Disaster Relief
Franklin, Indiana Flood
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On June 9, 2008, World Compassion Network delivered 72 flood buckets and 60 emergency food boxes to Tabernacle Christian Church in Franklin, Indiana
Myanmar Cyclone
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Joe was able to enter Myanmar, however his travel in the country was extremely limited. International workers are still having difficulty gaining permission to go into the restricted areas to help. He worked with a group of Burmses pastors and doctors who travel to the delta region to provide aide and relief. The doctors were extremely grateful for the antibiotics and other medicines that Joe brought with him. While in the country, Joe was also able to purchase rice, mosquito netting, blankets, clothing and plastic sheeting for the pastors to take to some of the camps for those displaced by the cyclone. While Joe was able to touch the lives of the survivors, so much more is needed.
World Compassion Network will continue to work with the pastors and doctors to help in the on-going relief efforts.
Please continue to pray for the victims and for our success in helping.
Always for the Suffering and Hungry.
Oklahoma/Missouri Tornados
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In May, 2008, areas of Missouri and Oklahoma was devistated with the tornados which when through. One town was completely demolished. World Compassion Network partnered with Rural Compassion to purchase wheelbarrows and rakes to assisst in the clean-up.
Cambodia Update
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Joe has recently returned from a two week trip to Cambodia. During his visit he met with pastors in the Comp Pong Sure providence and was able to work on the logistics of the Earthblock project for 2009.
Joe purchased 300 loaves of bread for the families of the local churches as well as an addition 200 loaves plus one ton of rice for the orphanage as well. He was also able to secure a second ton of rice for the Bamttbang region of Cambodia. Joe also stopped at Rapha House to follow up with their programs.
Please continue to pray for the churches in Cambodia.
Tennessee Tornado Relief
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After the tornados devistated Lafayette Tenneessee, World Compassion Network partnered with Gateway Christian Church to provide food, cleaning supplies, cook stoves and cooking utensils for the relief effort. Please continue to pray for the residents of Lafayette as they begin to rebuild.
Disaster Relief Update
In response to the devistating band of tornados that swept through the south eastern region of the U.S., WCN is assisting victims through partnerships with Rural Compassion helping in Atkins, Arkansas and Gateway Christian Church helping in Lafayette, Tennessee. Please pray for the tornado victims and consider a kind donation for the relief efforts. Please make donation out to World Compassion Network (WCN), with "tornado relief" in the memo. You can send to WCN, P.O. Box 1152, Warsaw, IN 46581 or make a donation on our website.
Due to another rare spell of flooding in Warsaw, IN; WCN is continueing to assist by performing flood assessments, sand bagging , and providing trash pumps to extract water from victims homes.
Warsaw, Indiana Flood
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Mid-January rains combined with frozen ground caused rare flooding in Warsaw, Indiana (the hometown headquarters of WCN). WCN responded to the call for assistance from the Kosciusko County Emergency Management by hauling sandbags, sand-bagging around homes, and performing assessments with the Warsaw City Street Department. Relief was brought to locations such as Sunset Blvd and other flood affected areas in the county. Thanks to all the volunteers for helping meet the needs of the people of our local community.
Dominican Republic Tropical Storm
WCN Executive Director, Joe Wilkey, was stranded in the Dominican Republic while doing an assessment for a winter mission project. On Sunday, October 28, a category 1 hurricane came ashore near Santa Domingo (the capital of Dominican Republic). Joe arrived just before the storm hit. Due to massive floods from all the rain, many bridges were washed out making it impossible reach assessment locations. WCN gave funds for purchasing emergency supplies.
On November 19th, Joe returned with more funds and purchased emergency food for one of the villages WCN plans to work in early next year. Many of the victims of the storm are still not able to return to their homes. In fact, many of their homes have been washed away.
After visiting several families in the village, Joe shared the gospel and then distributed rice, beans, oil, flour, and soap. Several people received Christ and every one was praising God.
WCN used resources from it's emergency fund to help with the relief effort. Please consider a gift to replace these funds for future disaster relief.
.JPG "Dominican Republic Tropical Storm")
Nappanee, Indiana Tornado
| On Thursday night, October 18th, a vicious tornado swept through the quiet town of Nappanee; destroying homes, restaurants, businesses, and other structures. For hours, many residents went without electricity as responding officials worked frantically to clear obstructed roads and repair power lines. In meeting the immediate needs of the tornado victims, WCN delivered a box truck- load of bottled water, non-perishable food, and flood relief buckets to the Nappanee Missionary Church (the acting American Red Cross Center). |
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| WCN also provided volunteer leadership, manpower, and equipment in assisting with Nappanee's huge clean up effort. Debris from yards and fields were piled, and destroyed trees were cut down. WCN's recovery team "Builder's of Hope" is currently coordinating with other volunteer organizations in assessing the possibility of getting involved with the rebuilding efforts. Please pray for the wonderful community of Nappanee and those helping them as they lean on the Lord for strength and patience. |
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Findlay, Ohio Floods
Recent floods in Findlay, Ohio forced many of its citizens to evacuate their homes. Government officials declared a state of emergency for the area as waters rose over fifteen feet above the river line.
In an effort to help the immediate needs of the flood victims, WCN delivered 12,000 lbs of relief supplies including flood relief buckets, bottled water, hygiene packs, disaster food boxes, and additional non-perishable foods to the area. The Van Buren United Methodist Church (located just north of Findlay) partnered with WCN to distribute the supplies to the flood victims. Announcements about the location were communicated through the local television and radio stations.
The flood buckets used in Findlay, Ohio contain some the most desirable supplies for those affected by floods and storms. To provide flood buckets for future victims, WCN will have to purchase more supplies ($25 per bucket). If you would like to contribute to this important need, please make your gift out to WCN w/ Flood Buckets in the memo. WCN, P.O. Box 1152, Warsaw, IN 46581.
You can also give online! Start by clicking the "make a donation" link on the home page.
Greensburg, Kansas Tornado
On Friday, May 20th, A mile and a half wide F5 Tornado unfurled winds over 200 mph, ripping through the town of Greensburg, Kansas. The monster funnel storm destroyed virtually everything in its site. Almost all of Greensburg's 1,500 residents have lost their homes.
World Compassion Network partnered with Rural Compassion in an assessment of the tornado damage. WCN's Project Coordinator, Ben Deatsman, reported severe damage to homes, vehicles, businesses, and agricultural structures. In addition to the loss of physical possessions, many people are still dealing with emotional shock and dismay.
In response, WCN is partnering with Rural Compassion in rebuilding a roof and rafters for an elderly, widow lady's home; located in the rural region of Greensburg. WCN is also inquiring with partnering organizations to assist in the long-term clean-up and rebuilding efforts.
Yardley, PA. Flood Relief
Bruce Griffey and Joe Wilkey traveled to Yardley, PA. on June 29th to deliver 13,000 pounds of relief supplies to flood victims of the east coast.
Yardley, PA. Flood Relief
Bruce Griffey and Joe Wilkey traveled to Yardley, PA. on June 29th to deliver 13,000 pounds of relief supplies to flood victims of the east coast. The Yardley Community Church acted as our distribution agents. Yardley was flooded along the Delaware River across from Trenton, NJ. Bruce and Joe reported that the police and National Guard were not yet allowing people back in their homes.We delivered bottled water, non-perishable food items and flood buckets. The 5 gallon buckets were filled with cleaning products ideal for cleaning homes and business that have been flooded. We will feature the flood buckets in our next news letter.
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Hurricane Katrina update
In late January, Joe visited
Hurricane Katrina Update
In late January, Joe visited New Orleans to assess the situation and to determine what participation WCN should have in the city. Joe visited the City Park region in New Orleans and met Tim Gresham of Tim Gresham Ministries. Tim is from Tipton, Indiana. Immediately after the hurricane, Tim traveled to New Orleans and begin help with distribution of water and ice. He then partnered with other ministries including our partner "Friendships" of Lake Charles La. They set up a huge tent which served as a feeding place and ministry shelter. It continued to grow until other large tents were erected on the site. Hundreds of survivors came to the park everyday for food, clothes, social help and spiritual guidance. Tim told us that his work team has no place to stay while volunteering. Tim wanted to build a bunkhouse trailer with beds shower, and toilets to place on site in the park. WCN contributed funds to help in the completion of the trailer. The teams are using the trailer as their home while in New Orleans.
Joe visited the 9th Ward, the 
location where the main levee broke during the storm. Five months after the storm, the neighborhood is still a disaster area and may not be rebuilt. Please continue to pray for the victims of the hurricanes and for the thousands of volunteers who are helping in the recovery.
Tornado in Southwest Missouri
Tornado in Southwest Missouri
In early March several Tornadoes struck Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama, Illinois, and Tennessee. WCC partnered with Rural Compassion to rebuild fences for several farmers. The fences were need to control the live stock belonging to the farmers. Their livelihood was at risk. This was done through the Churches.Disaster Response
Hurricane Relief Update 11/15/05
Hurricane Relief Update 11/15/05
We are continuing to help the hurricane victims on the Gulf
Coast. We are going to send funds to "Friendships" to help them
with their distribution expenses. Friendships is a ministry that
uses all of their ships to deliver relief supplies. During the
first couple of weeks after both Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita,
Friendships delivered food and water to several areas only accessible
by water. They continue to house and feed work teams
on their ship in New Orleans and Lake Charles. See the photos of the
ships and a food distribution in Lake Charles. WCN delivered a 26
foot truck full of relief supplies to a church in Lake Charles.
Larry Long, an elder at the First Christian Church in Warsaw, Indiana
traveled with Joe Wilkey to help with the delivery.Tornado Disaster in Southern Indiana
Tornado Disaster in Southern Indiana
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silence of the night was shattered in Northern Kentucky and Southern
Indiana. Tornadoes are frightening but when they strike at 2:00
am while you are sleeping one, can only imagine the terror it
brings. WCN delivered bottled water, canned fruit, canned
meat, beef stew, macaroni, tuna casserole, baby blankets, diapers, and
adult comforters to the First Christian Church in Newburgh, Indiana 5
days after the tornado hit this community. This church was
preparing hot food at the location where their new building was
destroyed by the tornado. They also, were delivering food
packages to other victims. Our thanks to Lyndon Tschetter from
River Valley Community Church in Mishawaka, In for driving our truck to
Newburgh. See some of the photos in Newburgh.
Hurricane Katrina Relief Response
Hurricane Katrina Relief Response
We visited several distribution centers in Covington Louisiana and Mississippi including Slidell, Gulf Port and Waveland. There is total devastation all along the coast. Many people lost everything and are depending on our generosity for there basic needs.
Our response will involve three areas. First we will provide needed supplies for distribution centers in Waveland Mississippi, Slidell, Baton Rouge and New Orleans Louisiana.
We are contacting each of the coordinators in these areas to request a
list of their needs and are purchasing these items.
Many people have responded to the needs by donating
supplies to organizations but often the supplies are not in
proportion to the needs. Some of the centers were overwhelmed
with diapers, clothes, bottled water and food items that were not
appropriate for the area. We are purchasing the items requested
by the feeding centers operated by local churches or other church
related relief organizations.
Secondly, we will assist in arranging the screening of families desiring to be relocated to the Midwest. Several churches have offered to house the displaces people.
Update for Katrina Relief 9/19/2005
Joe Wilkey, Executive Director and Bruce Griffiey, Field Coordinator of World Compassion Network returned from a second week in Louisiana. They filed this report.
The situation remains fluid as multiple organizations continue to brings assistance to the victims of the hurricane. They need for basics survival supplies will continue for weeks if not months. Many small communities have not yet been reached with much assistance. There are still thousands without water or electricity. The need for clean up crews continues.
Update for Huricane Katrina 9/19/2005
We have connected with several ministries for Katrina relief efforts. To date we have distributed about $22,000 in relief supplies. We have made two trips to the disaster area to assess the situation while distributing needed supplies of bottled water, Family 2 Family food boxes, coffee, baby food, generators, bleach, toys for the children, dog food donated by Eagle Pet Food in South Bend, and 50 Flood buckets for clean up. We will continue to provide assistance until the funds are depleted or the need has diminished. 
We are working with the Pastors Resource Committee (PRC) in Baton Rouge. This is a large group of Churches that have banded together to respond to the relief effort. They are the best organized group I have ever worked with in disaster response. They were assisting people long before FEMA or the Red Cross showed up. They are widely accepted by all the local government authorities as the leading non-government group. The church has risen to the top in this relief effort. They currently have 7 distribution points throughout the area. and continue to open others as the need arises and the supplies become available. There are ministry teams at each site. Teams are used to deliver items to people how are not able to come to the centers.
PRC is the best chance to utilize any teams you might want to send to the area to help. Helping at the warehouses, delivering food, cleaning up the homes and businesses are needed. Later, construction teams will be necessary. The Point of need coordinator is Jon Scott at 225-326-7744. He should be able to help you organize bringing teams to the area. If you are not able to reach him, try the over all assistant project coordinator, Buck Zengerle at 225-326-7785. Buck is very helpful and will connect you with the right person. The web site is www.prccompassion.org. Go to their web site on the contact page and fill it out accordingly. Then call them to get started. I met Buck so, you can mention we have already connected with them. We gave them about $10,000 worth of baby food. I leave for Honduras next week but you can still contact me at jwilkey56@yahoo.com. World Compassion Network is currently working with them to provide some items they request.
The second group is Convoy of Hope (COH) from Springfield Missouri. I have partnered with them for several years. They have a fleet of trucks that arrive at the scene of the disaster within hours of the event. They begin by passing out ice and water and then move on to food, and other items as needed. They currently have a central warehouse in Hammond Louisiana and 6 regional distribution points across the Gulf states. They have now opened sites in New Orleans. COH sends teams into the communities and shelters to minister to them. World Compassion Network will continue to assist them by purchasing or receiving donated supplies and deliver them to their warehouse.
One other Church we are working with is the Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Covington, Louisiana. We have given them food, a generator and water. We connected with them the week after the hurricane when we went there with 10 deputy sheriffs. We helped clean downed trees in their parking lot. We gave them a generator, bottled water, and food for distribution. Bruce and I parked our van and stayed there this week while doing our assessment and delivering supplies. Some teams are staying at the church at night. The Contact person is Steve Olson the assistant Pastor. He is a very organized and hospitable man. Tell Steve that I referred you. The contact number is 985-893-0218, fax 985-893-0175. They will utilize teams for several weeks as well. WCN will likely continue to donate items to them as needed.
Hurricane Rita Update 10/1/2005
I just returned from our third relief trip on the Gulf Coast. We have provided bottled water, baby food, non-perishable foods, paper products, generators, chain saws, bleach for cleaning flooded homes, and toys for thousands of hurricane victims. We have helped in several communities in Mississippi and Louisiana for the past three weeks. Our latest trip was to Lake Charles Louisiana to help with Hurricane Rita.
Supplies to Distribute
It was very rewarding to arrive just as the Abundant Life Church was running out of supplies to distribute. Even though their church was heavily damaged and many of their own homes were destroyed, they were working around the clock to help others. As the families came to help, they were ministered to with words of encouragement and prayer.Sri Lanka Tsunami Relief 2005 Assessment filed by Joe Wilkey 01/09/2005
After a grueling 50 hour trip by car to Tirkkovl on the Southeast coast, we met with Pastor Charmi. He is a very brave and dedicated man. He is working there under the threat by the rebel forces.
Sri Lanka Tsunami Relief 2005 Assessment filed by Joe Wilkey 01/09/2005
After a grueling 50 hour trip by car to Tirkkovl on the Southeast coast, we met with Pastor Charmi.He is a very brave and dedicated man.He is working there under the threat by the rebel forces.
It is reported that there are about 30,000 displaced persons scattered in along this small fishing village.More than 1000 dead have been found and hundreds are missing in this small area.While we were there we found 4 bodies washed up from the sea.One was a child known only by God.It shook me to the core.As I stood there I wept and wondered how I could handle the loss of one of my children or grand children.Only by the Grace of God was I able to continue the assessment.All this time I thought I had seen everything and could handleanything.I also know why God called me to do this ministry,To show the Grace and Mercy of God to a Suffering and Hungry world.
We visited several small unregulated camps where people were putting up temporary shelters.The conditions are horrible.There is little sanitation, food or good water.Many are becoming sick from these conditions.The horrible thought is that this is just one of hundredsof villages along the east coast of
We toured some of the devastated villages to see that 80% of the homes, schools, and medical clinics are destroyed.Roads are torn up and bridges are down.It will take a very long time to rebuild these badly needed support systems.
Our trip back to Columbo wasfilled with opportunities.We had car break downs, terrible roads, traffic, and confusion about our location.We were forced to stay in a very unsanitary hotel.We did not eat food there.We basically lived on chips and bottled water purchased before leavingColumbo.
We attended meetings with the National Evangelical Alliance , the Sri Lankan government, news briefings, and non-government coordination meetings to gain a larger perspective of what is being done and needs to be done.
We learned from other assessment teams from Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) the greater need at this point is rehabilitation.Basics such as food and shelter were reported as adequate.That is not the view I share but we will monitor it.In a month or so, many of the other organizations will go home.I believe that the need for basics will reappear.The goal of WCN will be to fiancé the non fooditems (NFIs) such as family cooking kits, better temporary shelter materials, sandals, and personal hygiene supplies.If the need for food arises because of the lack of support from others disappears, we will help withfood.We might also expand our partnerships to other organizations as necessary.
Later in the week, our partner organization Convoy of Hope sent a team to the north to Tricomalee to assess the situation.They reported a need of food and so they financed emergency foods to be sent the next day.It is not unusual to finddisparities from one location to another.Additionally there is the political problem with the rebel forces who control about one third of the country.So far they are delivering food to some of the areas they control but it is not possible or probable that they will be able to sustain their efforts.They can buy guns or butter.It will surely be guns.
On my final day, I toured warehouse and taught the staff how to setup, maintain, and track everything coming in and going out of the warehouse.
We will consult with our partners and agreeon the strategy and management of this project. It will require several months before the basics are restored.It may be longer beforebroken hearts are repaired.It is our belief that working with the local church in areas where the governments and large NGOs are passing by is the best strategy to mend hearts and save souls.I heard many stories of tragedy and of miracles.It is important to remember that but for the grace of God, there go I.
I will very likely return in February to see how affective we are at caring out this strategy.
Huricane Relief - Chapter 2 (October 11, 2004)
October 11, 2004
— I just returned from Vero Beach, Florida, a community hit hard this season by multiple hurricanes. We delivered a 53 foot trailer full of food and water to the Vero Christian Church. The church was already involved in food distribution prior to our arrival. There were 20 volunteers from the church to help unload the trailer. This is a labor intensive job without a forklift but the volunteers had us unloaded in 90 minutes.
The church advertised in the paper and on radio that the distribution would begin the next day. Hundreds of families came for the next two days. Volunteers recorded their names and addresses. Food and bottled drinking water along with baby supplies were distributed as volunteers ministered the their spiritual needs. Many of them shared their story and their pain for their loss.
The state of Florida has been hit with four major hurricanes this fall. Please pray for the people of Florida as they recover. Pray for the ministry of the Churches as they reach out to everyone.
Thanks to Mike Metzger of Metzger Trucking for donating his time, truck and fuel to deliver the supplies from Indiana. Thanks to all of you for your generosity and prayers. Because of you thousands were helped in their time of need. We will follow up with more in our next newsletter.
Always for the Suffering and Hungry
— Joe Wilkey
Tsunami update 03/25/2005
Joe Wilkey Executive Director of WCN and a volunteer Bruce Griffey returned from Sri Lanka after distributing funds for temporary housing. Additional funding was wired to purchase livelyhood tools.
Tsunami update 03/25/2005
Joe Wilkey Executive Director of WCN and a volunteer Bruce Griffey returned from Sri Lanka after distributing funds for temporary housing. Additional funding was wired to purchase livelyhood tools.
53 single family houses are being built, an entire village in the northeast. The village was completly destroyed by the Tusnami. Convoy of Hope will oversee the construction of the homes. The labor is being provided by local workmen.
Additional funds were wired to purchase livelyhood tools for carpenters, fishermen, and seamstreses. The People's Church of Colombo Sri Lanka is pruchasing and distributing the tools.