An Appeal for Help
Posted on December 6th, 2007 by catalyst into the About Us categoryWe don't do a lot positive on this blog, but I just received this email concerning Bethany (Droppa) and Rory Blumenschein. The Blumenschien family lives in Vernonia and they just lost everything in a recent flood. In addition, Bethany is 8 months pregnant. Anything you can do to help would be greatly appreciated.
Here's the email from Bob Droppa:
I am heading to Portland on a 5 p.m flight Friday night. My son-in-law was weeping on the phone and was deeply concerned about our unborn grandchild. He said, "Bethany really needs you now, Dad!" Those words pierce a "Father's Heart." I'd go through fire to help her.
Our son Robbie is also flying out Friday night from Dulles International airport in Washington, DC. Together we are going to try to get things cleaned up and in order. We will be getting things ready for our son John to come out to help with reconstruction. We've got to pull down dry wall and remove insulation and get things prepared for John. Truthfully, right now, I have no idea where the resources are coming from for such a simple thing as materials. We truly have to see the Lord work in their behalf. Thank you for your prayers. They are greatly needed.
Bethany said that the current of the flood waters was so bad that it floated their freezer. They have lost everything with motors, from their vehicles, to lawn mower, refrigerator, freezer, washer, and dryer, just to name a few. If you have seen their property you would not believe how high the flood waters rose! Bethany said during the height of the storm the water was rising a foot per hour. Their 4 x 4 SUV van was submerged beneath the waters along with their car. Their garage, Rory's workshop, the shed and barn were totally submerged beneath the water. They live in a modular home. Things look nice until tragedy strikes, then you see that things that looked like wood paneling all disintegrated and wash away with flood waters. We don't know what we are facing as far as electricity, septic systems, the well and drinkable water.Unfortunately, when people loose almost everything looters and scavengers come in to grab what they can while the homeowners are away.
I would certainly appreciate getting the word out to your schools, colleges, clubs, organizations, churches that this couple had no flood insurance and are in desperate straights. For those of you who do not know Bethany, our youngest daughter, she is married to a great guy, Rory. They have a little girl who will almost be two by the name of Emilee and Bethany is 8 months pregnant with their 2nd child.You can reach them directly at:
Mr. and Mrs. Rory Blumenschein
61116 Nehalem Highway North
Vernonia, Oregon 97064
You may want to channel your giving through your church as a tax deductible contribution. Anything you can do would be greatly appreciated! God bless you all!
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December 6th, 2007 at 10:03 am
can you fwd me at my email a contact phone number or contact email?
thx
pamhogeweide@gmail.com
December 6th, 2007 at 10:49 am
Shoot. I just offered a sofa and dresser to someone on Craigslist in Sheridan…
December 6th, 2007 at 11:04 am
JAD - Dude, you might want to retake that Charm School course.I sure hope you won’t be around to comment and judge my choices if catastrophe ever strikes my family.
December 6th, 2007 at 11:08 am
If someone doesn’t want to help, that’s cool. But a lot of our readers grew up with Rory and Bethany, and I thought it might be nice to help if there was some way they could.
I complain a lot on this blog, and rarely actually try to help. So I figured if the opportunity presented itself, I should take advantage of it.
December 6th, 2007 at 11:36 am
I have a sofa that is too big for my apartment — they can have it!
I would also like to be able to contact them via email/phone to see if they would like to have it. I can store it for them until they have room or are ready for it.
My email is:
luckyloo77@gmail.com
December 6th, 2007 at 2:01 pm
I grew up with Rory. I’ll post it on my MySpace. Hopefully it will help.
December 6th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
Thanks for the info Justin. We’ll get in touch with them to help.
December 6th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
Yeah, thanks for sharing this with us Justin, I’ve always been a big fan of the Droppa family and so Tanell and I will see what we can do to help.
Are they going to try to form a work party of some kind? I’d love to help out if they do.
Keep us posted.
December 6th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
Can you email me with a phone number? Perhaps my tiny little Indian church in Portland can help in some way.
Regards,
DeCruz
December 7th, 2007 at 6:54 am
You can email Rob Droppa (Bethany’s Brother) for more information.
I do think they are likely looking for workers to help clean up around the house.
Here’s his email address:
rdroppa (at) xybernaut.com
December 7th, 2007 at 1:41 pm
We are recovering here from 80 to 100 mile winds that ripped thru Grays Harbor on Sunday and Monday. Everyone’s power went out Sunday night and news this morning says 16,000 are still without power. Mine came back on Wednesday. Then we had flooding in places. Aberdeen and Central Park look like war zones. there are emergency shelters set up at the fair grounds, churches and the mission among others. Westport, Ocean Shores,and other outlying areas are still without power.
So Christians we covet your prayers
December 7th, 2007 at 6:48 pm
What we had was a category three hurricane clocked at Westport at 126 miles per hour!
Utility company replaced 300 power poles today. Trucks bringing equipment had to go thru Yakima and up thru Snoqualmie Pass because I-5 was closed due to several feet of water over the freeway.
We have 4 local crews working round the clock and 22 crews from out of the area
Pray for the people without power. It may get down to freezing tonite.
December 8th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
To put this in perspective to you who may read this blog, Aberdeen is where MFI pastor Doug Cotton just started his Harbor City Church.
Central Park is a bedroom community about five miles east of Aberdeen and five miles west of Montesano where Doug Cotton’s former church CLF (Christian Life Fellowship) is situated.
December 8th, 2007 at 11:42 pm
Just got word today Rory’s mom and dad are headed to Vernonia with their travel trailer for them to use. Steve Powlison drove there today to help out. He’s in close communication with them. He would be a good source to connect with regarding their needs.
December 9th, 2007 at 10:47 pm
Dave Chown just recently posted a message re: Rory and Bethany Blumenschein on the E-mail Prayer Line. An account has been set up at the Rivermark Credit Union to recieve donations for them.
December 10th, 2007 at 3:53 pm
Hey Caj,
Do you have contact info for Steve Powlison? I have some brand new items I’m willing to donate (coffee pot, coffee grinder, electric griddle) plus a lot of used, but good condition items such as pots and pans, plates, bowls, glasses, knives, etc. that I’d be willing to donate if they need them.
Thanks
December 10th, 2007 at 10:11 pm
Not-A— You can connect with Steve Powlison at City Christian School at 503-252-5207 and leave a message for him or on his school e-mail address at spowlison@citychristianschool.com.
December 19th, 2007 at 10:31 pm
My name is Johnnie Barber and I am very pleased with all the help and donations rory is recieving. i am a coeworker with rory and plan on helping him every step of the way i do not have much money but my labor is the best i can offer and bmw is donating lots of things to help get them back on their feet. all the help is still welcome from anyone who is willing to help
thank you to all who has helped out and donated
December 20th, 2007 at 10:44 pm
Bless you Johnnie…thanks for the update…they contiue to be in our prayers and all who are helping them.
December 21st, 2007 at 6:30 am
This is just an FYI…Bethany has been put on bed rest due to the fact that she is 8 months pregnant and starting to dilate. Problem is, no bed to rest in. I think Rory is still needing some help.
Any friends of Bethany, please call and see if she could use some help. Thanks so much!
December 21st, 2007 at 9:49 am
Tyra…Re. Bethany and family…are they no longer staying with a church family?? Do you know whether Rory’s mom and dad are still there?
December 21st, 2007 at 1:36 pm
They were staying with a family and the family just said they could continue to stay there. She has a friend that said she would help watch Emilee. I just know that Rory is still trying to get their house in some sort or order by starting to reinsulate and put up drywall. I guess people can contact them to see what labor they need. Otherwise, they do need financial help and a lot of prayers.
December 21st, 2007 at 2:38 pm
Thanks, Tyra, for the update…
December 24th, 2007 at 12:15 am
This is Rory and I just wanted to take the time to thank everyone who have sacraficed in many ways for my family! My life is a testimony that you can’t out give God! I am overwhelmed with the love from many friends, family members and even strangers.
People are asking “what do you need?” We are still in need of floor coverings, appliances, cabinets, furniture and many other household items.
I feel like the Lord is telling me to be a good giver you must also be a good receiver. This has been a humbling time for me. I come from a family who has always served and given in many ways. It has been hard to ask for help. If you want… you can get a hold of me at 503-887-5306 or my email is roryblumer@hotmail.com
THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!
The Blumenscheins
Rory, Bethany & Emilee
December 26th, 2007 at 12:24 am
Rory and family …..thank you so much for sharing with us…our love and prayers are with you…really enjoyed the Oregonian article on you and the family..the Lord continue to bless and keep you …caj and family