There is a tempest off the coast of Florida, by the name of Dorian. What was once a Category 5 hurricane, has now been downgraded to a Category 2 with sustained winds of 105 mph. The storm system stalled over the Bahamas, for a day, wreaking havoc in an area unprepared for the length of time residents had to endure the storm. Stories of caring, rescue and hope are already being reported, as much of the East Coast braces for Dorian over the next few days. Even as people and agencies begin to arrive in the Bahamas, let us remember that this will be a long process of restoration and rebuilding of homes, and lives.
I hope that each of you knows that our own United Methodist Committee on Relief is already preparing to travel to the Bahamas and other nations as part of the support they offer to those who are entering the time of recovery. Below is a link to provide your churches with information about how we can support their efforts through our giving. More information will follow as the immediate and long-term needs are identified; including possible Volunteer in Mission trips, in the future. Also, please check with Sager Brown and the Midwest Mission Distribution Center. Both places accept a variety of kits which will be needed for the next several months. Please take advantage of their websites in order to create the kits by their specifications, so that all materials collected may go where they are most needed. I ask that you continue to lift the people impacted by Dorian and other natural disasters up in prayer. May God be with us. And Amen.
Give to UMCOR: International to assist the Bahamas (Advance #982450). Click HERE for more info. Give to UMCOR: Domestic to assist communities that will be impacted in the US (Advance #901670). Click HERE for more info.