What was thought to be a slow trickle of relief volunteers and clean up crews for lunch ended up being over 500 Military personnel that were dropped off at the Riverside Church parking Lot on the South end of Riverside Drive. Church staff and volunteers kicked into high gear as they rallied meals for the workers and business owners.
Volunteers from the church made phone calls requesting donations for the relief efforts and found donors more than willing to assist in any shape and form. Sam’s Club donated food and replaced a commercial size grill to cook hamburgers and hotdogs. Lowes who not only donated face masks and work gloves but brought an entire pallet of water. “We didn’t have time to be overwhelmed by the generosity of such great partners and friends,” said one volunteer, “We hit the ground running to make ourselves available to the great troops that came to help.”
Clean up crews and relief workers came in droves to the solace of air conditioned buildings and clean restrooms throughout the day. “We’re thankful that you all (Riverside Church) is making this available,” said a worker.
Pastor Lopshire made his way with staff to the neighborhood around Barker Street. where a house had burned down due to the flood and where they had previously handed out bottled water to homes without clean tap water. “We drove back to the homes to make sure they were okay and found another family in need of assistance,” said Lopshire.
Heartbreak was evident on faces and body language as clothes, furniture, personal belongings, and memories were littered and strewn about on the front lawn – destroyed from the flood. “My heart was grieved when I saw this family. Homeless and owning only despair, overlooking their situation was not an option,” said Lopshire.
Riverside Church and it’s members decided to “adopt” this family and see to it that they get back on their feet. Not only has the church sought home owners to take in, but contact was made with All Nations Church down the street from Riverside Church. “We want to make sure you have a place to worship until you get back on your feet,” said a RSC staff member on the phone with Pastor Rock of All Nations Church. “We have an extra facility with sound, chairs, bathrooms, and everything else you need until you find another church home.”
Randy Lopshire, Riverside Church, and it’s staff and volunteers are going above and beyond the call of duty finding ways to bring peace to the businesses and homes around them devastated by this tragedy. “This is an opportunity to go above and beyond attending church. This is an opportunity to BE the church,” says Lopshire.
For more info contact:
Nathan Pearson, Assistant Pastor
Riverside Church
1005 S Riverside Dr
Clarksville, TN 37040
(931) 551-4363
pearsonnd@gmail.com
