Written by CBC News
The Christian relief group Samaritan’s Purse is stationing one of its disaster relief units in Moncton for use throughout the Atlantic region.
It’s one of three tractor-trailers in Canada that are equipped with tools and safety gear to help people respond to emergencies such as floods or hurricanes.
“Chainsaws, generators, pumps, wheelbarrows, shovels, rakes, electric tools, portable tools-you name it, we have it,” said Stephen Joudry.
Joudry and his wife Mae are from Moncton and volunteered with Samaritan’s Purse during the floods in Perth-Andover in 2012 and in High River, Alta., last year.
Now they will co-ordinate disaster relief in Atlantic Canada for the group, which is headed by Franklin Graham, the son of evangelist Billy Graham.
“It’s showing love and that’s what we are,” said Stephen Joudry. “We don’t prosthelytize. We’re there to put love in action.”
Moncton Fire Chief Eric Arsenault is amazed at what is being provided.
“This is a fully stocked mobile tool box, if you wish, with an office and a capacity to drive into a community or a city and provide instant relief to people who have been affected by a natural disaster,” said Arsenault.
The fire chief also heads the local Emergency Measures Organization and said he was in awe of the extra resources Samaritan’s Purse is able to provide.
“You know that they exist but you never really believe that they would be in our area here and this is truly wonderful,” said Arsenault.
The 53-foot trailer will respond to disasters in Atlantic Canada.
The organization also has disaster response trailers based in Ontario and Alberta.
For more information and to make a donation, visit the Samaritan’s Purse website.
Help Samaritan’s Purse strengthen the impact of local churches in communities recovering in the aftermath of disasters. As caring Christians are trained and empowered to walk alongside individuals and families to find solutions to complex needs, God opens doors to share the Gospel.