Village Blog

This past week, we sent three teams to Washington and Gifford, Illinois to assist with the tornado relief efforts taking place there.  The teams were made up of people from all four of our campuses - over 20 people total who helped for 1-3 days. The damage from these storms was extremely intense and the needs far exceed our ability, but we are thankful to have been able to play a small part in helping these communities begin to rebuild their lives. 

In Washington, we worked with Samaritan's Purse and in Gifford, we worked with St. Paul's Lutheran Church and the Salvation Army.  Both groups did an outstanding job of organizing relief efforts and mobilizing volunteers.  Hats off to those groups who are being a strong light for Christ in communities that certainly need it.   (See blog posts below for details and photos.)

The work is far from done. If you would like to volunteer some of your time to help, relief efforts will be set up until at least December 7: 

• Washington / Samaritan's Purse:  Fill out the online application http://goo.gl/x7UZeS
• Gifford / St. Paul's Lutheran Church: Call for instructions -  217-568-7411
• Big Rock / The Storehouse: Help Samaritan's Purse pack relief supplies for Washington & Gifford - right next door in Big Rock.  Call Joyce for instructions - 630-849-6856.

Consider getting your small group or several friends together and going as a team.  Each of the 20 people who went this past week will emphatically tell you that you'll be glad you did!