Podcast: Download (Duration: 14:55 — 10.2MB)
It's loud, as countless machines crowd through narrow streets, forging their way through masses of people and rubble. Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, a popular holiday destination just a few days ago, had transformed into a scene of devastation in a very short time.
The Ahr, a small river, transformed into a raging torrent within a few hours due to heavy rainfall, eventually flooding the town. The water level of the Ahr rose rapidly from 0.80 meters to approximately 10 meters in some places, more than tenfold. The water level had never been this high before during a flood.
The infrastructure was severely damaged by the washing away of bridges and roads; numerous houses were destroyed and campsites were washed away. In the Ahrweiler district alone, 133 people lost their lives in the flood. Furthermore, 766 people were injured, and as of July 27, 2021, another 73 people were still missing.
Thousands of people are homeless and dependent on outside help as a result of the flood disaster. To support these people in their time of need, the regionally represented municipality of Ulmen took the initiative immediately after the disaster and, in consultation with the local authority, launched initial relief efforts.
Since many communities wanted to participate in the relief effort, CDH Stephanus launched an appeal for help. This appeal was met with a large number of responses from members of other communities, resulting in up to 680 volunteers traveling to the affected villages on weekends.
Data on deployment
The relief operation took place from July 17th to July 28th, 2021, at 15 different locations. The main tasks involved clearing out affected houses, removing mud from basements, and transporting debris and mud.
The aid workers were always well looked after, whether by mobile food stalls, the German Armed Forces, the German Red Cross, the communities of the Brotherhood, or even by local residents. In the midst of this natural disaster, the efforts of many volunteers enabled them to shoulder a large part of the burden of helping others through practical acts of neighborly love.
There were frequent opportunities to talk about faith with local residents, helpers, and emergency personnel. In doing so, tasks were carried out that those affected could not have accomplished alone.
Daniel Klippel, Municipality of Ulmen
What the aid workers on site experienced
The flood disaster deeply affected us all. Everything a person has worked towards for years can become worthless in just a few hours. In Altenburg, there's a relatively new house. Someone took out a loan and realized their dream. Now this house has to be completely demolished – but the debt remains.
Even more tragically, in the village of Rech, an elderly woman showed us a missing house in her neighborhood. The resident was on the phone with her brother-in-law when the floodwaters struck. Her last words were, "The house is moving!" Then the call was cut off. The house was washed away, and to this day, there is no trace of the resident. Many relatives and friends are mourning and missing their loved ones during this time.
Many people are now asking themselves, "Where was God? Why does He allow such things?" We cannot find an answer to this, but we can be there for these people, help them, and pray for them. My own takeaway is this: If I hold God responsible for the sadness in life, how much more must I hold Him responsible for all the good? How often has He preserved, protected, and guided me without my thanking Him, let alone even thinking of Him?
Stefan Wall, Municipality of Ramstein
This was the first time we had ever been to such a devastated place. What the media and pictures show is nothing compared to what we saw with our own eyes. Hundreds of lives changed in a single moment.
Those who have lost children or parents are truly to be pitied.
Even worse, however, are the fates of those who have not converted to God. It could happen to any one of us in an instant.
It was wonderful to see God's people unite to serve with praise on their lips and to God's glory. Dirty and tired, we were nevertheless glad at the end of the day that it had not been in vain. Thank God that these people were not left without help.
This situation made us realize that difficulties bring us closer together and that it is important to be thankful to God at all times.
Municipality of Krefeld
Around 30 of their own excavators, mini-excavators, trucks, and wheel loaders were in operation. Here's a group from Lahr.
I received a call on Thursday asking if I could spontaneously join the relief efforts in the crisis area. We set off within minutes. When we arrived in the affected region, it seemed like another world. Helicopters were constantly flying overhead, and the military was deployed everywhere. Upon arrival, we immediately began working. We went into isolated houses and started clearing them out, shoveling out the mud, which in some places was several meters deep. Everything was truly destroyed.
I'm glad I was able to form my own impression of the situation. This has taught me to appreciate everyday things even more and to be grateful for them.
Jana Soldierov, district Bremen-Mahndorf
What was particularly fascinating was the close cooperation with the people who had come together from different regions of Germany. There were many volunteers on site who sacrificed their vacation time to offer their help to those affected. We spoke with a man who had been camping nearby for a week and came to the village every day to help the people.
Also interesting was the statement of one of those affected, who said: “You volunteers, please take extra care of yourselves so that nothing happens to you. Everything that was destroyed here is lost, but it can be replaced. But if something were to happen to one of you, it would be much worse, because a human life cannot be replaced.”
Municipality of Kempten
I found the deployment in the flood area to be very well organized. The people were very friendly, warm, and helpful.
Mathias Schulz, Municipality of Bremerhaven
The sight upon our arrival surpassed anything I had ever seen before. The extent of the destruction was a clear indication of the water level during the flood. The closer we got to the river, the worse the devastation became. Debris, furniture, household goods, and completely wrecked cars were scattered everywhere.
We immediately set out with a small group to help people, as help was needed on every street corner. We helped a family clear their large basement of water, debris, and soaked belongings. The people were incredibly grateful for the help and couldn't believe that complete strangers from all over Germany had come to help them. And we, too, were thankful that we could offer our neighborly assistance in their time of need.
Alexander Ruhl, Municipality of Molbergen
Our trip with the volunteers from Bremerhaven was truly blessed and enriching. Despite the great need, we experienced humanity and a strong sense of community. We also met many fellow believers we hadn't known before, and that filled me with joy.
Alexander Kebernik, district of Bremerhaven
When we arrived in the flood zone, I was speechless at the extent of the destruction. I thought the cleanup would take weeks.
But thanks to the large number of volunteers from all over Germany, we saw the first signs of improvement after just a few days. The residents were very grateful, and now I understand what true brotherhood is all about.
Simon Modzelewski, Municipality of Ilsede
We were deeply impressed by the willingness of people to help. In these times, it is important to offer each other comfort and encouragement, thereby sowing seeds of hope. We are very grateful for the opportunity to be a light and to magnify God's name through our assistance.
Family from Hückelhoven
We found the houses in a terrible and uninhabitable condition. Our first conversation with one of the homeowners was very difficult, as he was shaken, barely responsive, and hopeless.
Most people who have lost everything they own don't know Jesus. It was our mission to bear witness to His name through word and deed. This message was received differently in Ahrweiler-Altenburg. Some listened and realized they needed to reflect on their lives. Others, despite their suffering, wanted to cope with everything and rebuild their lives on their own.
We were accompanied by the song: "Give me open eyes, Lord, for the need." We were able to sing this song several times a day, because it corresponded to the situation and circumstances of the people.
Stefan Eva, Municipality of Bremerhaven-Wulsdorf
A group from Bremerhaven waits for the bus at the bridge in front of Altenburg and Kreuzberg after finishing their work.
We were also repeatedly given the opportunity to bear witness to who we are and that we believe in the one true, living God. Ultimately, we helped people out of love for Him and gratitude for His goodness. Even though these conversations, due to the demands of our work, couldn't last as long or be as in-depth as we would have liked, we were still able to sow a seed and share God's word.
Municipality of Mettenheim
What particularly moved me were the personal belongings, such as photos and passports, that were still found in some of the houses. This made me realize that people had lived there who had become homeless overnight. It deeply affected me and made me understand how quickly a situation can change.
In conclusion, it can be said that the residents were very grateful for any help. Many were deeply moved and could hardly believe that our group from Bremen had come to help. This trip showed us that one should be very grateful for and appreciate having a roof over one's head, daily food, and for family and community.
Johann Nazarenko, Bremen-Mahndorf
We too were privileged to serve as lights in the disaster area, to the glory of God.
I cherish one particular moment. We had just cleared the mud from a couple's basement when the wife, deeply moved, said to us: "You are a gift from heaven."
That strengthened us, even though our strength was already at its limit.
A young person, municipality of Guntersblum
When we arrived in Ahrbrück with a group of volunteers and I saw the full extent of the destruction, I was initially shocked. We offered our help to a distraught couple and immediately began clearing out the debris. It wasn't until I started shoveling mud that I realized the scale of the disaster. The woman kept saying, "We couldn't have done it without you!" After we finished, the couple tearfully asked us how they could thank us. We told them they should thank Almighty God and that we had done it out of love for our neighbors. They then invited us to camp in their garden once everything was rebuilt. They also gladly accepted our offer to pray for them.
This experience made me realize that all people are powerless against the forces of nature.
We also got into conversation with the aid workers on site. While working, we spoke with an official about faith. An open discussion about God ensued. It was very helpful that we had Bibles and Christian literature with us to give him. During the conversation, a friendly relationship developed between us, and we exchanged cell phone numbers.
We're still in contact and are even planning to meet soon. God is at work! Please continue to pray for this person, that God may speak to their heart.
Thomas Buchmüller, Municipality of Cloppenburg
The relief effort for the victims of the flood disaster continues!
We will continue to support the affected houses in their reconstruction efforts through reconstruction teams. A list has been compiled of houses that, according to the respective mayors, were severely damaged. The owners of these houses are entirely dependent on outside assistance for the reconstruction and are largely being supported by our municipalities.
Following the clearing out, the deployment of specialist personnel will be required for reconstruction, meaning that the next hurdle can only be overcome with the involvement of further assistance. This includes tasks such as gutting the building, gas and water work, electrical installation, and renovation work.
The people in the affected regions still depend on material aid, helping hands and prayers, as the suffering caused by the loss of loved ones and the loss of their livelihoods is very great.
One final note: We plan to support the construction work in the long term. Therefore, we continue to rely on your donations.
Current information on how to help, registration details, and many more photos and reports can be found on the website: https://cdh-stephanus.org/ueberschwemmung/ .
May God bless you and richly reward everyone who invests prayer, time and money in this charity.
Your team at CDH Stephanus