February 18, 2009

Oblation Aid to Australia

Oblation aid of AU$10,000 was sent early this month to help people in Australia affected by recent bush fires and floods. Fires have burned for more than a week in southern Victoria, killing at least 181 people and destroying more than 1,800 homes. In North Queensland, flooding has overwhelmed communities and thousands of homes have been affected.

Australia Mission Centre Financial Officer Paul Ferrett reported that “inquiries are continuing but at this stage we are not aware of church members who have lost family members or even property, although some have lost friends and are naturally affected by that.”

SaintsCare, the Australian beneficent arm of the church responsible for Oblation aid, will distribute the aid. An agency (or agencies) already on the ground providing emergency assistance will receive AU$5,000 to help with firestorm relief and AU$5,000 for flood relief.

Thanks to the generous ongoing support of Oblation Fund contributors, Community of Christ is able to respond as a worldwide church to these needs in Australia. You can give to Oblation online.

Thank you for sharing this news, offering prayers, and giving generously.