 15:11

Work Team Opportunity
Beginning in January, and continuing through March, there will be an opportunity to help in the rebuilding of homes for families who suffered loss in this disaster. Modest homes that will meet the needs of these families will be built by volunteers under the direction of experienced tradesmen. Materials will be purchased with monies donated to the World Relief Disaster Fund. Recipients will be chosen based on their financial need.

Forty to fifty volunteers will be needed each week. Skilled tradesmen, general laborers, kitchen helpers and just a willing servant heart are all needed to complete this project. There will be something for everyone to do. Work days will be Monday through Friday with Saturday as a travel day. We encourage teams to worship with the Nashville brethren on the Sunday of their work week. This will be a great blessing to this small congregation.

Volunteers will be housed in dormitory style housing at Bethany Hills Camp located approximately 15 miles west of the Nashville Apostolic Christian Church near the town of Kingston Springs. This is a peaceful rural setting and it will afford wonderful opportunities for fellowship with other volunteers. All meals will be provided either at the camp or on the job site.

If you will be needing transportation from/to the airport, please send your travel plan details via email to Les Schambach at usa@acwr.org. We would also like to know if your plans include attending the regularly scheduled worship services @ 10:00 am and 12:00 pm.

Each volunteer will be required to sign a Waiver and Release of Liability form. This form can be downloaded from the World Relief website.  Click here. Forms will also be available at registration.

If you have questions, please contact Les Schambach.  Click here.

If you are interested in working on this project, please check the work team schedule for available dates and register on this web site. Please fill out the skills portion of the registration form.