Oswego Presbyterian Aids Joplin Rebuilding Effort

Editor's note: The following article and photos were provided Ken Mozingo.

A group from recently completed a one-week mission trip to Joplin, Mo. to assist in tornado recovery efforts there.

The EF5-rated tornado touched down on May 22 and destroyed one third of Joplin. Winds at 225 mph caused complete destruction in its path that was one mile wide and seven miles long.

162 people were killed. 7,000 homes were destroyed. An eight-story concrete hospital was twisted 4 ½ inches on its foundation. People were literally blown out of its windows.

“You just cannot comprehend the amount of devastation when viewed only through the TV camera's lens," Dick Krase said. "We saw the remains of the Joplin High School. From a distance the gym and the tech center look like huge piles of scrap metal. The breadth of destruction was so large and horrific; you could almost feel the peoples' pain. It is a humbling experience to be a part of the recovery effort."

“Rebuilding of the 7,000 destroyed homes is just getting started” said Ken Mozingo; “In the 1 x 7 mile destruction zone, you mostly see empty slabs where remains of destroyed houses have been hauled away. We were told that up until now, much of the rebuilding was waiting for debris removal, rebuilding of electric power lines, and processing of insurance claims and building permits.”

The Oswego Presbyterian group worked with Relief Spark, a two-man operation with temporary headquarters right in the middle of the wiped out area. Relief Spark has just started its ambitious “50 Homes in 50 Months” push to help financially strapped victims build energy-efficient homes using pre-manufactured insulated panels.

The Oswego Presbyterian group put Tyvec wrap on the first two homes that were just started three days before they arrived. They also helped install windows and framing for the interior walls in one home, the one being rebuilt by Larry and Amy Jump.

Kathy Farrell (St. Anne’s Parish) said “I was amazed at the ‘can do’ attitude I felt from the Jumps and other Joplin residents. It was a feeling of hope with a ‘we can get through this’ sentiment.”

Rick Glassman said “I was very impressed by the long term commitment of the Relief Spark directors, Ben and Josh, who we worked directly with. These men have offered their indefinite time and commitment without pay to serve the financially needy residents of Joplin in rebuilding their neighborhoods. Their selfless service, 7 days a week, is inspiring.”

Some in the group also worked with the Joplin School Administration warehouse in sorting and organizing donations of clothes and school supplies.

Kathy Mozingo said “I was amazed to see so many gifts from all over the country. They and notes with them conveyed so much care and concern for the tornado victims.” Penny Glassman opened a package from Montana that had four boxes of crayons, a $10 bill and a note saying “We love you.”

Ken Mozingo said “I am very impressed with the way different organizations are sharing volunteers to help each other meet tight schedules for construction staging and inspections. We went to Joplin wanting to be used, and they used us well.”

Debra Krase commented “We were able to make only a small dent in rebuilding a few homes yet we saw overwhelming gratitude from the homeowners who are awed by strangers from almost every state coming to lend a hand. I pray we also helped to heal hearts and minds by the simple act of listening to their stories."

Lodging for the group was provided by First Presbyterian Church of Joplin.

“The retreat center they allowed us to use was great!” said Debra Krase; “ It was a wonderful place for rest and regrouping after a hard day’s work each day. We saw overwhelming gratitude from the First Pres. people for our willingness to come help in the recovery.”

Kathy Mozingo commented “I was very impressed with the way people welcomed us. My fear was that they might see us as intruders, but they were so grateful that we came to join them in the recovery.”

There is much left to be done in rebuilding Joplin, but the Oswego Presbyterian group feels a deep sense of satisfaction from the major accomplishments on the Larry and Amy Jump home.

Cindy Vey said “I will remember the joy of the Jump boys in running through the newly framed walls and claiming their rooms. The Jumps were so grateful for all we did to help them. The resilience of the human spirit was so present in all the people we met.”

Drew Ives said “We were blessed to have two experienced builders (Rick Glassman and Dennis Cherry (Au Sable Grove Presbyterian.)  to lead us in major accomplishments on the Jump home. That home stands as a beacon of hope in that devastated community.”

It was a very good week for the Oswego Presbyterian group. Kathy Farrell said “We all brought various talents to this endeavor and found where we could best contribute very quickly, making for a very well functioning team that accomplished a lot in a short amount of time.” Penny Glassman said "When I go on mission trips, I am humbled to be a servant for Christ and I am always blessed more than I give."

Rick Glassman said “What impressed me most about the Joplin area, so shortly following such devastation, was how the community, outwardly, appears to be functioning as any normal community would. The daily routines of people appeared to be as you'd witness here at home. Businesses are open, schools are in session and the hustle and bustle of people busily going about their daily tasks was constantly evident. Underneath this normalcy I know there is a deep sense of loss and mourning that will linger within the Joplin community for a long time to come.”

Rev. Leon Aalberts said “I continue to be overwhelmed by the upbeat spirits of hope and love of the people of Joplin and at the same time overwhelmed by the vast stretches of leveled ground with debris still cluttering much of the landscape. There is much work left to be done.”

The group is looking forward to another trip to Joplin next spring.