LETTER: After a flood, an outpouring of volunteer work and generosity

To Ozaukee Press:
    On Aug. 27, 2018, a substantial portion of the facility at Our Savior Lutheran Church and School was flooded. The lowest part of the church (fellowship hall, classroom, library, bathrooms and kitchen) received extensive damage due to the nearly two feet of standing water. Many rooms, including furnace rooms, storage areas and stairwell were also under water.
    During the next several days the congregation hired a contractor to remove cabinets, sheet rock and any carpeting or furniture that might retain water and contaminants. Volunteers helped to remove all the waste, which eventually included more than 13,000 children’s books. The building itself sustained nearly $200,000 loss, and it was determined that external alterations would be necessary to improve drainage and secure the building against future storms.
    Dave Klug from Klug, Inc. supplied a large loader for removal of wet and damaged items. Steve and Andrew Bintz from Bintz Heating and Sheet Metal installed six new furnaces to stabilize the building during the colder months. Then a team of dedicated and skilled members began the remodeling efforts including installation of drywall, mudding, taping, finishing, painting, staining of all doors and woodwork, installation of cabinets, sinks, appliances and bathroom dividers.  
    Marty Dierker, vice president of Our Savior Lutheran, coordinated more than 50 volunteers over the period of eight months. Enough was saved through that process to complete the outside work, and the congregation approved further weather proofing and drainage repairs. Prayers of joy accompanied the return to normal usage on Sunday, April 28, 2019.  
    We were amazed at all the donations from area churches and individuals that came in, not just at the beginning, but through many months as we realized that we would not receive any insurance compensation.  
        We want our friends in Grafton, Cedarburg, Saukville, Port Washington, Fredonia and Belgium and beyond to know how much it means to have support when faced with this kind of crisis. This service is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but, in the words of 12 Corinthians 9:12 NIV, is also “overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.”
    To visit the church or to have questions answered, contact the church office at 262-377- 6363 or email at oslcoffice@wi.rr.com.
Mark C. Wagner
 Pastor
Our Savior Evangelical  Lutheran
 Grafton