God’s Pit Crew has been in Caldwell County this month building a new home for a family that lost everything in the tornado.
This non-profit organization is headquartered in Virginia but travels all over the United State to help during disasters. They were here the day after the tornado hit and returned to help in the rebuilding process. Their normal process builds a completely furnished home in 15 days. This home is taking a little longer due to them working on 3 different ones in the area plus they sent 60 people to help in Eastern Kentucky
The core group arrived on August 4th and is staying in the Christian Life Center at Princeton First Baptist Church. Different groups from across the Nation have been involved, some staying the entire time and others coming and going as they are available. The group takes care of all the volunteers while working including food, laundry and housing. Volunteers consist of skilled laborers, cooks, handymen, and others who are willing to fill whatever need is found and include both men and women.
God’s Pit Crew is prepared to come at a moment’s notice. They are usually contacted by local authorities and the local contacts make the decision on what projects they work on.
Randy Johnson founded this Ministry in 1999 when returning to church after being out for a while. He said there had to be more to God than sitting in the pew and said if it was God’s will to give him a sign and 3 weeks later he was helping in tornado relief.
Warren Johnson is the construction coordinator on this project and has 40 years of experience in construction. He said the group receives blessings from their efforts.
click to download audioJohnson shared that the home they are building would cost around $350,000.00 but through this Ministry, the victim has no expense in receiving this home. When they complete the home he explains it is completely furnished.
click to download audioJohnson said there are many good people willing to help in times of disaster.
click to download audioRick Schlaginhaufen is a contractor who is taking time away from his own company to volunteer saying it has been a dream to help others.
click to download audioFunding for these projects is from mostly individual sources with 93 percent of everything donated going into the projects. You can designate where your money goes if you wish and they volunteered recently for an independent audit to show how all funds are used.
For more information, you can find them on Facebook at Gods Pit Crew or godspitcrew.org.
