WS Chronicle

The relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Harvey have been plentiful.  The Ministers’ Conference of Winston-Salem and Vicinity (MCWSV), Mayor Allen Joines and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center are doing their part to contribute.  A press conference was held at city hall on Sept. 15  to discuss coordination efforts for the Houston area.

Rev. Dr. Lamonte Williams, president of the MCWSV, laid out his plan to have a bus with the capacity to carry 100 volunteers to the affected areas from Sept. 24 through Sept. 28.  They will also have another vehicle filled with supplies such as food, water and clothing to bring with them.

“Ultimately for me, I measure success by the smiles that I have already felt over the phone,” said Williams.  “When I spoke to the pastor at Houston First and those coordinators there, they were saying before we ask anything we wanted to say thank you.  We are coming with the message of just keep the faith during hard times and that they are not in this alone.”

He spoke about how he received phone calls from pastors in the Houston area who spoke about the rebuilding efforts, particularly schools and churches.

“Many of these pastors didn’t have flood insurance, so the need for volunteers is paramount,” Williams said.  “This is why the minsters’ conference along with our other partners are here today gathering so that we could offer a clarion call to our community citizens to join together and have a united effort to bring relief.”

Angela Brown of Wake Forest Baptist Health spoke about the commitment Baptist medical center has to those in need no matter where they are located. Brown says the offer has been extended to all hospital employees to volunteer for the trip.

“On a daily basis, we are constantly finding ways to seek resources out in the communities where we have those in need,” said Brown.  “We are always looking for ways to get out into the community so the people can see us.”

Along with the volunteers they are also gathering supplies to take to the victims.  John Pollock of Offering to a Hungry Nation (OTAHN) has been reaching out to everyone he knows and beyond to collect supplies. He is urging people to drop off supplies at Prime Tyme Cafe at 2730 University Pkwy.Williams says he wanted to get involved with the relief efforts because he believes in helping people in need.  He said you have to help others especially if you would like the same in return if a natural disaster ever hit this area.

“The reality is it’s them affected today but it could be us tomorrow,” he said.  “I am a firm believer that in this life you reap what you sow.  It may not come back through the Houstonians but the good Lord will see fit that if our time comes that some other city will see our commitment to humanitarian works and will come to our aid.”

Williams said he was “extremely” grateful for the commitment from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center’s Faith Health department, Mayor Allen Joines for his dedication to the faith community and the city of Winston-Salem for the donations they have given and the ones to come.

According to Williams the fact he is able to help in any way is a blessing.  He knows they cannot fix everyone’s problems but says every little bit helps.

For anyone looking to donate or volunteer for the trip, please visit the minister’s conference website at www.ministersconferencewsv.org.