Oklahoma Tornado Relief 2013

Since May 21, the day after an EF-5 tornado struck Moore, Oklahoma, the SI Investigative Team has been surveying the devastated tornado zones and working with local organizations to begin coordinating relief efforts.

SI is now coordinating the worksite management of volunteers and equipment in the disaster zones and working with Church of the Harvest, who has offered their facilities and support to lodge and provide meals for the volunteers that come to the area to help. It's very much appreciated, and their generosity provides a huge piece of the puzzle to put these devastated areas back together. Also, the church is collecting and distributing donated items - no clothing, please.

At the end of this article, you will find a link to more details for volunteers plus links to two forms that are required if you're planning to volunteer with SI in Oklahoma. You may print the forms, fill them out, and take them with you to Church of the Harvest, or simply wait until you arrive at the church and obtain and fill out forms at that time.

Please remember to wear hard-soled shoes or work boots, long pants and work gloves to help protect yourself.

Location & Lodging Information
Church of the Harvest has a Norman/ Moore Campus that is located on the Moore/Norman city line, just over a mile away from where the storm crossed Interstate 35. The campus is located on the southeast corner of the intersection of Indian Hills Road and I-35S. It is a perfect staging area for SI operations during the recovery and rebuilding of the area.

If you would like to work with Service International in Oklahoma, please contact Russell Combs at Church of the Harvest to schedule and plan your lodging. Email: russell.combs@harvestokc.com or phone 405-478-7373.

If you have questions regarding Service International, please email Patti Fasnacht at SI. Stay tuned for updates.

Oklahoma Tornado Relief Details for Volunteers

SI Liability Release - Required

SI Volunteer Medical Release - Required

Kosovo 2013

Kosovo Jump!

Departure Dates: June 26 and 28
Return Date: July 6
Registration is now closed. Watch for details about our next Dental Mission to Kosovo this fall.

SI volunteers join with SI Kosovar volunteers to set up and participate in Kosovo JUMP! Last year over 3,000 children and their family members came to the four-day event, which runs concurrently with the J. Clyde Perry Soccer Tournament and July 4th fireworks celebration in Gjakova. Use the links to watch the video of last year's KERCE! and see what JUMP! Kids Camp is all about — here in the US and in Kosovo.

Recently, Service International received this touching letter from Antigona, a young woman in Shtime, Kosovo.

Dear Service International,

My name is Antigona and I am 19 years old. I grew up in a Muslim family but not practical but with Muslim dictionary if I can say that. My life had many ups and downs as I have epilepsy and not only that but I have made some bad choices in my life.

Well, my family sent me to the safe house so I can get better.

Often I thought why I had to be born with this sickness and didn't know that God has a plan for me.

I came to the Gjakova Safe House couple of weeks ago and I heard that some girls from the Safe house were being treated in one of the humanitarian dental clinic. I had pain on my teeth for so long but my family couldn’t effort it to send me also to the dentist. It is so expensive to get the dental treatment in Kosova even a simple treatment.

Through Service International and Family church, I was able to get the needed treatment. The care and the love from the staff made me feel loved. I start to attend the Bible study and the Sunday services.

As Pastor was sharing about the life and promise that we have in Jesus Christ, my heart start to beat fast. I thought I am going to have a seizure but no I didn't. It was a time that Jesus was calling me "Come my Child I will take care of you". My eyes were on tears and when the pastor asked if there is anyone that want to receive Jesus in their heart today, I raise my hand and stand.

Pastor prayed for me and since that moment I felt I am loved and accepted. On the next Bible Study I was given a Bible and I am reading it and enjoying the new life with Christ.

Thank you God for giving me an eternal life, providing the dental care and accepting and loving me just as I am.

Thankfully,
Antigona

Missouri

Give Kids A Smile, St. Louis

Twice each year, in the spring and fall, SI teams up with the Dental Society of Greater St. Louis to provide free dental care to children in the inner city. You don't have to be a dental professional to be part of this great outreach — there's a place for everyone who wants to help. To find out how you can be part of the next Give Kids A Smile event, call the Volunteer Office at 636.733.8367.

Tornado Clean-up — Joplin

Since the Joplin tornado in 2011 more than 2,000 volunteers have worked with SI to clear debris from over 200 acres. Read more about SI's work in Joplin.

Tornado Clean-up — North St. Louis County

SI coordinated more than 5,700 volunteers from the St. Louis region, and volunteer teams cleared debris and downed trees from over 300 work sites! Thank you, St. Louis! Watch the video, see photos, and read more about SI's tornado relief work.

Haiti

For details call SI at 636.532.9008.

Read about the experiences of SI's volunteer medical team and their work in this quake-stricken country.

Rapid Response Team

If you would like to be added to SI's Rapid Response Call List, please contact Service International at 636.532.9008.

Hurricane Relief

East Coast - Hurricane Irene Recovery 2011

When the waters from overflowing rivers began to recede, SI brought heavy equipment and teamed up with local volunteers to begin cleaning up debris, cutting fallen trees, and pressure washing and disinfecting the interiors of buildings and homes. Volunteers working with SI invested 1,000 man hours in cleaning up seven homes, one business and four school buildings, and cutting up trees on five properties. Thank you to all the hardworking staff and volunteers and to everyone who gave our teams food and shelter along the way. God bless you!

Read more about Service International's hurricane relief work.