We have completed 15 work orders with 22 work days so far this year. The work has included tree clean up in the Black Forest, fire mitigation, digging a trench, and small home repair.

We currently have another 7 work orders that we are working to get onto the calendar. 

Sifting east of Kiowa

We worked sifting a home that burned just east of Kiowa.  There is still one more day of work required to complete this work order.  We are working with the homeowner to set a date to return.

Sifting in Black Forest

We have an open work order in the Black Forest for a sifting job.  We almost completed this work order when a thunderstorm closed the work site with lightening.  We will be working with the homeowner to set up a return date.

Tree Work Black Forest

We have three work orders to help families in Black Forest with clearing trees.   We are working with each to establish work days.

Sediment Cleanup

We have had two jobs identified for sediment removal along Cheyenne Creek due to last years flooding.  We are working a myriad of issues to lock in these jobs.  Once we are able to resolve the issues we will be getting these on the calendar.

Byron had the privilege to teach a class for the Woodmen Valley Chapel Disaster Response Team (DRT) in June.  We had a great response.

We have recently been made aware of a significant need in our community.  It may not seem like a disaster response activity… but then maybe you have toilet paper at your house.  The number one commodity need for the under privileged in our community is toilet paper.  Once local charity organization has stated that they need over 500,000 rolls to meet the need for this year alone!  Jerry and Kathy have been working for the last five years to help meet this need.  This year they will be working their 5^th annual fund raiser to buy toilet paper.   Even though this is out of our “normal working lane” we are burdened to get involved.  So we are making a call for toilet paper donations, and not the single ply.  (Consider what you would prefer to use and let’s make that what we donate.)  We will also be supporting the 5K run/walk this August the 23^rd with volunteers, TP donations, and runners/walkers.  

We recently received a large grant from our local chapter of the Red Cross.  This will result in our having a good supply of Tyvek coveralls and N95 masks. 

Tammie Sandin is back from her missionary trip to Nicaragua.  She had a safe trip and a wonderful experience.

David Bendt returned safely from a tornado response with Samaritan’s Purse in Pilgar, NE.

Here are the ministry needs for which we are seeking prayer:

1.  Help to wisely discern how to invest our time, resources, and talents.

2. Opportunities, courage, and success for the volunteers in sharing the gospel through all of the interactions that we have as we serve.

3. Safety – Much of the work we are doing includes running power equipment including chain saws and chippers.  Please pray that God will continue to protect all of us as we work and travel to and from the work sites.

4. Sourcing – Please pray that God will help us to get into the right places and organizations to get the donations required for tooling and supplies to support the volunteers in the work.

5. Staffing – We are in need of volunteer staff to help us with grants and with sourcing.  We need someone who can research and write grant requests.  We also need someone who can help us source supplies like personal protective equipment (chaps, safety helmets with facemasks and ear protection, etc.) , tooling (limb clippers, weed whips, brush cutters, wheelbarrows, etc.) water, and snacks.

In His Service,