In response to floods in the Plains and Midwest caused by rapid snowmelt and heavy rains, American Baptist Home Mission Societies, on behalf of American Baptist Churches USA, has launched a One Great Hour of Sharing campaign to raise much-needed funds for victims.

At least two people have been killed and several others are missing, prompting government leaders in Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois to declare states of emergency, forcing residents of those states to flee their homes.

News of the deaths came as Iowa residents were driven from their homes when the Missouri River breached and broke levees. In the southwest portion of the state, the river rose to over 30 feet.

Rev. Dr. Robin Stoops, executive minister, ABC of Nebraska, reports two-thirds of the population in his state has been affected by the flooding. The ABC Church in Valley (United Faith Community Church) has sustained damage from sewage water coming up through basement toilets. Currently there is about two feet of sewage water in the basement classrooms. Gibbon Baptist Church is assisting its members and members of the community with clean up and repair. First Baptist Church of Fremont is working with the poorest elementary school in the area, providing backpacks of food and other supplies to students; many live in a trailer park that has been completely flooded. “The list goes on and on,” Stoop says.

“Please pray for survivors, many of whom fled their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs,” says Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, ABHMS executive director. “And consider prayerful giving: your financial gifts will allow survivors to return to their lives with some sense of normalcy. “

How you can help

Please join us in supporting the relief efforts in Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois.

Online

Donations can be made via your church or online at abhms.org.

Donate by Check

Checks, designated to “OGHS-2019 Midwest Floods,” should be mailed to:

To ensure your church receives credit for your gift, include the church name on the check.

One hundred percent of donations are allocated to these relief efforts; no funds will be retained for administrative costs.