Responding to the storms: Alive Together in Christ as we bear one another's burdens

January 7, 2017

To the South Georgia Conference:

Devastating straight-line winds and tornadoes have resulted in significant damage in parts of our Southwest District. The United Methodist Churches of that district have moved quickly to alleviate suffering and provide for the basic needs of storm victims.

Porterfield Memorial UMC and Albany First UMC are spearheading local UMC efforts to provide for essential needs at this time, providing food and blankets, coordinating clean-up teams, washing laundry, and more. Avalon UMC and Albany First UMC are serving as Red Cross shelters, housing those displaced by the storm. Other local and area churches are offering the love and hope of Christ and doing all they can to help.

Conference and district funds have already been released. Dr. Nita Crump, Southwest District Superintendent, is monitoring and coordinating district team efforts. Allison Lindsey and Luis Morales are involved in ongoing assessment and response efforts.

All churches throughout the South Georgia Conference are encouraged to join the recovery process. Early response teams are needed in the area. Interested teams and individuals should contact Luis Morales, South Georgia Disaster Response Coordinator, at (478) 216-7729 or morhilll@gmail.com.  

Special offerings to help with long-term recovery needs may be sent to the South Georgia Conference Storm Recovery efforts. Please use Conference Advance Special #6796. 

The immediate response of United Methodists in the Southwest District has demonstrated what it means to be Alive Together in Christ. Now, let us follow their example and act immediately either through response teams, as individual volunteers, or by providing the funds that will be so important to sustain the recovery process.

Please join me in praying for the spiritual, physical, and emotional strength that will be needed by all involved. May God enable each of us to join this effort using one of the response options listed above. “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2).

Lawson Bryan