One Great Hour of Sharing is a tangible expression of love—walking with communities in times of crisis. In late September and early October, we saw major destruction from two Hurricanes, Ian and Fiona. As needs are assessed, gifts are encouraged to One Great Hour of Sharing to aid affected areas. Persons who wish to give to relief efforts may do so through the One Great Hour of Sharing offering. Gifts can be made through our giving page, here. Checks and contributions can be designated to specific storms: “OGHS PR 2022 Hurricane” or “OGHS Hurricane Ian” to aid affected areas as needed. Gifts are also invited year round to “One Great Hour of Sharing” for need in different areas.
As Hurricane Ian approached the United States on September 28, ABCUSA General Secretary C. Jeff Woods shared with American Baptist Churches of the South Executive Minister James Harrison, “As hurricane Ian approaches the region of the South and especially the state of Florida, our prayers are with the people of your region. We know that your resilience is evident and we know that God has strengthened and comforted those in harm’s way in the past. We lift up you and the region in prayer during this critical time.”
Following Hurricane Fiona Woods wrote, “Please pray for the people of Puerto Rico who are experiencing the most dramatic flooding on the island since Hurricane Maria. The 2022 Hurricane Fiona has dumped over 25 inches of rain and caused massive flooding. We are so grateful for the American Baptist Home Mission Societies, which serves as the principle channel for distribution of relief funds in the U.S.,” said Woods. “ABHMS has organized a constant flow of volunteers to Puerto Rico since Hurricane Maria struck in 2017. Please pray, give, and volunteer as you are able to help our Puerto Rico residents recover from this disaster.”
Financial contributions to support relief efforts can be sent through your local American Baptist church or via check payable to American Baptist Churches USA, 1015 W. 9th Ave., King of Prussia, PA 19406, including “OGHS” on the memo line. Or make a contribution online.
One hundred percent of donations go to relief efforts; no dollars are 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 the distribution of the annual OGHS offering received by churches.