VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 3/19/19)—In response to floods in the Plains and Midwest caused by rapid snowmelt and heavy rains, American Baptist Home Mission Societies, on behalf of American Baptist Churches USA, has launched a One Great Hour of Sharing campaign to raise much-needed funds for victims.
At least two people have been killed and several others are missing, prompting government leaders in Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois to declare states of emergency, forcing residents of those states to flee their homes.
News of the deaths came as Iowa residents were driven from their homes when the Missouri River breached and broke levees. In the southwest portion of the state, the river rose to over 30 feet.
Rev. Dr. Robin Stoops, executive minister, ABC of Nebraska, reports two-thirds of the population in his state has been affected by the flooding. The ABC Church in Valley (United Faith Community Church) has sustained damage from sewage water coming up through basement toilets. Currently there is about two feet of sewage water in the basement classrooms. Gibbon Baptist Church is assisting its members and members of the community with clean up and repair. First Baptist Church of Fremont is working with the poorest elementary school in the area, providing backpacks of food and other supplies to students; many live in a trailer park that has been completely flooded. “The list goes on and on,” Stoop says.
“Please pray for survivors, many of whom fled their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs,” says Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, ABHMS executive director. “And consider prayerful giving: your financial gifts will allow survivors to return to their lives with some sense of normalcy.”
How you can help
Please join us in supporting the relief efforts in Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois. Donations can be made via your church or online by visiting www.abc-usa.org and clicking “Give Online” at the top right of the page – in the “Comments” section, type “OGHS-2019 Midwest Floods;” or by check, designated to “OGHS-2019 Midwest Floods,” and mailed to the ABHMS Office of Development care of Kim Wilkins, 1075 First Ave., King of Prussia, PA 19406. To ensure your church receives credit for your gift, include the church name on the check.
One hundred percent of donations are allocated to these relief efforts; no funds retained for administrative costs.
One Great Hour of Sharing is administered by the World Relief Committee of the Board of General Ministries of American Baptist Churches USA. The committee facilitates American Baptist emergency relief, disaster rehabilitation, refugee work and development assistance by establishing policy guidelines and overseeing distribution of the annual One Great Hour of Sharing offering received by churches.
American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.
American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.