Published: November 04, 2008 02:07 pm      

Extra Miler: First Christian Church member Lorie Nevils lends hand to those in need during power outage

Brittle leaves crushed as I walked the neighborhood with my two dogs. The cattledog mix reared her head to watch a wedge of honking geese flying in their ’V’ formation pass overhead. I stopped and watched them glide across the sky, realizing my beloved summer was over.

Several seconds later, there came a loud shout. There was a lone bird struggling to catch up to the others. I wondered if the stressed goose would eventually catch up or would it be abandoned. I thought about our Extra Miler this month, Lorie Nevils. Lorie doesn’t like for anyone (people or animals) to be left behind or forsaken. She cares about the underdog and will quickly drop back to be sure no one is forsaken.

The first time I met Lorie Nevils, she was working in the kitchen of First Christian Church, organizing a meal for the congregation to raise money to fund the Clothe-A-Child project and Christmas baskets of food for those in need. She was much like the conductor of an orchestra ’ waving her arms as she provided instruction and guidance to ensure the line moved quickly and everyone was well-fed. She was confident in her task and it was obvious that she placed considerable emphasis on having everything organized and everyone accommodated.

Lorie is a straight-talking woman with the motto, ’When you know me, you know what you see is what you get ... no surprises.’ I liked her immediately.

Lorie is a caregiver, plain and simple. If you are hungry, she will feed you. She will not ask questions because she doesn’t care why you are hungry ’ she only cares that you are. If you are weary or stressed, she will offer you a place to sit and talk.

On the day the lights went out in Southern Indiana (after our recent storm), the American Red Cross (ARC) called First Christian Church (FCC) for help. They needed a shelter for individuals without electricity who needed a safe place to sleep. Many FCC members contributed to ensuring the needs of these individuals were met, including three meals a day. There were so many who volunteered as part of the Kitchen/Celebrations Ministry Team that Lorie couldn’t list them for fear of missing someone; however, she emphasized that they were the real Extra Milers ... not her.

Typical of being an Extra Miler herself, Lorie states, ’I absolutely don’t do anything exceptional ... I just enjoy feeding hungry people and I couldn’t do it without all the volunteers.’

Despite the fact that she had just been released from the hospital for severe abdominal pains when the ARC sent its SOS, Lorie and her team assessed the food in the pantry and freezer. She purchased whatever was needed to feed and care for the temporary residents.

The ARC Executive Director, Phyllis Wilkins, was extremely grateful.

’I cannot say enough good things about the members of First Christian ’ they have rolled out the welcome mat for the community with such graciousness and love, it’s overwhelming to witness,’ she said.

Phyllis added, ’On the first evening after the storm, there were 44 people enjoying a home-cooked meal of shrimp cocktail, chicken casserole, green beans, homemade desserts, even flowers on the tables, thanks to Lorie, Melana (Fischer), Amanda (Wagoner) and a number of other volunteers! The camaraderie was contagious, very upbeat.’

When the ARC no longer needed the church as an overnight shelter, Lorie took stock of the situation in her community. She knew there were thousands still without electricity, with no way to cook a hot meal or even keep food cold. Our Extra Miler didn’t dawdle; people were hungry ’ she knew this ’ so the decision was made, with church approval, to continue cooking until there was no longer a need. In the next four days, Lorie’s FCC team fed more than 1,100 Southern Indiana residents at no cost to them or the community. Donations of food and money miraculously flowed in to cover the majority of the expenses for the meals.

Sonya Hedge, Lorie’s sister-in-law, summed Lorie up very well.

’Lorie is happiest when her driveway and house is full and when she is giving or doing for others ... her purpose in life is to care for people (or animals) in need, expecting absolutely nothing in return,’ she said.

Hedge adds, ’I’ve seen her give to others even when it meant doing without herself.’

Without fanfare, without bells or whistles, or even a honking goose that is lagging behind, Lorie Nevils makes caring an everyday simple activity. Thank you, Lorie Nevils, for being generous with your love, your life and your talents. You are truly a Southern Indiana Extra Miler. Hope you are feeling well soon.

’’Kindness Tip of the Month: ’If you want to eliminate hunger, everybody has to be involved.’ ’ Bono

Lorie’s Tip is for those of you who are Extra Milers ... don’t hesitate to ask others to help. Many people wait in the wings for their chance to step forward and provide assistance on community and church activities and events ’ they just need a little push or invitation to step forward.