UMVIM team repairs home in midst of pandemic

The week of July 20, following strict COVID-19 protocols including wearing masks, social distancing and frequent hand washing, a United Methodist Volunteers in Mission work team was able to complete the needed repairs on the home of a mother and her three children damaged in the April 12 EF-3 tornado.

Shingles had been blown off the roof, trees were downed and two windows were damaged. UMVIM Early Response Teams had responded to the area, including this home, and did a great deal of work to secure the home and made it accessible so the family would be able to live there until the actual repairs could be done.

The UMVIM recovery team, led by Ward Smith, included Jim Smith, Ken Jones, the Rev. Mike Evans, the Rev. Fred Buchanan, Curtis Burnett and Billy and Trudy Robinson. The team repaired the roof, repaired the two damaged windows and secured others. They also repaired and renovated a bedroom, installed three interior doors, completed electrical repairs including a ceiling fan, and started the painting of the exterior walls and trim, which the family will finish.

A team from the Orange Circuit—led by Lorean Toy that included Charlie and Bette Inglet, Bonnie Robinson, Michael Hughes and Rose Stroman—organized and provided meals for the UMVIM volunteers and the family. Thanks go to everyone from the Orange Circuit of the South Carolina United Methodist Church for their much-needed prayers and support.

This family is very thankful for all the help they received from ERTs, UMVIM and the Orange Circuit.

“It was a blessing to be able to serve God and minister to His children, even in the midst of the storm,” Smith said. “To God be the glory!”