chainsaw

After serving on chain saw crews in LongBeach, MS and New Orleans, LA, members of churches within the Blue River-Kansas City Baptist Association are being called to begin this vital ministry. Leading the effort to raise funds for equipment, volunteers, and prayers is Unit Director Brian Mills. Brian has 10+ years of professional tree trimming experience. Assisting Brian are Assistant Directors Scott Skomal, Ethan Rowe, and Rick Morrison.

For more information about volunteering or supplying financial support please contact Brian at 816-289-3320. As we progress with equipment and volunteers more photos will be posted.

II Cor 3:5 And not because we think we can do anything of lasting value

by ourselves, our only power and success comes from God.

Below is Brian's testimony of how the unit came to be.

"In September of 2005 I had the privilege to lead a chain saw crew to Long Beach, MS. We were able to help with relief efforts just days after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast. Long Beach is a small town east of New Orleans, and the eye of Katrina passed very close to it.

Between the 30 ft storm surge from the Gulf and the 150 mph sustained winds, much of the town was destroyed. Through a series of divine events we gathered a crew, three RVs’, trucks to pull them, equipment, and 3 weeks supplies in only 3 days.

During the first week of three we helped approximately 30 families with tree or house damage, not to mention the trucks full of relief supplies we unloaded at one of the free food pantries. Ten days after the disaster many people still seemed to be in a fog. I’ll never forget the confused looks on their faces. Many had no home, no money and no plans going forward. Everyone we helped was very appreciative. I’ve never seen people respond so favorably when told, “God Bless You.” It’s as if they had been waiting to hear those words for a long time. I never imagined we would be able to touch so many people.

At one house we were clearing some massive pine trees to make a yard safe for children. Two families were living there because one had lost everything when their home was swept away by the storm surge. As we were finishing up, one of the mothers came outside and was frantic. She asked me how much we were going to charge and she explained that they had children to feed and no extra money. After I explained to her that we were there to help at no cost and God sent us, she broke down into tears. She couldn’t believe we came all the way from Missouri to help her. After she regained her composure she told me, “You give us hope.” I am reminded of what Saint Francis of Assisi said. “Preach the Gospel at all times. If necessary, use words.”

Soon after our trip to Mississippi I discovered that the Southern Baptist Convention has one of the largest disaster relief organizations in the country. I immediately became involved. In March of last year I had the pleasure to serve in New Orleans with the Pleasant Valley Chain Saw Crew. Although most of the damage there was done by water, they still needed trees cut six months after Katrina. Later the same month, a large group from our church, First Baptist, Garden City, also helped the farm community of Creighton, MO clean up after the March 12, 2006 tornados that ravaged the state. Although the damage wasn’t as extensive as Mississippi or Louisiana the farmers needed help to clear debris before planting their crops. During these relief efforts I learned there is a tremendous need for disaster relief crews.

In Long Beach while I was working in a back yard a feeling came over me that I’ve only had a few times in my life. A giant pine tree was lying on top of a small two bedroom house. The owner had waited two weeks to return home but the utilities companies would not reconnect her services until the pine tree was removed. I had just started a saw and was revving the motor

to warm it up when a thought hit me. I’m exactly where God wants me. A sense of peace followed, and, over the next six months, I frequently thought about that moment.

To save space I won’t go into great detail but God has put it on my heart to start a disaster relief chain saw unit. Over the last year many resources and opportunities have been placed in front of us, and there’s no mistaking what Christ is planning. After contacting the Blue River – Kansas City Baptist Association I organized a new chain saw unit.

Since last year we have accumulated a few hundred dollars worth of equipment. Directors from three other disaster relief units in Missouri and our sponsor, BG Johnson, have been helping me get the ball rolling. We thank God for these blessings and are now focusing on the three things we need the most: volunteers, funds and prayers."

Following are pictures taken while serving in Long Beach, Mississippi: Click on the images to see a larger version.