BARRE VERMONT — Linda Macris praises God for the Samaritan’s Purse volunteers who helped clean up her Barre, Vermont, home after a devastating flood swept through her town.

Linda Macris – Homeowner:

It was mean. It was mean water that wouldn’t stop. Black, dirty, mean water. And it wiped out our whole street. Everyone. I lost everything. Up to four feet. Everything that was on the floor and four feet above is gone. I think I probably almost have to find somewhere else to live. I don’t know yet. Where I live is the least church state in the nation. We don’t go to church, we don’t talk about church, we don’t talk about God. It’s not part of our culture. Losing my stuff was hard, but just having people around that cared and that believed in God have made it different, you know, better.

David Allen – Samaritan’s Purse:

People, they hear a lot of things, but until they actually see stuff in action, they don’t understand the love of Christ and the love of God. That’s the reason why we feel like we’re here, is to be able to get in and to help them physically if they can’t do things themselves, but also to help them have an understanding of what Christ is and what Christ can do for someone in their life.

Linda:

Samaritan’s Purse is here taking down all the wet sheetrock and insulation. They’re taking out the cabinets. They’re pulling up the actual floor. They’re doing just an amazing job. When they’re done, I’ll be able to start rebuilding.

David:

As believers, we’re called to get out and serve our neighbors, love our neighbors as ourselves. So we feel like we come out here and that’s what we do. We put boots in action, feet on the ground to be able to show the love of Christ to homeowners and to be able to do it effectively.

Linda:

You know it was fast and I needed fast. It’s nothing I could do myself nor could I afford to pay anybody to do it so volunteers like Samaritan Purse are sort of the only hope and they just show up and work. So having them here to do the real construction work is like a miracle. It is a miracle.

David:

Father, I thank you for the ability to work on this house today, Lord. I just thank you for Linda and her heart, Lord. It’s just such a blessing to be able to wear your name on our shirts as we serve. I just thank you and praise you today. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Linda:

I’m thankful that God provides. I’m thankful that there are people in the world that care. It means a lot to me to see it in action. It’s faith in action, which sometimes we don’t see, you know. And it was the right help at the right time. And I feel like it’s a godsend. It’s hard to ask for help, it’s hard to find help, and I’m grateful that they found me. They found me. So that has been a lifesaver. Literally a lifesaver.

Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet the needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ. The organization serves the Church worldwide to promote the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Samaritan’s Purse International Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) program is committed to meeting the critical needs of victims of war, poverty, famine, disease, and natural disaster. We stand ready to respond at a moment’s notice whenever and wherever disaster strikes. The DART specializes in providing water, food, shelter, and medical care while sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

CONTACT: Kaitlyn Lahm, news@samaritan.org

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