Greetings in the name of our merciful Lord. We call on him in this moment of need as we consider the thousands whose lives have been permanently altered by the devastation caused by storms across the Southern United States. The extreme weather began almost two weeks ago, with powerful winds, floodwaters, and tornadoes upending the lives of families and individuals from Texas to the Carolinas. Entire neighborhoods have been devastated. Nearly a million people have gone without electricity. Hundreds of people have lost their lives. Reports indicate this is possibly the deadliest occurrence of tornadoes in four decades.
 

Nazarene Disaster Response (NDR) jumped to action and began presenting the active love of Christ through relief efforts since April 17. Nazarene Rapid Response teams continue to coordinate with local Nazarenes and municipal authorities to direct recovery and clean-up activities. 

Immediate Needs

• Our first and best response is prayer. Personnel on the ground have asked us to join them in a day of prayer this Sunday, May 1, 2011. Pray especially for those grieving the loss of loved ones. Pray for those beginning the process of putting their communities back together. Pray for those working long hours to clear debris, repair homes, and offer comfort.
• Package and send Crisis Care Kits. For directions visit www.ncm.org/cck.
• Give generously and sacrificially. Visit www.ncm.org to donate online.

Or write a check payable to General Treasurer and note ACM1041 USA\Canada Tornadoes in the Memo area.

In the U.S. mail to:
Global Treasury Services
Church of the Nazarene
P.O. Box 843116
Kansas City, MO 64184-3116

In Canada:
Make checks payable Church of the Nazarene Canada and send to:
Church of the Nazarene Canada
20 Regan Road, Unit 9
Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3.
 

Dr. Jerry Porter, general superintendent,  and Rev. Althea Taylor, regional coordinator for Nazarene Compassionate Ministries in the United States and Canada, will meet with district leadership from Alabama South and North Districts (Dr. Mark D. Berry and Rev. N. Greg Rickey, respectively). They will be joined by members of NDR at the Crossroads Community Church of the Nazarene. Continue to pray for them as they coordinate efforts to offer compassion by meeting physical and spiritual needs.
 

During times such as these, we come together as a church family to pray and offer our help in what will be a long road to recovery. We also remember that our faith is in the One in whom we find strength and compassion.