KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (ABNS 8/19/24)—The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season spawned Hurricanes Debby and Ernesto in rapid succession, with both fierce storm systems carving paths of destruction on their respective journeys and leaving communities in desperate need of aid.

After making landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast August 5 as a Category 1 hurricane, Debby unleashed tornadoes and torrential rains that caused at least seven fatalities in the Southeast United States and widespread flooding along the storm’s near week-long trek up the East Coast toward Canada.

On the heels of Hurricane Debby, Tropical Storm Ernesto formed in the mid-Atlantic, rapidly intensifying to become Hurricane Ernesto August 12 on a trajectory toward the Caribbean. Two days later, it struck a glancing blow to Puerto Rico, resulting in a loss of electricity across half of the island.

“As Hurricanes Debby and Ernesto leave wakes of devastation,” said Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, executive director of American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS), “we are called to stand in solidarity with our neighbors, lifting up those in need with our prayers and financial support through OGHS [One Great Hour of Sharing]. By contributing to relief efforts, we bring hope and healing to those suffering. Let us respond with compassion and generosity, reflecting the love of Christ in this time of crisis.”

Your donations to OGHS are directed to the designated disaster areas in the U.S. and Puerto Rico to address immediate needs and often long afterward as additional needs emerge. All your gifts will make a difference in the lives of people you may or may not know and show the love of God when and where it is needed most.

The World Relief Committee of the Board of General Ministries of American Baptist Churches USA administers OGHS. 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.

How you can help:

Please join American Baptists in supporting the relief efforts directed toward those affected by the recent hurricanes and their aftermath. One hundred percent of designated OGHS gifts are allocated to domestic disaster relief.

You can donate via your church or directly online.

Checks designated to OGHS–Hurricanes Debby and Ernesto Relief should be mailed to ABHMS’ Office of Development care of Kim Wilkins, 1075 First Avenue, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406. If intended, donor checks should also include the name of the donor’s church and the name Debby or Ernesto in the memo section of the check to ensure that the church receives credit for the gift.

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 USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.