Hurricane Gustav recently cut a swath of damage across the Caribbean and Gulf Coast areas leaving billions of dollars in damages in its wake. Families from Church of God congregations were affected in these areas and the need for financial and volunteer assistance has become apparent. The state of Louisiana, where Rev. Bob Moore is state overseer, has reported damage to several churches and parsonages, as well as significant roof damage to the state offices. Some areas are still inaccessible to get a true assessment of the needs.
In the Caribbean, some of the island nations, such as Honduras, were spared the brunt of Hurricane Gustav’s force, but are now fearing other hurricanes which have formed over the Atlantic and are threatening. Please be in prayer for these countries where the Church of God has a strong presence for protection of our churches, congregations, pastors and their families.
The Church of God’s Operation Compassion has been deployed to Baton Rouge, La., where there are currently five semi trucks of relief supplies, such as water and non-perishables that do not require refrigeration. In the hardest hit areas, electricity is still rare, so ice and iced water are immediate needs. In the days to come, those affected by the hurricane will be in need of such staples as cleaning supplies, trash bags and tools, as well as home improvement materials to make repairs.
Many have contacted the International Offices asking about how they can best be of assistance. General Overseer Raymond Culpepper and the Church of God Executive Committee have announced that the Disaster Relief Fund, established in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, is nearly depleted, leaving limited relief for those in need.
“We are asking that individuals and churches consider receiving a special offering,” Culpepper stated. “This was an unforeseen disaster and we have pastors and churches who are in desperate situations. We want to be able to assist them as they recover, but it takes funds which are running low at this time.”
Donations given to the Disaster Relief Fund go 100% toward helping congregations and church families in need because of a disaster. To contribute, please call 1-800-323-7264 between the hours of 8:00 – 5:00 p.m. EST, or checks can be mailed to Church of God Disaster Relief Fund, P.0. Box 2430, Cleveland, TN 37320-2430.
For those who wish to volunteer, there will be avenues of assistance, but attachment to a benevolent of disaster relief agency will usually be necessary. To learn more about volunteering or to donate product, please contact:
Operation Compassion
Donnie W. Smith, D.Min., Executive Director of Care Division
David Lorency, President
Tim Burdashaw, Int’l. Operations Coordinator
Lisa Boen, Int’l. Logistics Coordinator
114 Stuart Road, NE Suite 370
Cleveland, TN 37312
423.728.3932 Office
423.728.3958 Fax
www.operationcompassion.org [1]