Update March 21, 2012 

David Sumpter is a Henryville resident who lost everything. He lives off the land and was uninsured. He is also a military veteran. When I sat with him and ate breakfast, I said "David, if we could wave a magic wand and do something for you, what would be most important? He didn't hesitate. He said "Rebuild the greenhouse". He went on to explain that he grows all of his own produce, raises chickens, milk goat and provides all the extras to over 60 residents of Henryville. He said "It took me 18 years to slowly build the greenhouse, $100 here and there. If I don't get my garden started lots of people won't have produce this year".  So The Three Nails Project and a team of volunteers rebuilt the primary structure of the greenhouse in 48 hours flat. David couldn't quit smiling. He is pictured above, standing underneath the new greenhouse roof.

He came to the staging area a few days later and he was teary eyed. He said "When the storm took everything, I wished that it took me too. I didn't want to go on." Then he smiled and said "You all have given me a reason to keep going, you restored my faith". So this week, we are clearing the house building site and preparing to break ground on Monday.  We had a donation for David to buy him new chickens. So a crew is building his chicken house too. Every volunteer that we send to David's place comes back and tells of his smile. He talks to everyone and we are all encouraged by his excitement.  David is our bright spot in a broken place.   

Update for week of March 10-18, 2012

Incident Command Center applauded the efforts of Three Nails Project and stated Three Nails Project was the only faith based organization invited to all Incident Command briefings due to the integrity and compassion demonstrated by their amazing volunteers and efforts throughout the community. Also the Three Nails Project Team should be announcing that it is breaking ground by next Monday on the first new home to be built in Henryville, IN! The amazing effort by lots of COG people, as well as many other volunteers, is making this dream a reality. Thanks for all the prayers and support from the Indiana Ministries and Church of God Ministries. As of Monday, March 19th, the recovery effort will be completely led by faith based organizations.   There are several COG teams scheduled for the coming weeks.

• Total number of volunteers served under Three Nails Project leadership team: 1,215 working an estimated total of 12,150 hours with the FEMA officials logging a volunteer rate of $25/hour/person for a value of $303,750.00.
• Teams from 11 states: KY,MD,DE,NY,PA,FL,NC,IN,TN,IL and MI
• Church of God teams arrived from across the state, including some from Indianapolis, Mooresville, Monroe City, Anderson area and also Liberty Christian School from Anderson.
• Total number of meals served: 1,500. Value of these meals is estimated at $7,500.
• Approximately 125 cases of water ($500) are on hand, as well as 3,000 cubic feet of non perishable food items, toiletries, various household supplies and assorted recovery items being received and distributed daily. Estimated value of goods is $15,000.00; 10% distributed daily for a total value of $13,500 for this time period.
• Housing has been graciously provided free of charge throughout this period by The Country Lakes Christian Retreat. The estimated value of their donated lodging and meals is $5,598.00.
• Generated value is $330,348.00.

 Update for week of March 2-9, 2012

•  Established staging area/command post at corner of Church St. and highway 31.
• Met with local COG pastor Leon Armstrong of Henryville First Church of God.  The church does not have any current needs.
• Established supply center consisting of two semi trailers and 24' canopy tent for receiving and distribution of groceries, cleaning supplies and work/building supplies. Present inventory of approx 100 cases of drinking water, 11,000 cubic feet of supplies and food.
• Total number of volunteer hours served under the Three Nails Project leadership team is 5,200 hours with the FEMA officials logging a volunteer rate of $25/hour/person for a value of $130,00.00.
• Mobile food kitchen acquired and activated.  Total number of meals served: 800.
• Work teams assigned to area quadrant west of HWY 31. Three Nails Project is in direct daily communication with Officer Rodney Wann at Incident Command. We attend every morning briefing of Indiana emergency management and homeland security.
• The individuals and teams are assigned to debris removal, chainsaw crews, supply receiving/distribution totaling over 250 representatives from churches and locations including Indianapolis, Anderson, IN, Cincinnati, OH, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Chicago, IL, Kentucky, Columbus, IN, Terre Haute, IN, and New York. Many individuals have been identified as uninsured or with needs beyond insurance. Work teams are being fed and housed under our direction with assistance from the Christian Retreat center.

Total value of goods and services for March 2-18, 2012   $507,386.00

Three Nails Project leadership team includes:

• On site director of Henryville mission, Rev. Bob Morrison missions pastor for Monroe city First Church of God/Firefighter/Medical first responder and Pastor of the Three Nails Project Mission (TNP) House. Tammy Morison RN, VP of TNP mission house.
• Tracey Reel, EMT-worship leader/on site deputy leader for Henryville.
• Steve Swanson and Jason Johnson serving as crew leaders.
• FEMA officials as well as Red Cross, Homeland Security.

State and local officials have all met with TNP leadership and commended the team for strong presence and efficient operations done with integrity and safety. We have expanded our field of operations to include all of Henryville proper and some rural segments as well.  All glory to God!

I am humbled and honored by recognition but I give all glory to God. Please pray for our strength!   

Blessings,

Bob Morrison

Missions Pastor, Monroe City First Church of God

Pastor, Three Nails Project