wfn.org | Disciples thanked for tornado relief

["Disciples Off. of Communication"<wshuffit@oc.disciples.org>]

contributions
Date: May 25, 1999
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
E-mail: CWillis@oc.disciples.org
on the Web: http://www.disciples.org

99b-41

	INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- The regional minister of 
the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 
Oklahoma praised the denomination's response to 
cleanup efforts following May 3 tornados that 
ravaged Oklahoma and parts of Kansas. 

	"The response from the whole church has been 
most gratifying," said Regional Minister Tom 
Jewell in an open letter to Disciples members. 
Week of Compassion gave $25,000 directly to the 
region. 

	Oklahoma Disciples also received, upon a request 
by the Rev. Johnny Wray, WOC director, $121,000 
in gifts designated for Oklahoma Week of 
Compassion tornado relief. Of the $146,000 total, 
more than $91,000 has been given to 80 families 
who were acutely affected by the storm.

	Other regional efforts included a luncheon for 
area pastors and an upcoming "Christmas in June" 
party at the Oklahoma Disciples Center. The June 
5 event "will minister directly to the 50 
children that are from 23 of the 80 families," 
said Jewell. "This will be a special way to 
support parents and bring joy to the children who 
have lost so much."

	Forty-five families were left homeless and 35 
families experienced significant damage to their 
homes, according to Jewell. "These families come 
from 16 congregations, the majority from the 
Oklahoma City area." 

	A member of Oklahoma City's Hillcrest Christian 
Church was killed during the tornado series. 
"Only one Disciple remains hospitalized -- from 
the Perry congregation -- at a hospital in Enid," 
said Jewell.

	In Kansas, 10 Disciples families from four 
Wichita-area congregations were displaced. In 
addition, the sanctuary of First Christian 
Church, Haysville, was destroyed. Other areas of 
the building received significant structural 
damage.

	Short-term needs in Oklahoma are adequately 
being addressed by congregations in and outside 
of the region, Jewell said. "And for that, I'm 
grateful. Week of Compassion dollars will 
continue to be needed and dispersed to those 
families with particular needs.

	"While this whole experience has been born of 
tragedy, this whole experience has revealed, once 
again, the gracious blessings that come from 
being people of the Christian Church (Disciples 
of Christ). Thank you so much for your prayers, 
gifts and words of encouragement."

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