Between February 21 and March 1, the people of eastern Kentucky experienced multiple ice storms and floods. Due to the severe weather, residents were left without electricity, homes were damaged or lost, and roads were washed away. Marin County, in particular, is already considered one of the poorest counties in the United States.
Parkview Church of the Nazarene received a call for help from Dwayne Mills of Appalachia Reach Out. Within 15 hours, we were able to deliver 150 cases of bottled water. That conversation expanded to the people of Brown County.
Josh Caplinger (Outreach Pastor) at Parkview Church of the Nazarene began to call on surrounding churches from the Southwest Indiana District. Ultimately, 18 churches from Columbus, Bloomington, Terre Haute, and Evansville, contributed to the effort. Also included were the Brown County Sheriff's Department, Saint Vincent de Paul, the Brown County Community Foundation, and Midwest Food Bank Indiana.
On March 19, 12 pallets of food, water, and supplies from Midwest Food Bank and churches around Brown County were delivered. Several more pallets were brought by individual trailers and vehicles. A team was able to work to repair homes, clean, restore electricity, and distribute food and water.
"100,000 pounds of food, and over 2,000 volunteer work hours," says Dave Crum, onsite director for all work and witness teams, "Cost for the water and labor would be close to $60,000."
MFB Indiana gives thanks to God for making so much out of so little. We also thank those mentioned above that helped.
"From the rising of the sun, to the setting of the same, the name of the Lord is to be praised." -Psalms 113:3
What a delight it is to praise God in both good times and bad. MFB Indiana to serve Brown County and beyond!