Dear Ohio DR Family, It's always nice to receive an occasional “thank you” for the work that we all do. We don't do it for that, but it's an encouragement when it comes. Here is a thank-you from a family in WI that we
served this past August. I pray it encourages you, John Heading Disaster Relief Director The State Convention of Baptists Ohio
August 29, 2025 To The Southern Baptist Relief Organization – Cincinnati, Ohio Area Baptist Association Flood Recovery Unit,
Dear Beloved Volunteers and Staff,
My name is Maureen Gunn, and I am writing this letter with a heart overflowing with gratitude and praise to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ—for you. As a Christian widow, currently unemployed and facing great hardship after the devastating August 2025 flood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I want to express my deepest and most sincere thanks for the incredible compassion, dedication, and Christ-like love your team has shown me during one of the most difficult times in my life. My home sustained serious damage during the recent flood—several inches of water filled the basement, destroying my furnace and water heater, both essential items for the upcoming cold Wisconsin winter. Mold began growing rapidly on the basement walls and floor, presenting a grave health concern for me as a healed breast cancer survivor. Unfortunately, my home insurance does not cover any of these damages or repairs. I felt helpless and burdened by the urgency of the situation. I was also concerned after learning the City of Milwaukee's Department of Public Works setting a strict deadline of August 31st to request no-cost flood item removal from the curb.
I prayed constantly, asking God to send help—and He answered in an incredible way!
On Thursday, August 21, I watched a local news segment featuring Brown Deer Baptist Church, located just five minutes from my home. I learned that they themselves had suffered $50,000 in flood damage. The church shared how they reached out to your organization, The Southern Baptist Relief Organization, to bring much-needed disaster aid to our community. I was moved with hope. The very next morning, Friday, August 22, I went to the church and registered for assistance. From the moment I arrived, I was treated with professionalism, kindness, and genuine care. The church volunteers explained the process thoroughly and, to my amazement, told me that all services would be provided at no cost! I was overwhelmed—this was a direct answer to my prayers! Before I left, they even prayed for me right then and there. Just two hours later, I received a phone call from two of your team members, Joe Fox and Phil Tom, offering to come to my home that same day for an inspection. These gentlemen were respectful, knowledgeable, and a true blessing. They assessed the damage and explained the plan to remove water-damaged furniture, basement carpet, loose floor tiles, and drywall. They also explained that the Mud Out Clean-Up Team would sanitize and clean my basement with a non-toxic solution called Shockwave to address the growing mold concern. They assured me everything I needed removed would be hauled to the sidewalk for DPW pick-up—another answer to my prayers!
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