SPECIAL UPDATE: North Georgia Reports Four Tornado-Related Deaths
April 30, 2011—Church of God North Georgia Administrative Bishop Michael Baker has released the following statement regarding the tragic tornadoes that struck the south Wednesday:
“An overall evaluation has been done, and there are many reasons for thanksgiving. Tragically, of the nine fatalities in the state of Georgia, four were Church of God members or attendees. At this time, the state is concentrating on the major damages. Response teams have been set up by God’s Pit Crew (from Virginia) and Operation Compassion. The networking of local churches and response groups across North Georgia has been tremendous.”
“ Distributions centers have been set up in Griffin, Cartersville, Trenton, and a few other areas. The city of Ringgold says they have sufficient help (the city made national news and response was quick from many sources). The much smaller town of Trenton still has need for emergency assistance and cleanup crews. The Trenton Church of God is presently serving as the temporary morgue, as well as a distribution center. They especially need diapers and baby food.”
General Overseer Dr. Raymond Culpepper and First Assistant General Overseer Dr. Tim Hill toured the damage in Alabama, North Georgia and Tennessee and met with state leaders and affected pastors.
A video crew accompanied the Executive Committee delegation as they surveyed the damage. Please visit the Church of God Web site (www.churchofgod.org) and click on the special graphic which will direct you to the footage.
A special emergency fund has been established through Church of God World Missions (www.cogwm.org) to aid the affected congregations. Giving can be directed to tornado relief by noting the project number 765-0047.
Please keep in prayer the many churches, families, and individuals that have been affected by this unprecedented tragedy. Faith News will continue to post updates as warranted.
