 |
| Hurricane Laura photo by NOAA |
By Douglas Hoy, SUSUMC Disaster Response Coordinator
As many of you know, Hurricane Laura made landfall in Louisiana last week and has affected many communities in states throughout the region, including Mississippi and Texas. Initial reports indicate most of the destruction was created from wind shear, not storm surge, which damaged many roofs. UMCOR is on the ground and working with the local disaster response coordinator as well as local, state, and federal officials to provide assistance. And, UMCOR will be there to support them during the long road of recovery ahead.
Responding to a disaster can bring together the connectional system of the United Methodist Church and allow us to be actively involved in supporting the affected area. While we wait for assessments to be completed and plans to be established, please PRAY. Spend time, individually and collectively, praying for the victims, leaders, and emergency responders in these communities. This can be a powerful tool in the immediate and long-term aftermath of a disaster. As you pray, petition God for direction and guidance on how you can be involved.
One way to become involved in disaster response is through SUPPORT. The financial need after a disaster is great. UMCOR provides funding to meet immediate needs and continues to work with disaster response coordinators to coordinate the delivery of supplies, equipment, and PPE. Your generous giving makes this possible. And, clicking this link and giving through the UMCOR US Disaster Response and Recovery Advance will ensure 100 percent of the donation reaches the affected area, supports the work of UMCOR and its partners, and meets the needs of the community.
Another way to support disaster response is through The Susquehanna Conference Disaster Response Ministry Advance (#8055). Funds designated to this Advance will support response and relief efforts within the Conference as well as support Conference teams when they mobilize to other areas.
There are also multiple opportunities to ACT. They include assembling school kits, cleaning kits and hygiene kits. Information about those kits and how to assemble them can be found on the UMCOR website, calling Mission Central, or contacting your local Mission Central HUB. Of course, in the early days and weeks after a response, there will be a need for Early Response Teams (ERTs). Eventually, the response will expand to include Volunteers in Mission (VIM) teams to support the long-term recovery process. And, when those needs are identified and communicated, the Conference Disaster Response Coordinator and the Director of Volunteers In Mission & Outreach will forward that information and start making plans to support teams interested in serving.
