Editor’s Note: When freelance writer Sheldon Traver heard how the May 20 tornado devastated Moore, Okla., he decided he had to help. Here is how the idea became a reality.
By Sheldon Traver
Monday, May 20
When I learned about the tornado in Moore, Okla., I sent a text to my friends Ryan and Angela McGraw to see if they were OK. Angela confirmed her family was, but shared Briarwood School, where she previously taught, was devastated. I went to various news websites, Facebook and Twitter to see images of the disaster. Although I had seen this before with Joplin and other towns, this one felt personal. I felt God was urging me to do something. My wife, Liz, was out-of-town at a conference and I couldn’t reach her. I called my boss at Corban University and told him I needed to go. He told me to go and call when I got back. At this point I still hadn’t reached Liz, but I was making plans to take my van and whatever supplies I could to Moore. Angela put me in touch with friends at Trinity Nazarene in Oklahoma City who had a rapid response team. At 10 p.m., I finally spoke with my wife. To say she wasn’t thrilled would be an understatement.
Tuesday, May 21
When I spoke with someone from Trinity Nazarene and said I was ready to help, the first response was to wait. Emergency crews were at work and not letting anybody in. He did say they would need our help and to wait for orders. Corban student Matt Straw saw a Facebook post I made, said he was interested in going and that he had access to a full-sized crew cab truck and trailer.
Liz wouldn’t be home until after 5 p.m., but Matt and I charged ahead and by the end of the day, he had some friends and family who were also ready to go. I had prayed for God’s wisdom and I felt he wanted me to ask Steve Kariker, a Silverton resident, retired Army captain, neighbor and friend. I told Steve I thought God wanted him on the team. Five hours later he said yes. Today, I looked for ways for people to donate money and received an email of needed supplies from Trinity Nazarene. By the end of the day, we had raised $800 and numerous supplies.
Wednesday, May 22
Thanks to Facebook, the message about the trip spread like wildfire. Added David, a retired Salem Police sergeant and Jim, a retired US Army master sergeant, to our team.
Thursday, May 23
Supplies and cash were coming in but not at the level we needed to pay for fuel for two diesel trucks. The team at Trinity Nazarene was excited to have the vehicles, but I worried how we would get them there. The Facebook campaign continued to grow and donations of water and more came in. I prayed for God to release me from financial anxiety and continued to charge ahead.
Friday, May 24
Overnight cash donations through the website jumped as well businesses stepping in with amazing donations. We needed a tire for a trailer so I asked Jeremy at the Silverton Les Schwab and walked away with one. Team members received donations from Wilco, Lowe’s and Fred Meyer. Churches in Portland, Woodburn, Salem, Keizer and Silverton gave us cash and supplies.
Saturday, May 25
After a packing party and sendoff, our team of myself and Devon Cox, Jordan Shane, Caleb Glaser, Jim Radakovich, Matt Straw, Steve Kariker, Michael Struckmeier and Dave Driscoll left at 10:15 a.m. We had about $5,500 in cash, more than 120 cases of bottled water plus other supplies, totaling 3,000 pounds.
Sunday, May 26
I am awed and amazed at how this has come together. I can’t help but consider how small I thought on Monday and how big God intended for this to be. Just to add to the adventure, one truck would not start after filling up. The starter lost a bolt. We found the bolt under the truck when realistically, it could have fallen off anytime in the previous 200 miles we drove before stopping. On Monday morning, we will help homeowners sift through the remains of their homes and remove debris. Jordan Shane, owner of Two Guys Small Engine, will be repairing chain saws and other items.
Monday, May 27
We arrived at 4:30 a.m. and are staying at Yukon First Church of the Nazarene. That afternoon, we went to the home of Tom Mabry, 87, who farms alfalfa and hay with his son. He immediately took to Silverton resident Jordan Shane because he was wearing overalls. “I can trust a man in bib overalls,” Mabry said. “It means he is a hard worker.”
The tornado destroyed his two barns and scattered debris to an alfalfa field. We helped clear the debris from one barn. His son, Jimmy Mabry, showed us the cellar where he huddled with his 12-year-old son and a man driving by. His dad was in Norman, with his wife of 57 years when the tornado hit. Tom has lived in the house for 61 years. In 1999, the tornado passed through the property’s front area. This time, the back side. The house was spared major damage both times. Tomorrow, we will scour the hay field for debris. If Tom doesn’t harvest his fields by the end of the week, he will lose his crops.
I am working with a great team and thankful to all those who donated supplies, which are greatly appreciated.
