VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 12/20/17)—One Great Hour of Sharing giving by American Baptists, specifically targeted toward hurricane relief and relief for California fire victims, has totaled $1,636,292 over the past three months through November 2017.
“During this season of Advent and Christmas, American Baptists have once again demonstrated generosity and love for those who are in special need,” said American Baptist Churches USA General Secretary Lee B. Spitzer. “It is indeed better to give than to receive, and I pray that our churches will continue to donate to One Great Hour of Sharing. God’s Christmas gift of Jesus inspires us all to share God’s healing love with everyone in need. Thank you for your support.”
Through November 2017, American Baptists have given $1,616,384 to hurricane relief for Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. Specifically, the amounts donated for each event are as follows: Hurricane Harvey – $705,141; Hurricane Irma – $258,926; and Hurricane Maria/Puerto Rico – $652,317. Giving to the California fires has totaled an additional $19,908 in the past 3 months.
Victoria Goff, associate director for Mission Advancement & Passionary Movement with American Baptist Home Mission Societies, said, “2017 will go down in the history books for the massive devastation that steamrolled across our American Baptist domestic mission field from three major hurricanes and three significant forest fires, all within just months. Yes, we have been tested, but, as always, American Baptists have risen to the challenge and supported relief efforts following each disaster through One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) designated gifts. These gifts have been used to bring hope to Montana and California residents as they clear the ashes of fire. OGHS gifts have also been used in Louisiana, Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico to help churches and individuals affected by hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. Thank you, American Baptists! It is a joy and a privilege to serve with you bringing light to our brothers and sisters in Christ during some very dark times.”
Donations to OGHS may be made via your church; by visiting www.abc-usa.org and clicking “Give Online” at the top right of the page. In the “Comments” section, type “OGHS”; or via a check designated to “OGHS” and mailed 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.
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 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.