Community of Christ has approved the release of $32,500 in humanitarian aid
for areas affected by recent hurricanes.
Of the $32,500, the church will contribute $20,000 immediately from the World
Church Oblation Fund for humanitarian aid in responding to damage from
Hurricane Katrina in the southern USA. Part of this amount will be disbursed
directly by the Gulf Mission Center, which provides congregational support in
Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, with the remainder being donated to the
American Red Cross.
Communities in Haiti devastated by Hurricane Dennis in July 2005, will be
rebuilt with the help of $10,000. The aid will assist more than 1,500 church
families to purchase food, seeds for next year’s harvest, and construction
material for their homes.
The World Hunger fund will provide $2,500 to the Fishes and Loaves pantry
of the South Miami Congregation. An additional $500 donation from the Florida
Mission Center will also aid this pantry, which serves the
neighborhood around the congregation that suffered flooding and loss of
electricity when Katrina struck. “After the perishable foods spoiled, members
wanted to restock the pantry quickly because the need is so great. More than
35 families will benefit from this effort,” said Greg Savage, Florida Mission
Center financial officer.
“This situation is so enormous it is mentally draining for everyone. Even
people who are normally strong in a crisis situation are having a hard time
coping with the devastation,” said Stancil Wilson, Gulf Mission Center
financial officer. The church will be providing updates at
www.CofChrist.org/disaster-relief/ and when the roads are passable
ministry teams will be going to affected areas to provide pastoral ministry.
John Chatburn will be acting as hurricane relief coordinator. Chatburn’s
primary focus will be to match people’s needs with available assistance. He
can be contacted at
jchatburn@CofChrist.org or 1-800-825-2806, ext. 1212, regarding the status
of church members in the affected areas, offers of assistance, and other
information.
The Presiding Bishopric announced that all Oblation funds collected from the
1,200 congregations in North America in September will be used for relief
and aid in the areas affected
by these storms. Members and friends can make direct contributions for
disaster relief through the World Church Oblation Fund.
Members and friends are challenged to donate generously to the Oblation and
World Hunger Funds during September to allow even greater response on behalf
of the church. Contributions to these funds can be made at
online or by mailing a check or money order to Community of Christ World
Headquarters, ATTN: Hurricane Relief, 1001 W. Walnut, Independence, MO 64050
USA.
