Disaster Response Ministry in Action
When Kate Brueckner discovered water flooding into her basement, her first response wasn’t panic—it was peace.
“I knew something was wrong when I saw the hose spewing water toward the foundation,” she shared. “When I walked downstairs and saw water covering more than half the floor, I knew it was going to be a massive cleanup—but somehow, I wasn’t overwhelmed.”
She turned on worship music and got to work with her shop vac and her son Matthew while her husband Dave and older son Joey were still at work. After twenty trips to the sink to empty the vacuum, the weight of it all began to sink in—briefly.
“For literally two seconds, I felt emotional. And then the Lord calmed me again.”
That’s when she remembered: she had recently heard something about Fellowship’s Disaster Response Team. Providentially, just one week earlier she had talked with her brother about it, and she knew Dan Manzoni was part of it. So she reached out to ask whether the ministry was currently active. That message—unbeknownst to Kate—would be the very spark that activated the team.
A group of men, led by Dan, arrived at her home with shop vacs, tools, and willing hearts. They removed water, moved furniture, applied sealant, and offered advice for future prevention. But what stood out most wasn’t just what they did—it was how they did it.
“It was the spirit of joy and love in which they acted. That’s what overwhelmed me—God’s love, on display through these men,” Kate shared through tears of gratitude.
Even Dan’s children came along—and their presence brought unexpected joy to Kate’s family. Her husband, Dave, had seen the basement in its worst state earlier that day, unable to help before leaving for work. When he returned home to see everything restored, he was brought to tears.
“This wasn’t just a successful cleanup,” Kate said. “It was a beautiful picture of the body of Christ at work. God was glorified.”
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ,” (Galatians 6:2, ESV).
What began as a flooded basement ended with a family blessed by the generosity and faithfulness of others. Kate, her husband Dave, and her son Joey all decided to join the Disaster Response Team as a result of the blessings, support, and encouragement they received.
“I praise God Almighty for the timely birth of this ministry and the people he’s called to it. Thank you, Fellowship Church, for your support—and thank you to the team that blessed us in our time of need.”
Want to be part of stories like this?
The Disaster Response Team welcomes people of all skill levels who are willing to help when a crisis hits—from cleanup to prayer to practical support and tools. If you’re interested in serving or learning more, let us know:
Let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus when people need it most!
