Executive Council Receives Flood Relief Report
Cleveland, TN—The International Executive Council of the Church of God, meeting in session September 27-28, 2016 at the International Offices, received a report on the recent plea for disaster flood relief for churches and families in Louisiana.
In the update presented by General Overseer Tim Hill, it was reported that since the appeal was made following floods that devastated the area in and around Baton Rouge, over $864,000 has been received through various sources to assist in rebuilding nearly a dozen Church of God congregations that were either destroyed or heavily damaged.
Hill presented a breakdown of the donations which included more than $685,000 received into the General Fund, and more than $33,000 received and earmarked to Church of God World Missions. Other sources contributing toward the total came from Operation Compassion, Hispanic churches and a $113,000 donation from the Church of God in the neighboring state of Mississippi following an urgent appeal Mississippi State Overseer Chris Moody.
Hill also reported that the majority of these funds have already been disbursed to the flood-ravaged region to be managed by the Louisiana Church of God State office, as well as the South Central Hispanic Regional offices.
The primary source for the appeal came through the Church of God website and social media where videos and news articles reporting on the devastation appeared. Before the waters fully receded, Hill travelled to the region to meet with members of several of the affected churches, including Life Church Central and Robert Church of God. In some cases water rose to more than five feet, causing complete devastation to the interior of the church buildings, including, electrical and plumbing systems. In addition to church buildings, homes of many church members were also destroyed or damaged.
Louisiana State Overseer Melvin Shuler and South Central Hispanic Regional Overseer Fidencio Burgueno have worked closely with Church of God leadership throughout the last several weeks, submitting detailed reports of what it will take to get churches repaired and back in operation.
In addition to cash donations, churches and organizations have assisted in cleanup and donations of supplies or services.
“Churches from Houston and San Antonio have been visiting the churches affected during the floods,” said Burgueno. “Besides taking supplies to them, they took food, toys and other gifts for the children of these churches. Around 20 kids celebrated their birthdays and they were presented with gifts and enjoyed a piñata, food, and candies. This was a moment of joy and fun for these children who have gone through much pain and devastation.” Other groups that have assisted include Men and Women of Action, God’s Pit Crew, and Operation Compassion.
The appeal for additional funds continues for individuals, churches and organizations wishing to participate. Please visit www.churchofgod.org and click on the disaster relief graphic.
