VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 12/18/07) - National Ministries' office of Direct Human Services has released $5,000 in One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) undesignated disaster funds to assist an American Baptist Churches USA church reaching out to its members and the greater community affected by recent flooding in the state of Washington.
First Baptist Church of Chehalis has been assisting in the evacuation of flooded houses and businesses. The overflowing waters of the Chehalis River, about 35 miles south of Olympia, Wash., have inundated stretches of land between Chehalis and Centralia. Much of the news coverage is featuring damage in an area only about a mile from First Baptist Church. The First Baptist building has not been damaged, but other churches in the community are under 18 or more inches of water.
"Generous and caring American Baptists empower National Ministries to bring God's love and compassion to those across the United States and Puerto Rico whose lives are torn asunder by disaster. We give thanks for the faithful American Baptists who support One Great Hour of Sharing for times like these," says Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III, National Ministries' executive director.
Pastor Mark Wilks requests prayers for those devastated by the recent flooding. He reports a number of families who have been rescued from their homes will be unable to return; some homes may be a total loss. One family in the congregation may lose an entire dairy farm, including as many as 250 head of cattle.
Kenneth George, National Ministries' coordinator of Direct Human Services, asks for continuing support of OGHS by American Baptists. "Only through undesignated disaster funds can we reach out quickly to our own members and others across the country in times of devastation and great need. Faithful and joyful giving to this annual offering empowers American Baptist Churches USA, through National Ministries and International Ministries, to make a difference in people's lives."
Andrew C. Jayne American Baptist Churches USA Mission Resource Development http://www.abc-usa.org/