“It sent a strong message to the community.”

Allen Macarney
Spur Ottawa Writer

“Reaching out to neighbours during a crisis doesn’t have to be complicated. Just open your eyes for the opportunities God provides, then step forward in faith,” says Sandra Tharakan, the MET’s city outreach coordinator.

That’s exactly what churches around the city did after the huge wind storm hit Ottawa last month. It was one of the biggest natural disasters ever to hit the area. One of the hardest-hit regions was the Pineglen/Amberwood area—a beautiful community with large trees, near The Met. Roofs were ripped off houses, huge trees uprooted, roads blocked, cars crushed, and hazardous debris lay everywhere. To make matters worse, most of the area relies on personal wells, which could not operate without power.

“The Met mobilized volunteers through social media,” says Chris Shadbolt, the MET’s executive director of operations. “We worked closely with Sequoia Church, Samaritan’s Purse, One Way Ministries, Respond Ottawa, and the local city councillor (Keith Egli).”

“Samaritan’s Purse took the lead in relief operations,” says Shadbolt. “Because of its experience and help in past years (with the tornado, floods, and ice storm), the City of Ottawa designated it as the organization to lead individual homeowner efforts across the region, including Pineglen.”

“In a crisis, nothing communicates the Gospel as clearly as love.”

Partnering with The Met, Samaritan’s Purse brought in generators and a mobile shower trailer. “We set up in The Met’s parking lot,” says Suitor, “to provide showers for residents who had lost power and water. It also allowed the church to set up a station where people could charge mobile phones and get a cup of coffee and snack.”

While Samaritan’s Purse brought in equipment and teams to deal with the dangerous trees, the volunteers helped clean up broken fences, sheds, and other debris. Meanwhile, Tharakan’s thoughts turned to the area’s children. A nearby school was severely damaged, and kids had to stay home.

“We partnered with Sequoia Church in hosting a pizza party in a community park,” she says. “Lots of families and kids came out to connect with friends and classmates, to play outdoor games, eat pizza, and enjoy a snow cone from Sequoia’s fun trailer. It was great: two churches united in Christ to serve and love their neighbours in crisis. It sent a strong message to the community.”

“It was great: two churches united in Christ to serve and love their neighbours in crisis.”

In addition to the party, Sequoia set up a relief centre near the area’s tennis courts, offering community members water, food, snacks, and outdoor cooking facilities. A team of volunteers cooked meals for residents, while another team helped buy groceries for the Pineglen neighbourhood.

“Having a place right in the centre of the community to grab a hot meal and connect with neighbours and those willing to listen to their stories made a world of difference to them,” says Heather Pennington, Sequoia’s Director of Children’s Ministry.

“One elderly lady, who is living alone in the area, was barely able to manage due to the power outage. Her driveway was blocked by trees and material. She felt really cut off,” Shadbolt says. “Our teams helped clean up her property and get groceries. [They even made her meals.] Sometimes she dropped by The Met for coffee, snacks, and fellowship, and she came out to a recent senior’s ministry event.”

Tharakan says anyone can provide a simple and healing “ministry of presence”. Hurting people need to talk, so listen. Bring coffee, offer snacks, and listen.

“In a crisis, nothing communicates the Gospel as clearly as love,” adds Hemal Gandhi, a volunteer from The Met. “It’s a way to demonstrate Jesus’ love very tangibly.”