Toward the end of 2015 an exciting opportunity was presented to the WV Conference Disaster Response Ministries. This being the addition of a 6000 square foot warehouse located in Beaver, WV in the Southern District of the Conference. Working in collaboration with the Raleigh County Office of Emergency Management the conference disaster response ministries was able to relocate its supplies and equipment into one large warehouse. Before, supplies and equipment were stored in multiple locations making it difficult to maintain an accurate inventory, as well as creating a delay in response to disasters. The new warehouse in Raleigh County also provides office space, restrooms with showers and a large area for volunteers’ overnight stay. Moving into this facility will allow for disaster response supplies and equipment to be stored in one place and will be more convient to the area of the conference most affected by disasters. In this new venture the WV Conference Disaster Response Ministries has entered into an agreement with the Raleigh County Office of Emergency Services to provide in cost sharing. As such, the WV Conference Disaster Response Ministries pays $760 a month to cover their share of utilities, maintenance, security, and insurance.

Opportunities exist for mission teams and youth groups to work in the warehouse preparing supplies to be used in disaster. Presently, there are several projects that need attention. These include drywall and plumbing work, painting, general cleaning, as well as sorting and preparing disaster supplies. Those who may be interested in bringing work teams to the warehouse for mission work can contact David Stilgenbauer, Volunteer Coordinator for the warehouse, at 304-210-6938 or revdaves@yahoo.com. Also, Scott Mayberry is filling the position of warehouse manager.

There are plans for this facility to become a hub for the Mission Central Warehouse in Mechanicsburg, PA. This is an exciting step of growth for the conference disaster response ministries. We ask for your prayers as we move forward with this project. We would also like to invite your support as we continue to move forward in strengthening the work of ministry for disaster response. Materials are needed to do the repair work previously mentioned, as well as keeping up with the cost sharing we pay. I want to thank you in advance for your prayers, help, and support.