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After the devastating floods struck North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate, Mission Stephanus quickly agreed to deploy all available resources to help. However, alongside all the practical assistance with the cleanup and clearing operations, another, almost secondary task has become essential and indispensable: providing food and drink. This applies both to the numerous aid workers from outside the region and to the residents of the disaster area itself.
Due to the massive destruction caused by the flood, a large number of houses and apartments remain unusable to this day. The severely damaged infrastructure also affected the electricity supply, which completely failed in most of the affected areas. This, of course, meant that preparing hot meals for the many people living there was no longer really possible.
For this reason, a food service had to be organized and set up as quickly as possible. A large tent with seating and a distribution point for all kinds of supplies and consumables was erected in a very short time on the grounds of a former elementary school. Since then, cosmetics and hygiene products, a change of clothes, footwear, drinks, snacks, and hot meals have been available there daily for all those affected and involved.
Many people seek refuge at the aid station. Whether police officers, soldiers of the German Armed Forces, volunteers from various countries, or affected local residents – everyone is warmly welcomed. And soon the Stephanus staff found themselves talking to all sorts of people and, in addition to providing practical help, were also able to share their faith and testify about God.
Aid teams from all over Germany came and still come together today, organized through Mission Stephanus and coordinated to the affected areas. The needs of these volunteers are also taken care of. All the staff meet in the morning at the Ulmen church to pray and discuss the day's plans. Before everyone gets into their cars to drive to the Nürburgring, from where the coach departs for the deployment locations, packed lunches are distributed to those who may not have had breakfast or simply want to refuel on the way. In the evening, there is a communal dinner at the Ulmen church, which is prepared during the day by volunteers from Ulmen.
Initially, just under 70 volunteers gathered for dinner. Within a few days, however, the small group grew to about 400 people. Consequently, more preparation and cooking were required. With many willing hands and the help of two other communities, this was manageable. The work in the kitchen, whether in the community center or on-site in the disaster area, is done entirely by volunteers.
Many people living in the flood-affected area are participating and thus advancing the relief efforts. However, volunteers are still needed for a wide variety of tasks, such as distributing food on site. Since the local residents in particular continue to depend on this support, we are keen to continue this work. The Word of God tells us: “If someone needs your help and you can help them, do not refuse them” (Proverbs 3:27/HFA).
Even though this work may seem insignificant, it brings blessings to many people. Let us be attentive to where helping hands are still needed and seize every opportunity to be there for people in these difficult times and to share the message of Jesus with them.
Jana Soldatov
CDH-Stephanus