The first rule of short-term teams is to Stay Flexible. A crisis response team from Marysville Grace (Ohio) that served in Panama City got their share of practice doing just that. The team, led by Rob & Shellee Taylor, the “Two Tims” (affectionately known as First and Second Timothy), and Wanda from Marysville Grace spent their time in Panama City helping an elderly couple still working to clear their property of some 50 trees brought down by Hurricane Michael’s category 4+ winds.
Rain all day long on day one was not part of their plan, but the team came prepared. Donning their work clothes they spent the whole day working in the rain. Then — having the skid loader they had reserved on day two rented out from under them — also wasn’t the plan, but the team made another course adjustment and had another profitable day and the rest of the time they were there.
The team was a huge blessing to the Boy family, but the blessing was mutual. Mr. Boy, at 86 years old worked right alongside the team doing the outdoor work, while Mrs. Boy worked hard to love on the team through her continual encouragement and by showering them with love in the form of mounds of spaghetti and meatballs.
With Hugh & Nora Boy both strong believers, the team found themselves more than just among friends, but also family in Christ. As Shellee put it, “We are created to be in community. The body of Christ is much bigger than our community church. When you can show up and shine forth his light — let His purpose be your priority — He orchestrates everything. He has a plan and it goes as He intends it to go.”
