Welcome! The Vilonia Church of Christ has set up this blog to keep people informed about our efforts to assist those in our community who were affected by the tornado on Monday, April 25, 2011. First, let me begin by offering our DEEPEST THANKS to all of you who have volunteered, sent donations, provided supplies or who have offered prayers on behalf of our community.
For those who aren't familiar with the situation, the town of Vilonia (pop. 3,800) was struck by an EF-2 tornado at 7:30 on Monday evening, April 25. Straight-line winds of up to 130 MPH accompanied the tornado. The damage cut a mile-wide path through our little town. Four from the community were killed in the storm and dozens injured. The facilities of the Vilonia church were not damaged and are being used to the glory of God to help in assisting our community.
Let me take a few minutes to catch you up on where we are tonight in our recovery efforts. Our building is being used for a number of purposes.
A number of organizations and individuals have provided supplies that are being staged at the building and delivered to those in need. These items are primarily boxed food items that do not require preparation, personal items (hygiene, etc.), and cleaning supplies. The Levy church in North Little Rock and Churches of Christ Disaster Relief in Nashville, TN have provided a substantial portion of these supplies and for that we are grateful. However, many others have donated items, as well. Each and every donation is important, regardless of size!
The Pleasant Valley Singles Ministry from Little Rock is cooking and distributing hamburgers and hot dogs at the building on their awesome "double-barreled" cooker. Thanks to those guys and gals! Two other organizations from the community have asked to use our parking lot for that same purpose and we're glad to let them use it.
The Faulkner County Sherrifs Office is using the parking lot to house their Mobile Command Center. We're grateful to all of the military and law enforcement folks who have provided assistance to the community.
WHAT IS NEEDED?
- Cleaning supplies (mops, buckets, 409, rags, bleach, rubber gloves, etc.)
- Food that does NOT require cooking. Most of our community still does not have power.
- Bottled water and juice of any kind.
- Volunteers to help distribute all of these items to those who are recovering their homes.
Many have asked, "Do you need help with the cleanup?" Yes, we do! There is much debris to be cleared, trees to be cut, and that sort of work. If you report to the church, we will do our best to find other Christians who need your help. However, your best bet may be to check in at the Vilonia Primary School and they will assign you a work location. If you're coming from out-of-town, check in at the building and we'll guide you to the school. If you choose to check in at the Primary School (located on Highway 64 west of Vilonia), then PLEASE, PLEASE come by the building for a meal whenever you take a break! We want to see you while you're in town!
The Vilonia congregation is only three years old and is a fairly small group of Christians. We do not have the luxury of abundant resources (people and otherwise) like many of our sister churches. To compound that problem, approximately half of our congregation was directly affected by the storms. We find ourselves in the tough situation where those who would typically serve are needing to BE served.
Thank God that none of our members were injured or killed, but many did suffer damage to their homes. So, your help as a volunteer at the building will be greatly appreciated, especially early next week.
We hope to have the building open on Monday, May 2 and Tuesday, May 3, but we need volunteers to help distribute supplies and food. If you can help man the building on those dates, please e-mail any of the following elders:
Patrick Fay at pfay@windstream.net
Marty Knight at martyknight@windstream.net
David Koone at davidkoone@live.com
Some churches and individuals have already assisted with monetary donations. If you can help in this manner, the church will see that funds are delivered to those who need assistance in the community, beginning with those of the household of faith (Galatians 6). However, we want to help as many as we can. Donations can be sent to the church: Vilonia Church of Christ, P.O. Box 836, Vilonia, AR 72173. If you have questions regarding cash donations, please contact any of the following elders:
Kenny Henderson at kwhenderson@windstream.net
Jeff Gray at jeffandjoy@tcworks.net
God bless you for your concern! Our little town has taken a tough blow, but is really showing it's character. It is a wonderful thing to see God in action through His people.
Marty Knight
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