wfn.org | Arkansas, Kentucky Disciples affected by floods and tornadoes

[DISCNEWS.parti@ecunet.org]

Date:  March 4, 1997
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
Email: CWillis@oc.disciples.org
on the web: http//www.disciples.org

97b-12
                              
     INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- Christian Church (Disciples Christ) members in
Arkansas and
Kentucky have been hard hit by killer tornadoes and torrential rains plaguing
parts of South-central United States.

     In Arkansas, nearly 30 people have been killed and 300 persons injured as
a result of a
March 1 series of tornadoes. Entire blocks of homes and businesses also were
destroyed, 
according to the Rev. Johnny Wray, administrative director of Week of
Compassion. 

     In north-central Kentucky, entire communities have been evacuated and are
underwater,
and the situation could worsen as the Ohio River continues to rise, Wray said.

     No damage was reported to Arkansas Disciples congregations, but First
Christian Church,
Arkadelphia; Parkview Christian Church, Little Rock; and First Christian
Church, Hot Springs,
have members who were injured or lost homes. 

     In Kentucky, several Disciples' church buildings have been affected.
Especially hard hit
were the Falmouth, Morgan and Monterey congregations. At least 10 Kentucky
congregations
have members whose homes and businesses are underwater.

     Disciples congregations are serving as Red Cross staging centers, food
and clothing
distribution points, and shelter centers in the flood and tornado stricken
areas, said Wray. WOC is
preparing emergency grants to help congregations meet immediate human needs
and to support
numerous relief and recovery efforts.

     In the meantime Disciples can send "Gifts of the Heart" kits, especially
cleanup and health
supplies, to the Church World Service Distribution Center in New Windsor, Md.
Contact the
Week of Compassion office at 317-635-3100 for content and mailing details.

     Volunteers also will be needed to complete cleanup and rebuilding work
months after
emergency relief teams leave, said the WOC administrator. Several Disciples
congregations in
Kentucky, especially, will need hands-on help.

                          - 30 -

DISCNEWS - inbox for Disciples News Service, Office of Communication,
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), PO Box 1986 Indianapolis, IN 46206,
tele. (317) 635-3100, (DISCNEWS.part@ecunet.org) Wilma Shuffitt, News and
Information Assistant; (CLIFF WILLIS.part@ecunet.org) Cliff Willis, Director
of News and Information; (CURT MILLER.part@ecunet.org) Executive Director