While the Northwest fire danger to life and property has mostly subsided, there is still a great need for those who lost everything. The Northwest Adventist Community Services Disaster Response team is making a tangible contribution to relief efforts.
The collabrative North Pacific Union Conference ACS DR advisory group has solidified community support during this unprecedented time. The group includes Larry Mays, ACS DR coordinator; Andy Villanueva, Oregon Conference ACS DR director; and Derrick Lea, North American Division ACS DR director.
On Sept. 30, 2020, a warehouse management team from the South Central Conference in Alabama received Oregon state orientation at the Emergency Coordinating Center in Salem to provide warehouse services. The Salem warehouse opened today, Oct. 1, 2020. The Alabama management team will be leading out for the next four weeks.
The warehouse management team from the Rocky Mountain Conference in Colorado is due to arrive Friday, Oct. 2, and lead the management of the Grants Pass, Oregon, warehouse for two weeks.
Many prayers have been answered as negotiations between ACS DR, the state of Oregon and the Federal Emergency Management Agency made it through the final stages of budgetary and logistical approvals.
While devasating, the fires have provided a unique opportunity for Northwest Adventists to engage in serving their neighbors. Volunteers are needed around Salem and Grants Pass during the next six weeks, while the warehouses are operating. Such service will not only make a difference in the lives of families devastated by the fires, but will also bless those who serve with a heart of love.
If you'd like to offer help and support, financial donations can be made online. To volunteer in a warehouse, contact your conference ACS leader (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Upper Columbia or Washington).
