VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 9/20/13)—American Baptist Churches has released $10,000 in One Great Hour of Sharing disaster relief funds through American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) to American Baptist Churches of the Rocky Mountains.
Causing injuries, fatalities and billions of dollars in property damage, the flooding was a result of heavy rain that fell in the region Sept. 9-15.
“The flooding in Colorado affected many people—not only those who have been publicized but many downstream,” says the Rev. Dr. Steve Van Ostran, executive minister of American Baptist Churches of the Rocky Mountains. “Having worked with several disasters, I am keenly aware that one of the best ways to give to disaster relief is the One Great Hour of Sharing offering because we work through established and trusted partners who are already in the community. I encourage those who want to help to contribute to One Great Hour of Sharing.”
American Baptist pastors in Colorado will use the funds for Colorado residents who have been affected, including those who have no other source of help. Aid will be provided either through direct funds or provision of services by volunteers and professionals.
“Our hearts go out to the thousands who have suffered losses from the massive flooding,” says Michaele Birdsall, ABHMS deputy director and chief financial officer. “Communities that used to consider themselves immune from the devastating impact of natural disasters are now faced with the emotional, financial and spiritual challenges of short-term recovery and long-term rebuilding efforts. Your generous gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing Offering are a tangible way of extending God’s love to those in need.”
Donations designated to “One Great Hour of Sharing—Colorado Flood” can be mailed to the attention of Kim Wilkins at American Baptist Home Mission Societies, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851, or made online here. One hundred percent of donations go to relief efforts; no dollars are retained for administrative costs.
For more information, contact Wilkins at 1-800-222-3872, x2413, or kim.wilkins@abhms.org.
American Baptist Home Mission Societies—the domestic mission arm of American Baptist Churches USA—ministers as the caring heart and serving hands of Jesus Christ across the United States and Puerto Rico through a multitude of initiatives that focus on discipleship, community and justice.
OGHS is administered by the World Relief Committee of the Board of General Ministries, ABCUSA. The committee facilitates American Baptist emergency relief, disaster rehabilitation, refugee work and development assistance by establishing policy guidelines and overseeing distribution of the annual OGHS offering.
American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with over 5,200 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.