Thanks to caring friends
On Aug. 30, 2004, Richmond was hit by a storm that no one had ever experienced before. This storm was given the name of “Gaston.” Little did I know that I would later be a victim of that storm and it would flood not only my car, but also my home. I had moved in just a short seven weeks prior to this storm.
I cannot begin to describe the feelings of devastation that I experienced for the remainder of that week and for several weeks afterward. Fortunately, I work with a group of caring and compassionate people who combined their resources and came to my rescue.
This letter is to thank those people who gave of their time and resources to help restore my home, because without these people I would still be at a standstill wondering what to do next. From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank Dean Miller, deployment agent of the emerging leaders team; and David Cole, Steve Dutton and Lou Lautenslager from Louisa Baptist Church, who sacrificed many Fridays and Saturdays to help me rip out saturated drywall and insulation.
Without their knowledge and expertise I would still be dealing with mold and mildew. A very big thank you goes to Craig Wilson, who did all of the plumbing that was necessary to bring the kitchen and bathroom back into working order. Due to their diligence and efforts my home is now a better place. Words alone could never express my deep gratitude and appreciation.
As I listen to the reports of the work and visions of our Baptist General Association of Virginia churches, Louisa Baptist Church, Craig Wilson and Dean Miller will always be in the forefront of my memories. “I thank my God every time I remember you” (Philippians 1:3).
Jeannette Hildebrand, Financial Assistant, Emerging Leaders Team, Virginia Baptist Mission Board