How GCT can help those in need at this time - Embracing our limitations

Good morning GCT:  I feel the need to clarify how we as GCT can help our neighbors as a church.  Please, by all means serve your neighbor however you are led.  However, as we are called to help as a joined force called GCT please let us understand our limitations and that many services will be covered by trained relief organizations, personal insurance or maybe FEMA.

I have talked to several people in the areas of Pender County who are the hardest hit with flooding and with those who have extensive needs from other areas.  In many places the needs are more than we can handle and the needs that people have must be attempted by professionals who know the dangers of mold, bacteria and residual contamination from septic water.  This is serious stuff.  We are willing and excited to lend a helping hand.  Let us embrace the ways we can help and humbly pass on needs that we should not attempt or cannot attempt.  As the GCT joined force this is how we can help and what we have the knowledge and tools to complete:

• Removal of yard debris, for people who aren’t able and don’t have family/church/neighbors who can do it for them
• Cutting up trees that are manageable by human hands and backs, without professional equipment.  That usually means the tree is less than ~16” in diameter.
• Demolition of some drywall and insulation as a result of water damage from above not from rising flood waters.  There is a big difference.
• We can help some families with specific needs on a case by case basis.
• I am sure there are other specific needs that we can manage that can be discussed or we can help point people to the right place.

Here are some resources to direct people:

FOOD/SUPPLIES
In Wilmington, you can collect collect supplies from the following locations:
Pine Valley Church of Christ
Wednesday September 26 10 am – 4 pm or until supplies run out
3601 S College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412
New Beginnings Church 
3120 Alex Trask Dr, Castle Hayne, NC 28429
Vigilant Hope: 1626 Lake Branch Drive
Every day this week from 11AM-3PM serving hot meals, cleaning supplies, and groceries!

HOT MEALS
If you are in need of a hot meal, here is a great option for you:
First Baptist Church-Activity Center (1939 Independence Blvd. Wilmington, NC 28403) – is operating as a free drive-thru serving lunch from 11AM-1PM and dinner from 4PM-6PM.
Operation BBQ Relief (805 S College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403) provides meals to displaced residents and emergency personnel during times of natural and other disasters. Their truck is in the Big Parking Lot where K-Mart used to be. Check them out between 7am-7pm

HOME RELATED ISSUES
If you are in need of NON-EMERGENCY services such as home related issues like mud-outs, roof-tarping, debris or tree removal, please call Samaritan’s Purse for these locations.

Jacksonville – Call (910) 515-1688
Leland – Call (910) 284-9713
New Bern – Call (252) 725-5802
Wilmington – Call (910) 284-9713

**If anybody has a specific skilled trade need we do have a handy man who is somewhat available to help in those areas.  Contact me for his info.  

Prayerfully, Steve