Flood Relief Continues in Louisiana and Mississippi
Relief efforts continue in the flood ravaged region of Mississippi and Louisiana. During the first three days, Church of God’s partner agency, Operation Compassion, sent seven semi-trailers loaded with emergency supplies and products. Four more semi-trailers were staged and ready for delivery. Critical items such as bleach and cleaning supplies, disaster boxes and buckets, bottled water and blankets were loaded on these semi-trailers.
Dave Lorency, president of Operation Compassion said the need continues to be great.
“With the severity of the flooding, Operation Compassion needs to be prepared to deliver several more semi-trailers, but we need help,” Lorency stated. Operation Compassion needs financial partners that will help get these supplies to the flooded region and to the families who have lost everything.
A Church of God Communications team was on site last week and captured images and interviews with several Church of God pastors. One of the hardest hit was McLain Church of God. Video shows two feet of water among the pews, floating hymnals and a flooded educational wing. No repairs could take place until waters receded which were not expected to do so until over the weekend. Other churches were also affected, including the Robert Church of God and Savannah Branch Church of God.
“In recent years, if I have come to learn anything about the Church of God, it’s that the Church of God is characterized by uncommon generosity,” General Overseer Mark Williams stated. “This is especially true when disaster strikes. As the water is receding we are finding such hopeless devastation….parsonages and church buildings have been devastated. So, Church of God family, once again it’s time for us to help.”
There are several ways to assist in the relief effort. They include donating to Operation Compassion (www.opertationcompassion.org), or by visiting the Church of God website and clicking on the disaster relief graphic. There you will find more information, an informative update video and a donate option.
Commenting on the relief efforts, pastor of the Savannah Branch Church David Doiron said, “When we needed to be loved, the Church of God is loving us now and continues to love us.”
