August 2007

A Man Of Few Words Finds Ministry Through Hamm Radio Operations

George Rainsbarger, of Emporia (KS), used new skills, learned at a Hamm radio convention, in ministry following the F5 tornado, which demolished the small town of Greensburg.

“A man of few words.” That is the way most people describe George Rainsbarger. A man of few words that is, unless he is behind the mike of one of his Hamm radios.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Cor 10:31 NIV)

George frequently pondered how God could use his talents and hobby as a radio operator for God’s glory. His desire often became a prayer as he sat down at the controls. “Hello. This is WBOVLB.”

One weekend in September, while attending a Hamm radio convention, George attended a class presented by the Salvation Army. There, he learned how he could use his radio skills and equipment during a national disaster.

He continued with the class and was certified by FEMA to be called upon if a national disaster ever again occurred. Little did he know that in just a few months an F5 tornado would strike close to home.

“For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, the door will be opened” (MT 7:8 NIV)

Late on Friday night, May 4, God opened a way for George to use his abilities for God’s glory.

As he sat down to watch the late news, a bulletin beeped across the TV screen. A major tornado had hit Greensburg (KS). No further details were available then. He went to bed that night praying for the people there.

A few hours later, a radio call came, asking if he could come to the stricken area and volunteer as a communications director. Phone services were down. Electricity was non-existent. Hamm radio operators were needed.

God had a job for George to do.

George packed his radios and antennas, tent, cot, and personal gear, and headed for Haviland (KS). The communications center was located at Hockett Auditorium on the Barclay College campus. Once there, George set up his equipment and met the Salvation Army staff.

The next seven days were hectic. Early each morning, he conducted an organizational group meeting of the concessions staff. During the day, as volunteers needed food, drinks, and materials to hand out in Greensburg, they radioed George. He then made arrangements for deliveries.

In addition, George contacted Kansas City for major shipments when supplies were running low. Evenings found him organizing materials for the next day. Using the Hamm radios was quicker, more reliable, and cheaper than phone services.

“I knew the Lord had finally shown me a way to use my skills for his service. I just didn’t know it would come so soon, be so close to home, and involve people I was familiar with.”

George’s experience provides an example of how the Lord can use anyone’s talents and hobbies, especially those who are willing to “ask and seek”—even a Hamm radio operator who is usually a man of few words.

—Charlotte Rainsbarger

Charlotte Whitehurst-Rainsbarger graduated from Friends Bible College. She earned a master’s degree from Emporia State University and currently teaches 5th grade in Emporia. She, her husband, George, and son, Billy, are members of First Friends Church of Emporia (KS).