issue 3, number 3 September 2009
tornado hits durham
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NTM
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ert Prop
This photo, taken after two days of cleanup, shows NTMC’s proximity to the path of the tornado.
The day started quietly. It ended in chaos. Teachers were preparing for a new school year; a new group of students were ready to launch into the adventure of Missionary Training. Then without warning a tornado touched down just metres from NTMC.
It wasn’t until the trees behind the NTMC Academy were removed by the tornado that some realized how close to town we are, and those in town got a glimpse of what was previously “hidden”. Notice the homes in town now visible behind the Academy.
NTMC Academy
Who has gathered
Shower stalls and treadmills remain after the walls and roof were ripped from the Durham Fitness Centre.
Late in the afternoon of Thursday August 20 a tornado touched down in Durham, Ontario, destroying a 100m wide stretch of trees which separated the northern edge of the NTMC property and the small industrial park on the south side of town. Two businesses were completely destroyed, several others sustained major damage, and a number of homes were also damaged as the tornado passed by the town. Sadly, one young boy was killed while attending a day camp in the local conservation area. The NTMC Academy was stripped of its shingles and some siding. Before we were able to get tarps on the roof it rained very hard causing significant water damage to the interior. The building has been gutted and is in the process of repair. The school year has started and the children are having classes in different buildings. Also destroyed in the moment of furious wind were many trees which were a significant aspect of our landscaping. Many views are strangely different. Other items damaged included one vehicle, a portable car shelter, and assorted patio furniture.
GPS...find your place in missions
Within a few minutes of the tornado touching down, the sound of chainsaws could be heard as the Property Management Team directed the first response. In the two days that followed, the trees and the assorted debris were cleaned up.
the clean up
the wind in His fists? Proverbs 30:4
Most of the Academy has been gutted due to water damage.
We thank the Lord: • Three men who were in the Academy preparing for the start of school were very surprised - but not hurt! • The damage could have been much worse. • The office was not damaged, though a mere 30 metres from the Academy. • Many local people and churches came to help and prepared food for the cleanup workers.
If you’re interested in knowing how you can help, call 519.369.2622.
millions unreached...none unreachable
new sEMESTER new students Life has certainly changed for the 16 new students enrolled in NTMC’s Missionary Training Course (MTC). After months, and sometimes years, of anticipation they have moved in and begun their training at the Missionary Training Centre.
Campus
Development The development of the campus began soon after it was purchased in September 1967. Often we think of “development” as construction but it also includes renovation and even destruction. In 2008 we completed the demolition of two very old and small student residence units, and during that process continued the construction of the latest housing project, a six-apartment residence. Two of those apartments should be occupied by the end of November. At the same time, others of our property management team have been working to renovate and repair other buildings.
Mornings are spent in class and afternoons are spent working around the campus. Some days the afternoon jobs are rather routine, but they also have opportunities to be exposed to projects in which they can learn new skills. We were blessed by three work teams this summer. One was from Alabama, shown above, one from Seneca Community Church in New York, and a third from East Side Grace Brethren Church in Ohio. For a good number of these folks their week at NTMC was their vacation time. They encouraged the staff and assisted in construction and maintenance projects.
New Tribes Mission of Canada PO Box 707 Durham, ON N0G 1R0 519.369.2622
ntmc@ntmc.ca
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