Faithful response must continue for recovery

By Rev. Larry McGuire

Fifteen months after the waters of the rivers in our community have returned to their banks, our community continues to rebuild. Immediately after the flood left its mark, leaders from communities of faith, regardless of tradition, gathered to begin the task of helping clean out homes, businesses and places of worship.

It was a daunting task that continues today.

Faithful Response is a coalition of willing partners of individuals and communities of faith with the purpose of helping fill in the gaps of rebuilding. We responded by helping provide housing of families as well as volunteers, and provided meals to people devastated by the waters as well as the volunteers. As one member of the coalition said, “when panic moved to work, work began and continues today.”

Additionally, some have walked neighborhoods talking with individuals and families, offering them pastoral support, and others shared their sacred space to ministries needing a place to worship.

Many communities of faith have offered their expertise with disaster recovery services. Hundreds of volunteers from all walks of life and faith traditions have been present in our community helping people recover. At least 42 states and eight countries have been represented in volunteer corps. Local, state, and federal governmental resources have been made available to assist families and businesses in need but there continues to be the need for even greater support at all levels of the community.

The coordinating team for Faithful Response compiled a list of people and organizations who've helped in the recovery effort. We quickly realized that the list would take up several pages.

So, we decided to say this: Thank you to each person who has volunteered or offered skills and expertise to help people clean out and rebuild homes. Thank you to all who have provided countless meals to flood-impacted families, businesses, volunteers and workers. Thank you for emotional and spiritual programs for children, youth and adults. Thank you for your generous donations to agencies, organizations and faith communities trying to help people rebuild their homes and lives.

The Nautilus shell is our group's symbol because it's central to all expressions of life. It moves from inner safety to outward expressions of life and hope. The journey of recovery continues but we invite you to join us as we continue to work to restore and prepare for the future. May each be blessed with joy and hope as we continue to serve together.

Rev. Larry McGuire of Community of Christ in Cedar Rapids wrote this on behalf of Faithful Response.