October 12, 2004

$100,000 Oblation Challenge
for Hurricane Relief

Significant numbers of church families have experienced devastation from hurricanes in the Caribbean and southern United States.

We are challenged to contribute to the Community of Christ Oblation Fund during November (especially the first Sunday) as a worldwide church committed to providing $100,000 for members and friends in need.

In anticipation of members’ desire to help, thousands of Oblation dollars have already been distributed:

• $10,000 to the Alabama-Northwest Florida USA Mission Center, where leaders have identified at least 10 church families who have lost essentially everything. Some initial funds have already been distributed among these families.
• $10,000 to the Caribbean Mission Center to meet needs of church members
• $3,000 to Jamaica for emergency relief that restored shelter for some individuals and helped limit damage to church buildings
• $3,000 to the Gulf USA Mission Center to provide for basic needs of two church families in Robertsdale, Alabama

Some needs are also being addressed through the World Hunger Fund:

• $5,000 to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, as requested by the Florida USA Mission Center
• $2,000 to the ROCK Food Pantry, as requested by Les Kelly, director of the Congregation Expansion Ministry in Pensacola, Florida

Jan-W. Stabno shared the following regarding specific areas of the Caribbean Mission Center:

Haiti
Floods, flood-related illness, mudslides, and raging rivers followed the hurricanes and tropical storms. Thousands have died and hundreds of thousands are homeless. The city of Gonaïve was hit especially hard. Many have been living on the streets or rooftops of flooded homes.

Community of Christ financial officer Michel Rosier said that many people have lost their homes, clothing, food, etc. The deaths of one church member and the relatives of a field minister have been reported. The church building in Pilate was lost and there has been little communication with the other 17 congregations outside Gonaïve.

Transportation and communication are still difficult. Getting aid to people in Haiti is further complicated by political uprising, roaming gangs, and robbers. The nationwide Community of Christ women’s conference that was planned for October will be rescheduled for 2005.

Jamaica
Three pastors in Jamaica lost their homes, and several church members suffered damage to their homes. Crops were destroyed in several areas. One church building was lost in Big Bridge, Westmoreland. Substantial roof damage occurred to the building in Somerset, and minor roof damage at Chudleigh. Community of Christ church buildings have served as emergency shelters and temporary housing. Seven families spent several days in the Chudleigh congregation.

Grand Cayman
Infrastructure is being restored following indescribable damage. All information indicates that church members were physically unharmed. The church building and van in Georgetown were miraculously undamaged. The Peace Chapel congregation was able to begin worshiping together again on October 3. The locally insured Mission House in South Sound had to be demolished, with plans to rebuild.

Dominican Republic
Eastern areas of the Dominican Republic were flooded. Transportation and communication have been impossible. Bridges are now being restored. Mission center leaders continue efforts to contact the 50 members who live in that area and assume that some have lost or damaged housing.

Aruba
The rented facility where church members gather is undamaged and no members suffered major property damage.

Jim Marcombe, Les Kelly, and Stancil Wilson shared the following from the southern United States:

Alabama and Florida, USA
All church members are physically unharmed. Individuals and families who have lost homes continue to be identified and Oblation assistance dispersed. Assessment of damage to church buildings continues. These costs will be covered by insurance policies and insurance reserves.

Louisiana and Mississippi, USA
Initial communication from Louisiana and Mississippi report no major damage.

 

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