A devastating series of storms produced tornadoes throughout areas of the U.S. Midwest and South 29-30 April. The storms affected Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. In Missouri and Arkansas, the storms also created massive flooding, with more rains expected over the next few days.

At least 20 people have died, and hundreds of homes have been damaged or destroyed by floodwaters. Thousands of more homes are at risk for flooding. Rivers were expected to crest Friday.

Nazarene congregations on the Church of the Nazarene's Joplin District in Missouri have been quick to respond. So far, church-based disaster response teams have gathered dozens of beds, appliances, and furniture, and this weekend they are partnering with other churches in the area to clean up debris. Support from the general church has enabled them to help 10 families who lost everything.

Jay Height, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries coordinator for the USA/Canada Region, said NCM's response has been fast and effective in part because of their experience following a catastrophic tornado that hit Joplin in 2011. Following that event, the district went through disaster response training and formed a team in order to be able to respond well to future disasters.

“It’s not ending; it just keeps coming,” Mark Bane, Joplin district superintendent, said Thursday. “But it looks like we’re going to have a break now. Many of the places that are damaged we can’t even get to because of blocked roads.”

Bane requested prayer on behalf of the churches and communities affected by the flooding.

“Pray that we find all the needs in all the affected areas before they get into real trouble … and pray that we can figure out how to meet all the needs as effectively and efficiently as possible,” he said.

After disasters strike, the ability to respond quickly can make all the difference. Those who would like to help local churches in the USA/Canada Region serve in the wake of disasters like this one can donate to the USA/Canada Nazarene Disaster Response Fund. Support makes it possible for churches to act fast by caring for families and individuals who are victims of disasters.

How to help

Pray

Please pray for those affected by the storms and flooding, especially children, senior adults, and others who are most vulnerable. Pray for those who have lost family members and friends. Pray for those who have lost their homes and their livelihoods. Pray for local churches as they provide help and show God’s love through service.

Give

Churches and individuals around the world can support disaster response efforts by giving to the USA/Canada Nazarene Disaster Response Fund. Donations will be used to meet urgent needs for this and other disasters like it.

To send donations by mail:

In the U.S., make checks payable to "General Treasurer" and send them to:

Global Treasury Services
Church of the Nazarene
P.O. Box 843116
Kansas City, MO 64184-3116

Be sure to put 127916 in the Memo area.
 
In Canada, make checks payable to "Church of the Nazarene Canada" and send them to:

Church of the Nazarene Canada
20 Regan Road, Unit 9
Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3

Be sure to put 127916 in the Memo area.
 
For additional countries, give through your local church or district, designating your gift to the USA/Canada Nazarene Disaster Response Fund.

--Nazarene Compassionate Ministries