God’s Pit Crew – How Can We Help?
Home construction after a disaster. Courtesy of God's Pit Crew.
Counselors, clergy, and psychologists tell us that a moment in time when something tragic happens can permanently change the way a person thinks, views the world, and their outlook on life. Some never get past the event, and for some, they may still be breathing but they aren’t really living. Words like “Remember when ____ happened?” Fill in the blank. I remember where I was when I checked the weather and saw a massive red radar echo called Hurricane Floyd heading right for my home. An “act of God” like a hurricane, tornado, or other natural disaster can happen to anyone at any time. God’s Pit Crew (GPC), based in Danville, has been operating for 25 years and their mission is, “with God’s help and direction to bring hope, healing, and restoration to hurting people in times of disaster.”
In the spring of 1999, Randy Johnson knelt at the altar at his church and prayed a simple prayer that when answered would change his life. Believing that there had to be something more he could do to serve God, but mistakenly believing he lacked the skills to make much difference, he prayed, “Lord, here I am! If you can use me, please use me!” There were no lightning bolts or trumpets, but Randy’s prayer declaring his willing heart led to an “act of God” of a different sort in his life. For the next three weeks, it was work as usual at his truck and accessories business until a TV news story caught his attention. In May, an F5 tornado struck Oklahoma.
Thirty-six people were dead, and over 9,000 homes, businesses, churches, and public buildings were destroyed or damaged. Randy was moved and God tapped him on his heart, reminded him of his prayer, and confirmed to Randy that he could help there. Randy had a 24-foot trailer at his disposal and experience in logistics, but still needed the supplies and money to make the 1,200-mile trip. In short order, God provided all he needed and more than he could fit in the trailer. Randy, his wife Terri, and some friends in the racing business, along with two 48-foot tractor trailers filled with supplies, were on their way. They returned after helping 500 people, and Randy recounts that they had a “great sense of accomplishment,” but they never thought they would do another trip. It’s a good thing Randy kept the TV on at work, because in the fall of 1999 when Hurricane Floyd hit the North Carolina coast, a news bulletin prompted a customer to ask him about going to help their neighbors. Randy and friends mobilized again, and at the end of the trip he met “Brother Paul Bess.”
Sitting with “Brother Bess,” God showed Randy a different perspective. This Christian brother was so thankful for his blessings, while Randy was thinking that all this brother had was sitting in a pile of debris and he had nothing! That meeting was so impactful that Randy and the team ended up returning for several weekends to help rebuild his home.
Randy and Terri started God’s Pit Crew that fall. In the beginning years, when they heard of a disaster, they would contact churches in the affected area to get a feel for what level of response was needed, and they’d respond as they could. Up until 2008, GPC had limited capacity to transport supplies and equipment. However, as the years progressed and GPC’s capacity to respond with more comprehensive services increased, the process became more streamlined. Over the past 15 years, their equipment fleet has grown to about 80 pieces; 90 percent of them mobile. They have an immediate response coordinator with contacts all over the country since GPC coordinates with other major relief groups in the US. They have tractor trailers, shower and laundry trailers, excavators, high lifts for tree removal, and other heavy equipment. Some of their trailers are dedicated as “tool” trailers stocked with chainsaws, hand tools, and support parts to keep them going for the critical job at hand. Other trailers are designated as “build” trailers when there is a home that needs construction. Yes, that’s correct, they also build complete turn-key homes.
In 2021 and 2022, they averaged eight and 11 complete home rebuilds, most of which were accomplished within a few weeks. This takes a well-coordinated effort by trained craftsmen, many of whom are volunteers. Carpenters, electricians, plumbers, masons, painters, and just plain old “back laborers” come together to get it done. Co-founder Terri Johnson runs point on purchasing and coordinates the finish-out on the homes. She specifies everything from bedspreads and wall hangings to furniture, shingle colors, and siding. Terri is also the “keeper of the walls,” my words not theirs, at GPC HQ. Her contribution is invaluable, and if it is on the wall at the 200,000 square foot facility in Danville, it has Terri’s stamp of approval and design touch.
They have what I would call the “Hall of History” that does a great job of telling the GPC story. It also serves to remind staff and visitors alike of what has been accomplished. Sometimes people lose sight of the impact of acts of kindness when they are focused on accomplishing the work at hand. Another part of the facility is where they can prefab and lay out walls for their turnkey home builds that allow them to expedite home construction when on site. One encouraging fact I learned was that whenever possible, GPC uses local businesses for materials to help stimulate the economy in the affected area. There is also a designated space for media production and setting up assembly lines for packing “Blessing Buckets.” Local volunteers and organizations regularly gather to pack these buckets with products that are essential when folks have lost everything in a disaster. Blessing Buckets have been a mainstay in GPC relief efforts almost from the beginning. Basics like hygiene products, food, and water can move the needle from despair towards hope. On the lower level, GPC stores palletized Blessing Buckets for the next disaster along with additional supplies.
A large part of GPC’s mission, and something that many may not know, is that they regularly distribute products to 60 local and regional agencies. This is made possible because of the corporate relationships and regular donors GPC has developed. Every other week, trucks and trailers visit GPC to load up needed supplies to stock and restock benevolence locations around the area to provide assistance to at-risk families. In 2023 alone, over 4,572,466 pounds of products were distributed at an estimated value of $5,800,000.
God’s Pit Crew could not operate without the selfless contributions of their 1,500-plus volunteers. Those who go to disaster sites, typically a week at a time, are highly trained by a certified in-house trainer in tree removal, machine operations, safety procedures, and best practices when mucking out flooded homes or tarping structures. Whether it is a tornado in Wentworth, NC, a flood in Buchanan County, Va., or a flood in Montpelier, Vt., many who mobilize come from different parts of the country to give of their time, talent, and energy. Having enough volunteers and equipment available to respond to multiple disasters at the same time is one of the main focuses in GPC’s five-year plan. However, Randy stresses that “they always plan around God’s leading. Whether it matches our plan or not, we are gonna do it His way.” The GPC budget is large, but 92 percent goes to their programs.
Finally, I would be remiss if I failed to mention the “why” behind the “what” of God’s Pit Crew. The “why” is what keeps them going. Acts of God during a disaster show us that ultimately, we don’t have much control. Sometimes we only understand this if we are directly affected by a natural disaster. The GPC red shirts don’t arrive on-site beating a tambourine for a revival, but simply ask “How can we help?” Their “acts of God” working as His Pit Crew help get people back on track and are a demonstration of God’s love and concern that ultimately may change a person’s perspective – just like God did in the lives of Randy and Terri Johnson.
Over the years, GPC has positively and immediately affected the lives of tens of thousands of people just by being willing to respond to over 170 natural disasters. Even though there are always more needs than people and resources to meet those needs, Randy, leaning in closer with a quiet voice, tol me, “We can’t let what we can’t do stop us from doing what we can.”
GPC’s three-level facility is located on Main Street in Danville, north of the river, and worth a tour.
Disaster Response Team
(434) 836-4472
GodsPitCrew.org
[email protected]
