wfn.org | ABCUSA: SEPT. 11 RELIEF UPDATE

[RICH.SCHRAMM@ecunet.org]

AMERICAN BAPTIST NEWS SERVICE 
Office of Communication  
American Baptist Churches USA 
P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851 
Phone: (610)768-2077 / Fax: (610)768-2320 
Web: www.abc-usa.org
Richard W. Schramm, Director 
 E-mail: richard.schramm@abc-usa.org

SEPT.11 RELIEF: AN `ONGOING' GREAT HOUR OF 
SHARING FOR AMERICAN BAPTISTS
by Fran Homer, National Ministries, American Baptist Churches 
USA
 The compassionate response of American Baptists 
to the victims of Sept. 11 has far surpassed previous 
responses to a single national disaster.  A total of 
$976,950.12 has been received in designated One Great 
Hour of Sharing (OGHS) gifts.  Four months after the 
attacks, National Ministries' Office of National Disaster 
Relief, in conjunction with the American Baptist Office of 
World Relief, has released almost 40 percent of these 
funds for relief efforts.
 "Over $261,000 has been sent to the American 
Baptist Churches of Metro New York region, which has 
initiated a grief counseling and pastoral care program and 
is dealing on a case-by-case basis with requests for 
assistance from persons affected by the disaster," said 
Ken George, National Ministries' director of Direct Human 
Services.  "Another $106,000+ has been sent to our 
ecumenical partner organization, Church World Services' 
Emergency Response Program, which is focusing on 
pastoral and grief counseling efforts."
 Thirty congregations in the ABC of Metro New 
York were directly impacted by the tragedy through the 
loss of friends, colleagues and family members.  As 
American Baptist churches in the city reached out with 
immediate aid the region provided cash assistance to 
replenish food pantries that were quickly depleted.  Metro 
New York congregations are committed to healing for the 
city as they work to meet people's long-term needs.
 To help facilitate the process the Rev. James O. 
Stallings, executive minister of ABC of Metro New York, 
has named the Rev. Susan Lockwood of Chicago to serve 
as the region's disaster response coordinator. By 
establishing this new position, Stallings said, "we continue 
to shape our outreach for a sustained response to the 
great needs in the City of New York."
 Lockwood will work closely with region staff and 
congregations to develop, strengthen and coordinate 
activities and programs in spiritual care, disaster relief 
assistance, and volunteer training and coordination.  Part 
of her work will involve collaboration with partner agencies 
and the New York Disaster Recovery Interfaith Taskforce, 
which Stallings co-chairs.  Lockwood, who has been 
appointed for one year, brings experience in pastoral 
ministry, faith-based community organizing and 
organizational development. Following Sept. 11 she served 
a month as a relief volunteer with the region.
 Church World Service has announced a series of 
10 workshops for faith leaders on meeting the long-term 
challenges stemming from Sept. 11.  The training sessions 
will be held in New York City, Washington D.C. and New 
Jersey.  Presenters are professional trained leaders from 
Oklahoma City who have had extensive experience coping 
with the effects of the April 1995 bombing there.  Specific 
dates and locations are available by calling 1-800-ABC-
3USA/x2034.
 "Our concern is to make sure that the funds 
designated for Sept. 11 relief are used effectively and 
prudently, and faithful to the spirit and intent of the 
contributors," George said.  "The speed with which funds 
are distributed directly relates to these concerns.  Please 
continue to pray for all those involved in this `Ongoing' 
Great Hour of Caring and Sharing on your behalf in the 
name of Jesus Christ."

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