Maine
League Delivers Relief to Flood Victims in Fort Kent
By Michael S. Heath
May 2, 2008 - 6:16:38 PM


Pastor Lawrence Beals holds Bangor Daily News Headlining the disaster
I ended Thursday night, the National Day of Prayer, in Mars Hill at a prayer meeting, and started Friday morning with preachers!  I joined some pastors for breakfast.  We lamented the situation in Fort Kent, and all pledged to do what we could.  One pastor asked if any non-monetary help was needed.  I told him that I didn't know, at that point.

My son, Jared, is with me on the trip.  He is driving, helping out dear ole dad.  I feel safe having a U.S. Marine Corp Corporal in the drivers seat, even if he is only 19 years old.  Ooooh  Ahhh!
Aerial photograph of the worst flooding ever on the Fish River in Fort Kent
After breakfast we made a couple media stops and arrived in Fort Kent before noon.  We were slowed in our journey by a full-size pick up truck towing a giant orange high-capacity pump.  He was, no doubt, headed for a basement in the flooded town.

The flood had receeded dramatically by the time we arrived on the scene, but the water was still visible in many places where it didn't belong.  Clouds floated lazily in a deep blue northern Maine sky.  The angry flood waters of the St. John showed no interest in putting a reflected sky blue smile on its surface.  On the contrary the river's water was in a foul muddy mood as it rushed to the atlantic, to the relief of some weary victims, I'm sure.
Dick Waugh and Mike Heath at WFST Christian radio station in Caribou
We met a church deacon at the local mom and pop, and proceeded on in his van to the scene of devastation.  We drove past men and machines working to put things in order.  Over 100 homes and businesses were affected by the flood, none more seriously than an apartment building across the street from a large brick Catholic Church.  We stopped and talked with the owner.  He was manning a sump pump and directing a crew working to salvage what they could.  Water was still standing in the basement level.  All the apartments on that level were destroyed, along with all the property.  We couldn't get in to see the damage because of the flood waters.
House is flooded
The downtown daycare was also inaccessible, toys and shelves floating atop other drenched debris.  I stopped with Deacon Dean in front of the daycare and presented him with a check for the church to distribute to needy flood victims.  I know his church will provide the assistance in the name of Jesus, mindful of His command to love our neighbors. 

Hopefully this early check will not be the last one we are able to send into the area to help our fellow Mainers rebuild their lives.  We are calling on all League churches to take a collection for the northern Maine flood victims.  Other relief agencies are quoted in a local newspaper indicating that money is the best way to help right now.

I will be staying in touch with the church.  The Deacon promised to acquire more detailed information about the rebuilding needs.  He may discover some non-monetary needs that churches in other parts of the state can meet.  Be sure to keep reading the RECORD to find out about these needs as information becomes available.

It was important to be in Fort Kent just a day after the flood representing the League.  We are well known for being courageous on controversial moral issues.  We accept our place in the line of battle.  It isn't easy.  Some folks recommend that we do this kind of mercy ministry, instead of our controversial political work.  I am pleased to do both, but loathe to do charity work absent truth telling. 

We all have enemies of one kind or another.  It is pleasant to face only the inanimate damage of a receeding river instead of an animate evil devoted to erasing traditional understandings of gender, sexuality and life. 

I enjoyed the change of scenery.  In some ways it reminded me of my early days of ministry at Bethany Acres, caring for troubled people by living with them in Christian love.

Mike Heath presents relief check to church deacon in Fort Kent

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