Brethren Disaster Ministries calls for clean-up volunteers in Indiana.

Indiana is ready for volunteers to assist with cleaning up and mucking out following the severe flooding that has affected some 6,500 homes across the state, in an announcement from Brethren Disaster Ministries.

"Brethren in Indiana and surrounding districts are urged to help!" said the announcement from Brethren Disaster Ministries coordinator Jane Yount.

The call for volunteers has come from the Volunteer Reception Center in Franklin, Ind., which is south of Indianapolis in Johnson County. Each group of volunteers that responds is asked to include group leaders who can help manage the job to which the group is assigned. Interested volunteer groups should make arrangements directly with the reception center (see contact information below).

Brethren Disaster Ministries is requesting Brethren groups to contact their district disaster coordinators with information about their plans to volunteer, and for how long. Brethren Disaster Ministries will collect this information to report to the broader church about the response.

Contact the Volunteer Reception Center at 317-736-8801. This phone number will be staffed during regular business hours. Volunteer housing will be available at the Dietz Building, at Franklin College, 251 S. Forsythe St., Franklin, Indiana.

Brethren Disaster Ministries requests those who volunteer to be aware that flood clean-up is dirty and strenuous work. "All volunteers should be up to date with their tetanus vaccination and in good general health," Yount said. "Please prayerfully consider participating in this relief effort."

Source: 6/20/2008 Newsline Extra