Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association of Canada are sending crews to help the Okanagan Indian Band clean up after spring flooding damaged hundreds of homes on the reserve.
Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian relief and development organization, said in a news release, it is moving its Calgary-based Disaster Relief Unit to Vernon, where staff will meet with local homeowners and recruit and train volunteers.
The Disaster Relief Units are tractor trailers outfitted with essential disaster recovery equipment including generators, pumps, hand tools, and safety gear for volunteers. They also serve as volunteer co-ordination centres, and are equipped with a self-contained office, communications system and other supplies.
More than 400 homes were damaged during the flooding, 200 badly enough that residents had to leave. Recovery work is just beginning now as the lake water recedes.
“We are thankful that Samaritan’s Purse has offered to help us recover from this flooding,” said Colleen Marchand, Emergency Operations Centre Director for the Okanagan Indian Band in the release. “This is a difficult situation for many of our residents and having an organization here, with a lot of experience in disaster relief, will make a positive difference.”
While Samaritan’s Purse helps with the physical needs, the Billy Graham group is offering spiritual help by sending Rapid Respond Team chaplains to the Okanagan.
“While responding to physical needs after a disaster is vital, responding to emotional and spiritual needs is equally important,” said manager Merle Doherty. “That’s why our chaplains encourage and pray with people in distress, including struggling residents and volunteers who are helping with the clean-up.”
Help Samaritan’s Purse strengthen the impact of local churches in communities recovering in the aftermath of disasters. As caring Christians are trained and empowered to walk alongside individuals and families to find solutions to complex needs, God opens doors to share the Gospel.