Elizabeth Lloyd couldn’t stop smiling and praising God on Monday morning.
After months of prayer and paperwork, Lloyd had special visitors who were helping to rebuild her home after damage from Hurricane Florence.
“You don’t know how I was living,” Lloyd said while sitting on her porch. “I love what they are doing. If they do anything, I am satisfied.
Volunteers from the Mennonite Disaster Service and the Marion District of the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Disaster Recovery worked this week to improve Lloyd’s home.
Lloyd admitted that she would holler and shout if she could because she was so happy and appreciative.
“I am glad they are here,” she said.  “The Lord is good. I sat down every night and prayed for it. And finally, it is here. I appreciate them and thank the Lord for sending them. I bless all of them.”
Steve Nolan, construction coordinator for United Methodist Disaster Recovery said the roof of Lloyd’s home was torn off in sections after Hurricane Florence and has been tarped.  The water has damaged the interior walls and the floor. The group was putting on a completely new roof and replacing the damaged floor. 
Nolan added the appliances have fallen through the floor, so they were also putting in new appliances. 
“We are going to replace and make new. Hurricane Florence was in 2018 but still has a grip. “There are still lasting effects throughout our county.”
This was a joint effort with the Marlboro Long Term Recovery Group, the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Disaster Recovery, and the Mennonite Disaster Service. 
“We are glad that Ms. Lloyd is allowing us to help her,” Nolan said.
Don Mintmier, site director for Mennonite Disaster Services said the main goal is to restore hope and to help people rebuild. 
“This will give them hope to change their life in some way,” he said. “Our goal is to get people back in their homes in a comfortable safe environment.
The group helping with the Lloyd home had nine Mennonite females and two other volunteers from various towns in Pennsylvania. They range in ages from 17-19.
Mintmier said they are considered old-order Mennonite and not Amish. 
They use horses and buggies but do not drive cars. 
The group had a driver bring them down and paid their way here.
“They are here to work,” he said.
The group was part of a program on Wednesday at McColl United Methodist Church, where they were staying. The group sang and explained Mennonite Disaster Service.
Lisa Zimmerman said it was her first time participating as a volunteer. 
“I wanted to help people,” she said.  “It is a rewarding job to be able to help others.”
Felicia, a volunteer from Philadelphia, said it was her first time volunteering with the program.
“I just thought the work being done was very purposeful. I wanted to serve in any way I can,” she said.
Felicia added the experience has been great and she has enjoyed getting to know more about the Mennonites. 
“Everyone who is a part of this is also volunteering. It is nice to see people coming together to do this.
This is the third year that United Methodist Disaster Recovery has been working in the county. The Marion district covers Chesterfield, Marlboro, Marion, and Dillon counties and extends to Georgetown.