Recovery is not a short-term goal. It takes real time and effort to come back from a disaster, and the scars are not always visible. The Operation Recovery field was founded not only to help communities rebuild the physical structures, but to connect individuals with the spiritual structures that will support them through the recovery and provide a community to help heal the emotional wounds that go largely unnoticed.
Almost a year and a half after the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene, the recovery is still in full swing in Johnson County, Tennessee. Volunteers from all over the country, and many locals, are working on repairs of all sizes as well as complete builds. So far over 587 homes have been rebuilt or repaired, and over 800 families supported, according to the Johnson County Long-term Recovery Group. There is still work for all skill levels across the county, from yard maintenance to drywall to skilled electrical and plumbing projects.
But the stories we hear from volunteers are not the technical aspects of the labor, it is the connections with those we serve. “The projects finished were not only good work,” shares Operation Recovery project manager Curtis Porch, “but the volunteer crews were able to connect with the homeowners. Great work, but even better impact on the people being helped for the Kingdom of God.”
Those we serve feel the same way. Janet Wilson shared her gratitude for the many volunteers that have helped with her home over the last year, “These are just wonderful, selfless people. The kind of people that would say thank you for letting us come help you. The Christian community and people of faith are the reason we are back in our home, because they are the people that came through for us 100%. That experience has been humbling.”
Volunteers in turn are deeply impacted by the experience. A recent group with World Compassion Network worked on Linda’s home focusing on cleanup, organizing, setting floor joists, sheeting, and most importantly listening to her stories. During these talks, they invited Linda to a community meal and bible study at First Christian Church, where the group was staying.
The leaders shared on social media: “Even though so much physical work was done and projects were completed, the team’s favorite part of the week was that Linda decided to come to church tonight for a meal and stayed for the Bible study.” In a later post WCN added, “This experience offers a unique opportunity to embody the hands and feet of Jesus as we serve the community together. By participating, you will not only contribute to meaningful change but also witness the power of collective effort in action.”
The work is not finished. There are still many repairs and complete builds on the schedule for this year! And each project is an opportunity to build relationships and connect families to local churches. Volunteer with Operation Recovery to help make the Church the hero in Johnson County’s recovery.
VOLUNTEER – sign up and find out more on our website
DONATE – these projects are made possible by consistent donations
SHARE – these stories and your volunteer stories to get more people involved
