LOUISVILLE, Ky. (KT) – Big and green like its namesake, “Shrek” – an Avant articulating wheel loader that can do the work of a dozen men – is the latest tool for Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers.
It came as a generous gift through the Kentucky Baptist Foundation, which understands and appreciates the work of Disaster Relief.
“I believe our Kentucky Baptist Convention work shines so bright through Disaster Relief,” said KBF President French Harmon. “The work that the volunteers do and the help it brings to communities in a time of need is really unmatched.”
Harmon and KYDR Director Ron Crow have been talking about how the KBF could assist in the work and Crow suggested the large-scale articulating wheel loader. The price tag for the equipment is $85,000 to $90,000. Harmon said $60,000 was given from the KBF’s gospel impact operations, $10,000 more was given as an anonymous gift and various individuals have been and are still giving, he said.
Harmon said the foundation is expecting to supply at least $75,000 of the total cost. KYDR would supply the remainder. It is the second similar investment in equipment. A smaller wheel loader, named “Kermit,” was also mostly purchased through KBF funding.
“Ron and I have been talking about how the foundation can support Disaster Relief,” Harmon said. “We were blessed with some favorable returns on investments. It was a perfect match.”
Crow told Harmon the machines are among the best in the Southern Baptist network of Disaster Relief teams.
“When you hear the testimonies from various communities, it’s heartwarming,” Harmon said. “We know the gospel is being presented.”
Upon completion of every job, DR volunteers present homeowners with a new Bible and try to begin a gospel conversation. They consider that their most important job when responding to the disaster.
Crow said “Kermit” has already saved DR volunteers a lot of backbreaking work and “Shrek” can do twice the workload.
“They will work well together,” he said. “Kermit can get in tight spaces. One of those machines can do the work of 10 to 12 guys. When you start getting into the heavier stuff, there are some things you couldn’t do without something like that.”
Crow said logs and heavier debris are examples of what “Shrek” will be able to haul. He said they have a grapple, bucket and forks for each machine.
The KBF has always been supportive of KYDR in kind words and prayers, Crow said. But the generosity of the organization takes it to a new level.
“We are overwhelmingly grateful to their generosity, way beyond what was expected. I’ve always said God works through people. He could give us anything He wants, but He works through people — the obedience of people saying, ‘yes’ to the Lord’s leading and opening their hearts.”
Harmon said one of the KBF board members, Dean Warren in Bowling Green, saw Kermit in action. That was enough to convince him and other board members. “They said, ‘Let’s do it!’” Harmon said. “It’s part of our gospel impact funds.”
Crow said having Shrek and Kermit, along with a skid steer, gives them tools that can go to multiple locations. They are all-terrain machines that can pick up debris and move it to the streets. He said there will be training on how to operate it safely because there are some tipping points. Volunteers will also learn about maintenance to make sure the equipment is always ready for use.
“It’s ready to go now,” Crow said. “The only thing we need is a grease gun, which is a trip to the hardware store. We are very grateful. God never ceases to amaze us at what He gives us.”