Title:Gift of mobile homes aids flood victims
Date: April 29, 1997
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: news@cm.disciples.org
97c-27
INDIANAPOLIS - Many Disciples have provided aid for spring flood victims through gifts of money and service. One Indianapolis church member gave a more unusual, but much needed gift, a mobile home. A family in Sparta, Ky., is overjoyed.
The combined efforts of a generous individual, three Disciples congregations and Week of Compassion have given a single mom a new home. The family's mobile home was destroyed by spring flooding March 1 when the waters of Eagle Creek, a tributary of the Kentucky River, overflowed. This was the first time this century the water reached the home's site, but its destruction was fast. The raging waters pushed the home off its foundation and into nearby trees.
The family's income was too high to qualify for immediate federal aid, but not high enough to replace the home. That's where Sparta Christian Church, average worship attendance 45, stepped in. An aid committee surveyed the community to help match those needing assistance with services. For this family the church looked to Week of Compassion for help.
When an Indianapolis Disciples congregation made a Palm Sunday plea for aid for flood victims, the story of this family was shared. It motivated many members to make a financial gift to Week of Compassion, and one worshiper, who wishes to remain anonymous, thought of a mobile home he could share.
The mobile home was moved from Indianapolis to Sparta April 23. Workers from Providence Christian Church, Bargersville, Ind., prepared the home for its trip. They removed the outside skirting and air conditioning unit and tightened anything that might come loose on the 183-mile journey.
The Rev. Kevin Russell, pastor of the Sparta Church, flew to Indianapolis and then accompanied the home to Kentucky. The new homeowners prepared the site so all would be ready for the home to arrive. The Sparta Church helped pay the transportation cost for the move.
The success of this "match" has led the donor to contribute three more trailers. One is expected to go to hard-hit Falmouth, Ky., for use by volunteers who come to rebuild the town. Later it will be given to a family. Week of Compassion is working with the Kentucky Council of Churches and local Disciples congregations to find families for the other homes.
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