This past November I had my annual consultation meeting with our Harpeth River District Superintendent, Dr. Vona Wilson. We shared celebrations about my own personal growth as well as the ways God has been at work through Franklin First UMC. While we talked, a lightbulb went off and the Spirit laid something on my heart. I shared with her that there may be a way that FFUMC can support more people using our Disaster Response resources. Unlike many churches, we have a barn. Unlike many churches, we have a robust collection of things that can be used after a disaster like our trailers, chain saws, tools and more. We also have passionate lay members with great leadership and organizational skills that could mobilize a large relief supplies collection.
At FFUMC, we follow the lead of the TWK Disaster Response team and wait on their invitation to GO. But in the meantime, I shared with Vona that our resources could and should be shared by the district and conference. Could someone else use these items when there is a need? Do we need to store something for another church here? Disaster Response is connectional work meaning it is not only the efforts of FFUMC that help people but instead the combined effort of many UMCs that provide for people facing disaster. Your tithes, offerings and prayers are all multiplied by the power of the connection. I hope and pray there is no need for disaster response in 2024, but we all know it is not likely we will avoid all disaster. But I find hope knowing that we are joined by the body of Christ through our UMC connection and can serve our world and neighbors when they are hurting the most. How will God ask us to share the resources we have been given? We will see!
~ Pastor Carlisle Jones, Pastor of Missions & History Sanctuary