Church of God Mobilizing as Next Hurricane Approaches
Tuesday, October 8, 2024—The Church of God Executive Committee conducted an urgent Zoom call with state and regional leaders as the latest storm system, Hurricane Milton, has developed into a powerful storm, threatening the entire state of Florida.
General Overseer Gary Lewis and the Executive Committee were joined by Kelvin Page and Phil Thompson, who lead Operation Compassion (OC) and Men and Women of Action (MWOA) respectively. On Zoom were the three regional overseers for Florida: Stan Holder, Florida-Tampa, Anthony Pelt, Florida-Cocoa, and Ontoniel Collins, Southeastern Hispanic.
Hurricane Milton has already been labeled as the strongest storm in the Gulf of Mexico in 20 years. It is slated to hit the western Gulf Coast of Florida near Tampa early Wednesday. Evacuations are already underway as storm surges of 10-15 feet are predicted.
Coming on the heels of Hurricane Helene, this latest storm is challenging the available resources for disaster relief.
General Overseer Gary Lewis (front) is joined by (l-r) Tom Madden, Mark Williams, Kelvin Page, Phil Thompson, and Wayne Dority. On Zoom: Tony Stewart, Otoniel Collins, Anthony Pelt, and Stan Holder (click photo to enlarge).
“As we continue to remember and pray for the victims of last week’s Hurricane Helene, we are now challenged to take steps in preparation for Hurricane Milton,” Lewis stated. “While we cannot predict the ferocity, path, and duration, it is critical that we do our best to be proactive with our partners and resources to provide the most relief possible.”
The Church of God put out a nationwide appeal last Sunday to help replenish the Disaster Relief Fund. While donations of relief supplies have poured in since Helene’s onslaught, both OC and MWOA are also reaching a point of depletion in their funding.
“There will always be room for physical donations, as well as volunteers during these trying times, but donations are also needed as many, specific resources can only be purchased, such as fuel for vehicles to travel to the affected areas,” Lewis said. “Our hope and prayer is that the windows of Heaven will be opened as those of us who have been spared such tragedy can step in to fill this critical gap.”
While prayer is first on the list of needs, please consider donations to the Disaster Relief Fund that also helps Church of God-affiliated benevolent agencies, which stand ready to assist in the aftermath of what could be another devastating storm system.
To give to the Church of God Disaster Relief Fund, please visit cogdisasterrelief.com
—Cameron Fisher, Church of God Communications
