A church group -- prepared to leave Thursday morning for a mission trip to Charleston, South Carolina, to help flood victims -- woke up to find their own homes and cars damaged by fallen trees toppled by 100-mph winds that ripped through Waynesville, Ohio, earlier that morning.
The group decided their mission was right here in their own backyards and neighbor’s yards on Harlan Road in Waynesville.
Bill Hanlon, a member of the Emergency Response Team for Centerville United Methodist Church, who was to take part in the mission trip, had a tree through his roof.
“We decided since I couldn’t go, one of the other guys had as much as damage as this as well, we decided there’s no sense in driving for two days when we have five days of work right here,” said Hanlon.
He and his mission group of six moved from neighbor to neighbor, helping chop up fallen trees, uncover crumpled cars and patch roofs.
“Members of our church and members of Christ South United Methodist Church, my nephews who were also going on a mission trip, are all helping,” said Hanlon.
He estimated some 30 people have pitched in to help neighbors and strangers.
“A guy just stopped in and just offered to help,” said Jim Stope, another Harlan Road resident who lost many large trees.
“Wherever the mission takes you, it’s just that simple,” said Hanlon.
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