Touched by the devastation caused by tornadoes that ripped through a small Kentucky town, one FMCA couple decided to make a difference.
By Jim Brooks, F428700
March 2022
Usually, my wife, Annie, and I plan our trips — not this time!
Friday, December 10, 2021, started as a normal night. But for some reason, I was very restless. I finally got up around 5:30 a.m., made a cup of coffee, and sat down to enjoy my quiet time. I read my devotional and Bible scripture. I then turned on the news. At approximately 6:00 a.m., a news alert reported that scores of tornadoes had ripped across the central and southern United States; some, approximately a mile wide, were on the ground and traveled 135 to 200 miles. In the darkness, devastation could be seen everywhere. A major loss of life was predicted. Communities had been destroyed.
All the major media networks were focused on the disaster, a nightmare that only became worse as daylight revealed the actual scene. One small town — Mayfield, Kentucky — was basically destroyed and looked like a war zone. Throughout the morning, day, and night, we watched the horrific events unfold. Lives lost and miracles of lives spared. Personal stories told before, during, and after the storm. I felt their grief and sorrow. I prayed.
On Saturday, December 11, restful sleep was impossible. The scenes from Mayfield kept replaying in my mind and heart. Sunday came and our church, First United Methodist Church of Madison, Georgia, took up a special offering for Mayfield. Prayers were offered up for all those affected.
The question “What can I do?” took on a special, personal meaning for me. I could not escape it. I was restless for another night. I needed to help someone. I prayed over and over. The tug in my heart would not go away.
I have heard of someone who said, “I feel God spoke to me,” but up until now, I had never felt that way. My spirit heard the words: “Donate your Airstream motorhome to Mayfield, Kentucky.” When my wife, Annie, got up, I discussed it with her, and she agreed that it was a wonderful idea.
At our family gathering during Christmas, I was left almost breathless when my granddaughter told me that she lived just 24 miles from the spot where the tornado stopped. How could we not reach out to Mayfield?
That same morning, I began the process of where, how, and who to contact to make it all happen as soon as possible. We were off and running, but it was too fast. Mayfield was still digging out. There would be no place to park the motorhome. There were no utilities. I needed to get all the facts and develop a plan of action.
The first step was to inspect and service the motorhome — a 2000 Airstream 39XL Land Yacht diesel with only 68,000 miles and in very good condition inside and out — to ensure it was roadworthy and live-in-ready for new owners. It was located on our site at The Great Outdoors RV and Golf Resort in Titusville, Florida. Eagle’s Pride RV Sales and Service, a family-owned business consisting of Mike, Josh, and Justin Thibeau, and an FMCA commercial member, stepped up to the plate.
Other priorities and considerations consisted of the following:
- The best method to donate directly with no fees whatsoever would be a church or charitable organization that was in Mayfield and could best determine where the motorhome was needed.
- Facilitate location, utilities (city/county).
- A contact to follow up with to ensure best possible utilization of the motorhome now and in the future.
- Social media coverage everywhere possible.
At this writing, Eagle’s Pride was waiting for needed parts for the motorhome, so a departure date was undetermined. Day to day, we overcome obstacles and delays, but we are confident in our mission and in our God. We have already seen support within our community. Now, Eagle’s Pride has donated an RV as well, a 2016 Tracer travel trailer. Gift cards and supplies are being received to stock the motorhome and to give to Mayfield. My dream is that more RVs will be donated, along with funds through checks or gift cards, to provide for the immediate needs of survivors.
In closing, may I suggest everyone reading this be still and listen for guidance. Pray and decide what you can do to join a journey to Mayfield, Kentucky. They need you, and together we can make a difference.
We will be using The Grove Church as a conduit for donations. Please send your contributions to The Grove Church, 1450 Harrison St., Titusville, FL 32780, Attn: Pastor Dustin. (Office: 321-289-5501.) Please be sure to mark your donation so that he knows it is for Mayfield, Kentucky. The church will be able to provide you with a letter for your tax records.
Thank you in advance for joining us on this journey.