August 7, 2024

Ephesians 4:16 “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

In November of 2021, floodwaters from the Nooksack River ran down to Sumas Prairie, Canada, causing a catastrophic flood event which heavily affected greater Abbotsford, a Canadian farming community. The flood wiped out over 3,300 homes, shut down the Canada and US border, and caused a loss of livestock and poultry. Later, a local bank determined that the Sumas Prairie flood was the most expensive catastrophe in Canadian history, costing $7.5 billion CAD.

Thankfully, many churches in the area quickly worked together to support and serve their hurting community. Amid flood waters rising in their own basements, many like Tracy from Gateway Community CRC began thinking about others suffering in their community. Church members quickly took in those who were flooded, distributed food and water, and quickly formed volunteer efforts to remove debris from flooded properties. Despite their own troubles, they understood that “someone had it worse than them.”

Keith, a Gateway Community CRC member, quickly understood the community’s needs and how to respond after the flooding. Just weeks after the flood, his emergency response volunteers had already worked to remove debris and sweep barns in 63 properties. This support was massive to homeowners and farmers, who were still in shock at what happened and unaware how to proceed. Many are still displaced a year and a half later, living in trailers or with their families.

As churches in the area realized a long-term response to the flooding was necessary, they formed the Abbotsford Disaster Response Coalition (ADRC), which aims to provide help and hope in the name of Jesus for Sumas Prairie flood survivors. While their response began as a grassroots approach, ADRC is now a ministry funded by World Renew and many other grantmakers to support homeowners and farmers in their long-term recovery. Months after the flood, World Renew provided the first of two annual $200,000 grants to the ADRC, providing furniture and appliances for survivors.

Recently, due to World Renew’s second annual grant to the ADRC which provides the salary of the project coordinator, the ADRC received $500,000 to provide building materials such as lumber, lawn care, and furniture/ appliances for the flooded community. After disasters, most survivors lack the financial means to replace their damaged belongings, let alone repair their homes. These funds will help hundreds of homeowners get back on their feet by providing necessary goods to restore their homes. So far, 161 homeowners have received new furniture, and 110 homeowners have received new appliances.

“I am very grateful for the assistance I’ve received from the ADRC after the flood”, said *Frank. Frank worked hard after the flood to make repairs in his home, beginning flooring and drywall repairs, yet lacked resources to finish the project and purchase other necessities. His appliances were ruined in the flood, and subsequently, his frozen meat went bad. Frank’s cabinetry rotted and was removed, and he installed temporary utility cabinets. Frank’s tools were also rusted from sitting in the water and mud for weeks. By God’s grace, the ADRC has purchased new kitchen appliances for Frank and his wife. The ADRC will be replacing the kitchen utility cabinetry, as well as purchasing Frank new tools. As a contractor, Frank’s new tools signal reignited hope after the flood.

With other grants, the ADRC has also been able to provide an ongoing pantry, meals, mental health services, and more to flood survivors.

Thank you for giving help and hope to flood survivors through World Renew.

*Name changed for privacy reasons