A team of 55 Adventists joined an area-wide response effort in Baltimore, Maryland, on June 10, 2018, in response to substantial flooding that affected an entire community. The Frederick Avenue Corridor in southwest Baltimore received 10 inches of rain on May 27 that caused severe road damage and affected approximately 100 homes.

Adventists Community Services Disaster Response (ACS DR) organized a team from NAD Youth Ministries, Allegheny East and Chesapeake conferences, and members of Miracle City Seventh-day Adventist Church, which is located in Baltimore.

The group of volunteers traveled to a local hub that was created at the Stillmeadow Evangelical Free Church. The ACS DR team connected with Team Rubicon, a national partner of the organization, and discussed the activity of the day. From there, they were put into teams of seven, then sent to various homes to remove damaged furniture, carpet, and drywall. Each team was accompanied by a trade-skilled worker to oversee their efforts.

One of the teams met a woman named Dionne who expressed concern for her family who lives on the first floor of an apartment building that was flooded. She lost furniture and other possessions, and does not own a dehumidifier to help dry out the apartment. With the smell of mold and mildew circulating in their home, she shared her desire to get away. However, getting away has become a difficult endeavor since her car was also flooded. David Franklin, the pastor of Miracle City who was among the volunteers, prayed with her and invited her to church, which is located two blocks from her home. She mentioned that she recognized Franklin from a presentation he gave at her children’s elementary school. Dionne shared that she will attend church this coming Sabbath.

“We don’t know who we will encounter [in the future] and who will be influenced by our actions. This young lady recognized pastor Franklin because he engaged with a local elementary school before,” said W. Derrick Lea, director of ACS DR. “And by doing that, he opened the doors for many other connections, even in the midst of recovery and chaos.”

Volunteers from the Allegheny East and Chesapeake conferences are planning to continue their assistance in the days and weeks ahead. They hope the recovery will be part of long-term plan that will continue through 2019. Both conferences have expressed interest in rebuilding efforts once the homes have been stripped of the damaged parts. This work will include painting, and replacing drywall and flooring.