Mission Central Disaster Response We Need Your Help!

The United States has been hit hard by weather-related disasters in 2024. We have seen devastation at levels we haven’t experienced for almost a decade. Throughout this year, we have resourced over 6,000 Flood Buckets, valued at almost $500,000. With our latest shipment to those areas hit by Hurricane Helene, we have NO Flood Buckets left in the building. We usually have several thousand Flood Buckets on hand, to be prepared to send at all times. Unfortunately, our shelves are now empty. We ask for your help in replenishing those supplies, as we expect this is not the end of the need and response in 2024.

If you have been around Mission Central for a while, you might have heard us say that we never send items without being asked. This is imperative during a disaster. The organizations on the ground know the needs best, know what they can handle, and know the right timing. 

It’s our human nature to want to help and to help as soon as we can. But, if we want to help in the right way and ensure the supplies and funds are stewarded well, we have to wait for the organizations we work with to tell us when, where, and specifically what they need. It will be done in God’s perfect timing. 

In order to help us handle these tremendous requests, you can: 

Donate funds to help us quickly purchase bulk supplies, and adapt quickly to changing needs – donate here. 

Donate Flood Bucket and Hygiene Kit supplies (seen on our website: missioncentral.org/kits-projects-and-patterns/) by purchasing in-store, hosting a collection, or shopping from our Amazon Wish List. 

Pray for those affected and visit www.missioncentral.org to see other ways to help and to stay up-to-date on Mission Central’s activities. 

Your Neighbors Need Your Help

By Doug Hoy, SUSUMC Disaster Response Coordinator

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”  Galatians 6:2

Since recent hurricanes and storms passed through the east coast, your neighbors and friends have been working to address the destruction that has been left behind. Many are cleaning out flooded, wet basements, removing debris from their properties, and making necessary repairs to their walls and roofs. And, they need your help.

In Galatians 6, we are called to share one another’s burdens. And, as you can imagine, recovering from a disaster can be accompanied by some very heavy burdens. Are you called to be the “hands and feet” of Jesus? Do you have the gifts to be a caring, Christian presence in the lives of those who are struggling to address their disaster needs? In scripture, Jesus offers rest to those who labor and are burdened. Can you carry your neighbor’s burdens and provide them with an opportunity for respite? Matthew 11:28-30 also tells us that we are to take up the yoke of Jesus, one that is easy and light. Consider becoming yoked with Jesus and one another to lighten the load of your neighbors. And, as you do, know you will “fulfill the law of Christ.”

The Disaster Response Ministry has been awarded an UMCOR Solidarity Grant to assist in the disaster relief efforts taking place within the Annual Conference. In addition to the need for volunteers, there is also a need for local coordinators to assist with organizing the effort and working with other organizations to provide for community needs.

Williamsport District

The community of Knoxville (Tioga County) is struggling to recover from flooding left behind by Hurricane Henri. Many households have reported some kind of damage and indicated they have a need for help. The Knoxville UMC sustained a flooded basement that damaged everything and the church was without gas and electric service for some time.

York District

Communities throughout York County are working to recover from Tropical Storm Fred and Hurricane Ida. Efforts to provide assistance to nearly 500 households are ongoing. Work includes mucking out basements, clearing outside debris, assessing and tarping roofs, mitigating mold, removing drywall, and beginning the rebuilding process.

If you are interested in helping your neighbors in their time of need, please contact the Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, Douglas Hoy, at drc@susumc.org or call 717-766-7441, ext. 3402.