VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 9/19/17)—American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) continues to provide support to the survivors of hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Both recently brought strong winds and flooding that resulted in structural damage, power outages, injuries and fatalities—Harvey in Texas and Louisiana, and Irma in Puerto Rico and Florida.
Hurricane Harvey relief efforts
On behalf of American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA), ABHMS released a $10,000 One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) Emergency Disaster Relief Grant to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, Houston, Texas. Wheeler is serving as a hurricane donation and distribution center, providing Houston residents with personal-care items, baby items, household items and cleaning supplies.
ABHMS released a $5,000 OGHS Emergency Disaster Relief Grant, on behalf of ABCUSA, to
American Baptist Men USA (ABMen). Funds will be used to aid ABMen’s cleanup and rebuilding efforts at St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church’s and National Baptist Convention of America International Inc.’s sites in Lake Charles, La., and Port Arthur, Texas.
Hurricane Irma relief efforts
In response to Hurricane Irma, Mount Olive Development Corp. (MODCO) of New Mount Olive Baptist Church, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., created a feeding ministry that prepared and served more than 2,550 meals Sept. 12-17. MODCO is feeding the poorest of the poor, many of whom are seniors, single-parent families and individuals with HIV. While MODCO estimates that an additional 1,000 food-insecure individuals could benefit from the ministry, the organization’s resources have become limited. ABHMS, on behalf of ABCUSA, released a $5,000 OGHS Emergency Disaster Relief Grant to MODCO.
First Baptist Institutional Church, St. Petersburg, Fla., began a feeding ministry to provide meals to St. Petersburg residents affected by the hurricane. On behalf of ABCUSA, ABHMS released a $5,000 OGHS Emergency Disaster Relief Grant to assist with the ministry.
In addition, ABHMS released, on behalf of ABCUSA, a $10,000 OGHS Emergency Disaster Relief Grant to American Baptist Churches of Puerto Rico. Funds will be used to deliver food to families of greatest need. In addition, 200 families will be provided with certificates to grocery stores.
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.
How you can continue to help
Survivors continue to need your prayers. In addition, donations designated to “OGHS – Hurricane Harvey” or “OGHS – Hurricane Irma” can be made through your church; by visiting https://www.abc-usa.org/ and clicking “Give Online” at the top right of the page. In the “Comments” section, type “OGHS – Hurricane Harvey” or “OGHS – Hurricane Irma.” Or, mail to the attention of Kim Wilkins at American Baptist Home Mission Societies, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA, 19482-0851.One hundred percent of donations go to relief efforts; no dollars are retained for administrative costs. To ensure that your church receives credit for your gift, write the church name on your check or, if giving online, in the “comment” box.
For those who wish to donate items, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church’s distribution center requests the following: toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, brushes, soap, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, mouthwash, lotion, disposable razors, incontinence products and new undergarments, in all sizes from children’s to male and female plus sizes; all sizes of diapers, formula, baby wipes, new bottles, new pacifiers, crib sheets, baby blankets, and new or gently used highchairs, car seats and infant swings; new or gently used bed linens, blankets, pillows and bath towels in all sizes; bleach, bleach wipes, sponges, spray bottles, mops, brooms, dish soap, scrub brushes, sanitizer, laundry detergent; pots, dishes, silverware, paper products, plastic cutlery, wet/dry vacuums and dish towels. Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church is at 3810 Ruth St., Houston, Texas, 77004, and can be reached at 713-579-2792.
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.