Nearly a year after two tornadoes devastated Cordova, faith-based groups such as the Mennonite Disaster Service and Christian Reformed World Relief Committee are still in the area working on storm-related projects.

Those volunteers, some of whom come from as far away as Canada, are about to get some much-needed help from local church members.

The Cordova Ministerial Association is organizing an effort to tackle some of the 150 cases that have been approved by the Walker County Long Term Recovery Committee. Most of the jobs are fully funded but have not been completed yet because of a lack of manpower.

Pastor Mark Lockhart of Corinth Baptist Church said many local churches responded to the needs of their neighbors in the immediate aftermath of April 27.

However, as months went by, those same congregations struggled to find their place in the recovery effort.

“We’re trying to get back to where we need to be because I think it’s vital for us to be the church,” Lockhart said.

Rev. Ryan Rosser of Long Memorial United Methodist Church said there is an opportunity for church members to not only build homes for storm survivors but also bring about healing.

“I think the key to helping Cordova recover is for the churches to reach out together as the hearts and hands of Jesus Christ,” said Rosser, president of the Cordova Ministerial Association.

The Association is seeking as many local churches as possible who are willing to organize one or more “home mission” teams.

The goal is to begin work the week after Easter.

Lockhart stressed that while church members with construction experience are encouraged to get involved, a variety of skill sets are needed to make the effort successful.

He added that Cordova residents have proved how willing they are to support local athletic teams. With so many local families still in need, he said it is now time to come together for a greater cause.

“If we could get the participation, there would be no limit to what God could do,” Lockhart said.

For more information, call 919-9473 or 435-4677.