VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 12/15/21)—American Baptists hold in prayer Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee and Illinois, where at least 38 tornadoes recently caused significant damage and the tragic loss of lives. More than 70 deaths have been reported and persons are still missing.

“We are in communication with American Baptist regional leaders and partners,” says the Rev. Dr. Kadia Edwards, ABHMS’ national coordinator, Volunteer Mobilization & Disaster-response Ministries. “The loss of life and extent of damage tied to these tornadoes has been especially devastating during this Advent season. May we hold those who are experiencing loss in our prayers. We have heard from American Baptists who are ready to offer support, and we encourage the use of traditional channels of support.”

How you can help

Please pray for relief efforts in the affected regions.

“We are grieving with the communities that were struck by the tornadoes and for the families of those who died,” says Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, ABHMS executive director. “We are praying for those healing from injuries and those reckoning with what is next, as they stand in the midst of the destruction and struggle to remain hopeful. We encourage those who are able to donate to recovery efforts.

“Our prayers are with the families of the victims of the tornado outbreak that extended from Arkansas through Kentucky. We especially lift up the people of Mayfield, Kentucky. May God bring comfort as only God can and work through the hands and feet of those who are called to assist with the recovery efforts,” said Interim General Secretary Dr. C. Jeff Woods.

Financial contributions to support relief efforts can be sent through your local American Baptist church or via check payable to ABHMS and mailed to the attention of Kim Wilkins at American Baptist Home Mission Societies, 1075 First Ave., King of Prussia, PA 19406. Write “OGHS–Central Tornado” on the memo line. Or make a contribution online.

One hundred percent of donations go to relief efforts; no dollars are retained for administrative costs.

Questions about upcoming relief efforts and this OGHS appeal should be directed to Edwards at kadia.edwards@abhms.org or 610-768-2449.

One Great Hour of Sharing is administered by the World Relief Committee of the Board of General Ministries of American Baptist Churches USA. The committee facilitates American Baptist emergency relief, disaster rehabilitation, refugee work and development assistance by establishing policy guidelines and overseeing distribution of the annual One Great Hour of Sharing offering received by churches.

American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.

 American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.