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Compassion at work

WELS Christian Aid and Relief and Good Shepherd, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, partnered to organize cleanup after storms blew through the Midwest in August.

The line of storms, called a derecho, had sustained winds of more than 100 miles per hour. Good Shepherd suffered major roof damage and felled trees; most members also had extensive cleanup to do on their properties.

Volunteers cleared trees and picked up debris in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

More than one hundred volunteers helped clean up the church property as well as yards in the community.

“I was working alongside of members who hadn’t touched their own yards yet,” says Dan Sims, director of WELS Christian Aid and Relief and a volunteer. “They had trees down too, but they were out helping other people. It was heartwarming to see. When servants of Jesus go out and help those in need—it really makes an impression.”

This compassionate spirit is what Sims wants to see as he works with each district to equip relief coordinators to oversee local disaster response. “If [the neighborhood residents] can see WELS congregations and people as caring and active in helping with physical needs, then we gain more opportunities to talk with them about their spiritual needs and their Savior.”

Learn more at wels.net/relief.

Volume 107, Number 10
Issue: October 2020

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