about the long-term effects of fl ood devastation and organization needed to meet needs. We quickly real- ized that the government could only do so much; it came down to the church and neighbors watching out for each other.
“People didn’t know what to do,” she continues. “We had to learn fast and tell people what to do, and then we had to get folks in there to help them get it done.”
The entire ministerial staff at Two Rivers, including for- mer interim pastor, Ed Stetzer, was totally immersed in the fl ood relief efforts. “It took everyone,” Melissa says. “We quickly realized that in the hectic days following the fl oods, some people didn’t even realize what they had lost,” Melissa adds. “We knew that when reality set in and the realization of how huge their loss was hit, we’d need to be there for them. So, we organized to provide needed consolation and someone to listen and pray with them when it was needed.”
THROWING OPEN THE DOORS
In the immediate weeks fol- lowing the fl ooding, Two Riv- ers once again had the oppor- tunity to be a good neighbor by opening the doors of their sizable facility to serve as an alternative venue that could handle large crowds. Neigh-
Two Rivers also allowed the Gaylord Enterprise to use it’s building for various employee meetings.
THE MINISTRY CONTINUES Although the waters have receded, the ministry to
Getting Organized F
more than 200 families in the Pennington Bend and Heartland areas continues. With truckloads of dona- tions from out of state as well as from those members not affected by the fl oods, Welcome Home boxes are being prepared for families looking forward to returning home.
aced with devastation in their com- munity, Two River’s ministerial staff pulled together quickly to create a plan for meeting needs. Melissa Leaver, minister of adult ministries, shares the key elements of how they put a plan together. “Remember, it doesn’t have to be a perfect plan,” Melissa reminds us, “you’ll learn as you go.”
1. First and foremost, remember that assisting disaster victims is a multi-stage process. Not only should there be a plan for meeting initial needs, there may need to be a plan for fi nancial and spiritual needs during reconstruction, as well as one for welcoming people back into their homes.
2. Have a plan to mobilize church leadership. 3. Implement your communications plan and keep the congregation and commu- nity informed.
boring Donelson Christian Academy was severely fl ooded and unable to continue classes in their facili- ties. Within several days, church and school faculty had transitioned classrooms and middle school and high school students were able to resume classes and fi nish out the school year on the church’s campus. Two Rivers even got the opportunity to take its turn as the “mother church of country music”—albe- it temporarily—when it threw open its doors to host three performances of the iconic Grand Ole Opry.
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Children’s minister, Gordon Carter is making sure children in the Kidz Ministry have an opportuni- ty to contribute by decorat- ing boxes. The youth group fi lled the boxes with paper essentials and gift cards to local discount stores. Two River members are deliver- ing them, as folks are able to return to their homes. Jerry Highfi ll, minister of evangelism and missions and Sam Mallory, director of pastoral care continue to work with Samaritan’s Purse on homes that will be rebuilt in the fall as well as on- going communication with families the church has been helping.
While there is no doubt the Nashville fl ood drasti- cally changed many people’s lives, it also would be fair to say Two Rivers Baptist
Church will never be the same.
“It was an awesome, humbling opportunity to truly be the hands and feet of Jesus to everyone, no matter who they were or what they lost,” says Me- lissa Leaver. “We’re a better people, a better church for the experience.” OM
Kathy Chapman Sharp is a writer and communications consultant living in Hendersonville, Tennessee. She and her husband, Terry, are members of Two Rivers Church.
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