Our Response to Hurricane Ian
(Updated 9/30/22 at 1:00 PM)
This past week, a category 4 hurricane hit the US and caused significant damage to Florida and South Carolina. As we are hearing the news of all that has happened in its wake, we are thankful for the processes and relationships we have in place.
Our church has a team of trained and equipped individuals that give their time and energy to make sure we are ready to respond. In the coming days, we will post opportunities to serve with our Disaster Response Ministry. Please know that there will be immediate need, as well as long-term support. To learn about opportunities to serve, please contact Dawn Bishop.
We will continue to partner with Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief (TBDR) and other organizations for response. We will not be collecting items to send at this time. However, you can continue to give towards the work through the Hurricane Relief Fund. We will be putting these funds to work as needs become more apparent.
Let’s continue to pray for those affected by Hurricane Ian, believing for hearts to trust in Him. May His church rise up as we go on mission to love and serve.
Our Response to the Ukraine crisis
We are in the process of reaching out to our partners (IMB, Send Relief) and contacts about the situation in Ukraine. Missions staff have already been on several calls and email exchanges with those that have direct contact. As a minimum, there will be a large refugee issue as people flee the area. IMB has already evacuated all their personnel to other locations and have plans to continue their work in Ukraine through their national networks.
Here is a great response from the IMB page (https://www.imb.org/2022/02/24/send-relief-responds-ukraine-crisis/):
Send Relief responds to the Ukraine crisis
Send Relief, the combined compassion ministry effort of the International Mission Board and the North American Mission Board, is currently working with local Baptist partners in Ukraine to respond to the growing humanitarian crisis. This crisis has been created by the escalated tension mounting around the border between Ukraine and Russia and Russia’s invasion.
Send Relief partners are already on the ground providing emergency food relief, shelter, clothing and more to displaced families. As the situation worsens, Send Relief partners are ready to provide further food relief, meet shelter needs and offer transportation to assist those impacted by this escalating crisis.
Reports continue to indicate that as many as 5 million Ukrainians will be displaced in neighboring countries such as Poland and Romania, and a large number of internally displaced people are beginning to form in Western Ukraine. The greatest needs for these displaced families will include finding access to food, water, shelter, clothing, sanitation and hygiene.
Gifts to Send Relief’s Ukraine Crisis Fund are vital to these relief efforts. The best way for Southern Baptists to respond is through prayer and giving.
Send Relief encourages churches and individuals to pray for Ukraine by downloading the Ukraine Prayer Guide: