Director of DRS Reflects on First Four Months

In this blog, Ron Willett reflects on his first four months — and they have been busy — as the new director of World Renew Disaster Response Services.

The other day I looked up from the supper table and commented to my wife, Diane, “You know, I have been working at World Renew DRS for four months now.” Yes, it’s been four months, and I feel so blessed.

I have had the opportunity to meet many of our volunteers already. The joy and dedication that they give has been a wonderful thing to experience. The work being done at disaster sites has such an impact not only on the cleanup and reconstruction work but also the spiritual and emotional well-being of those who are affected by a disaster.

Each night I pray and thank God for the love that each of the volunteers bring with them.

In these short four months, I have seen DRS volunteers help people devastated by the mudslide in Washington; flooding in Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, and Burlington; tornadoes and storms in Nebraska, Florida, Mississippi, Arkansas, North Carolina and Michigan, and an earthquake in California.

We have responded with early-response coordinators, many rapid-response teams, needs-assessment teams, ongoing long-term reconstruction crews, and group mission trips. Each time, World Renew DRS volunteers have responded with concern, prayer, financial gifts, and their presence on-site in local communities.

I have had the privilege of visiting our long-term reconstruction sites in High River, Alberta, and Ocean County, New Jersey.

What a joy it has been for me to join the teams each day, before they set out to work, as they sing “This is the day; this is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice, we will rejoice and be glad in it and be glad in it.”

The expertise and Christian love our teams bring each day reflect God’s peace and joy here on earth!

I served for thirty-five years as an executive with the Boy Scouts of America and I believe the motto of the Boy Scouts—Be Prepared—also works for the volunteers of DRS. When disasters hit our communities, it is the wonderful volunteers of DRS who are always “prepared” and ready to pack up to go and help.

May God continue to bless each and every one of our volunteers as they show God’s love and peace to people in communities we are called to serve in.

I also invite you to join us in this life-changing work by becoming a ‘Green Shirt’ volunteer with us. Call, email, or visit worldrenew.net/drs to get started.