By Pastor Greg Volzke—Christ, Juniata

As many areas of Central Nebraska were going dark during the New Year’s Weekend ice storm, the power went out at Christ, Juniata. The large transmission line that runs behind the school came crashing down during the night of December 30.

While the power was out from the downed poles around the region, our Lord demonstrated that his power pole, the cross of Christ, never goes down. In His wisdom, God placed Christ Lutheran at “ground zero” for reconnecting all the power in south central Nebraska.

As the crews of Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) began meeting in the parking lot the morning of Sunday, January 7, for the day’s orders, Pastor Volzke went out and told them that the church would pray for them. After prayers were offered during the morning service, several people asked if there was any way to minister to these men. Two hours later, NPPD called and asked if the men could be served hot meals in the church.

The next day was the start of ten days of serving catered meals furnished by NPPD out of the church kitchen. Members volunteered to serve and clean, while others made deserts. The children of the school wrote letters of thanks to the men. Pastor Volzke greeted them and prayed with them. A week later, Pastor Volzke noticed the lights in the church were going on and off throughout the day and discovered that many of the men were coming in to pray.

These men were from all over the Midwest and not just from Nebraska. On January 19 they were given their first break of three and a half days at home after 18-20 days on the job. The efforts of Christ Lutheran allowed them to gain an hour more of working time each day because it saved them the time it took to go into town and eat. There was also nourishment for their spirits, and as they left the men took up a collection for the church to express their thanks. The story was picked up in the local paper and many calls of encouragement and offers to help were received.

One of the members of Christ Lutheran was talking with a lineman about five miles away one day. The lineman said they had gone to help with other disasters, including the hurricanes, but had never been welcomed like they had been at that church down the road. The member proudly replied “That’s my Church”!

What a wonderful opportunity the Lord gave to this congregation, along with eyes to see His mission field and willing hands to work in it.