|
KATRINA
Loving Our Neighbor
Please see additional information below in how we can pray and support our neighbors in this time!
Fasting ... Prayer ... Compassion ... Provision
MAY THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS BURN BRIGHTLY IN THIS OPPORTUNE TIME!
Bringing Together ...
Mary AND Martha,
Prayer AND Compassion,
Loving God AND loving our neighbor!
"Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy reward.
Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;
And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.
And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of streets with dwellings." (Isa 58:6-12)
"And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations." (Isa 61:4)
May the Church arise as a Nehemiah ... "Comforter of the LORD" ... to restore broken hearts, broken lives, and even the devastoation of broken walls and waste cities ... the desolation of many generations can yet be restored - both within and without ... the heart and soul of a man ... and the heart and soul of cities and a nation!
John Buhler
AL-USSPN
Presidential Proclamation - National Day of Prayer - September 16th, 2005
Proclamation by the President:
National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of Hurricane Katrina
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
Hurricane Katrina was one of the worst natural disasters in our Nation's history and has caused unimaginable devastation and heartbreak throughout the Gulf Coast Region. A vast coastline of towns and communities has been decimated. Many lives have been lost, and hundreds of thousands of our fellow Americans are suffering great hardship. To honor the memory of those who lost their lives, to provide comfort and strength to the families of the victims, and to help ease the burden of the survivors, I call upon all Americans to pray to Almighty God and to perform acts of service.
As we observe a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of Hurricane Katrina, we pledge our support for those who have been injured and for the communities that are struggling to rebuild. We offer thanks to God for the goodness and generosity of so many Americans who have come together to provide relief and bring hope to fellow citizens in need. Our Nation is united in compassion for the victims and in resolve to overcome the tremendous loss that has come to America. We will strive together in this effort, and we will prevail through perseverance and prayer.
Americans are reaching out to those who suffer by opening their hearts, homes, and communities. Their actions demonstrate the greatest compassion one person may show to another: to love your neighbor as yourself. Across our Nation, so many selfless deeds reflect the promise of the Scripture: "For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in." I encourage all Americans to respond with acts of kindness in the days ahead. By contributing time, money, or needed goods to a relief organization and by praying for the survivors and those in recovery efforts, we can make a tremendous difference in the lives of those in need.
Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath resulted in a considerable loss of life. We pray that God will bless the souls of the lost, and that He will comfort their families and friends and all lives touched by this disaster. As the American people unite to help those who are hurting, we share a determination to stand by those affected by Hurricane Katrina in the months and years ahead as they rebuild their lives and reclaim their future. We are determined that the Gulf Coast region will rise again. The tasks before us are enormous, and so is the heart of America. We will continue to comfort and care for the survivors. We will once again show the world that the worst adversities bring out the best in the American people.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Friday, September 16, 2005, as a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of Hurricane Katrina. I ask that the people of the United States and places of worship mark this National Day of Prayer and Remembrance with memorial services and other appropriate observances. I also encourage all Americans to remember those who have suffered in the disaster by offering prayers and giving their hearts and homes for those who now, more than ever, need our compassion and our support. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
|
Tennessee Valley Church Disaster Relief and Mobilization
Tennessee Valley Churches please be aware of the following Disaster Relief Resources
Church Hurricane Relief Mobilization - Churches of the Valley Uniting in Disaster Relief! |
|
Central Resource Database for Churches of the Valley |
Tennessee Valley Hurricane Relief
Central Resource Database for Churches of the Valley
Following a meeting of over 100 local valley churches with the Red Cross at Asbury United Methodist Church to consider how we could centralize information about resources and needs in the disaster relief efforts, a Church Hurricane Relief Task Force was formed to help fill the vacuum of information and structure for the hurricane relief efforts.
An online database has been created to offer a free central clearinghouse of information to churches of the valley in tracking resources donated or available.
VALLEY CHURCHES - PLEASE UPDATE THIS CENTRAL DATABASE WITH YOUR CHURCH OR ORGANIZATION RESOURCES AVAILABLE OR INVOLVED IN RELIEF EFFORTS!
Tennessee Valley Hurricane Relief - Home
Please freely use this central database created for the churches and organizations to match available resources
to needs during relief efforts!
|
Manna House Disaster Relief |
MANNA HOUSE DISASTER RELIEF
OPERATION RESTORATION
Valley Churches, Businesses, City Leaders Coordinate to Turn Abandoned Hotel into Survivor's Sanctuary
Operation Restoration is made of a coalition of Manna House, area churches and businesses. This coalition is working together to offer housing, meals, job placement, medical, long-term housing and governmental assistance to those that have been forced to evacuate the Gulf Coast because of Hurricane Katrina.
Operation Restoration will begin offering housing September 13th to evacuees. Initially, we will have 40 rooms that will house up to 120 people. Within 2 weeks we hope to have all 140 rooms renovated to house between 300 - 400 evacuees for six months to a year. With the seal of approval of Huntsville Mayor Loretta Spencer, as of September 8, 2005 we will begin to clean up and restore all services to the old Ramada Inn located at 3502 South Memorial Parkway. We desire to see Job Placement, Medical Care, Huntsville City Schools, Social Security Administration and Daycare assistance provided for evacuees.
If you desire to support this effort please call 256-533-9292 for more information. If you want to volunteer your time, please add your name to our e-mail list at the Manna House Disaster Relief web site - www.MannaHouseDisasterRelief.org. You must be over 18 years old or accompanied by a guardian to participate in this effort.
If you want to make a donation of services (Carpet, plumbing, electric, glass, etc) please contact Scott Jones at 256-533-9292. If you desire to make a monetary donation please make the check payable to Manna House. All donations are tax deductible and would be greatly appreciated.
Channel 48 News story
Manna House Food Distribution Center
2110 Memorial Pkwy SW
Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: 256.533-9292
Fax: 256-533-5494
Web: www.MannaHouseDisasterRelief.org
Email: smerritt@therockfwc.org
|
|
Christian Emergency Network - www.ChristianEmergencyNetwork.org
Have you wondered how your church could share Hope with the Hopeless in this hour?
Helpful Resources during Hurricane Katrina and Rita
Be Prepared!
To understand the times and know how to respond, Christians must be prepared physically, emotionally, and spiritually for tough times
Opportunity on the Gulf Coast
 
Letter from Pastors David & Margaret Richey Mobile Alabama
Directors Operation Mobile, and Pasotrs Gulf Coast Christian Center
Dear Friends and family:
Many people here on the gulf coast have been devastated hurricane Katrina. We at Gulf Coast Christian Center are doing our part to be a blessing to several families that lost everything in Gulfport Mississippi. Just a week before the storm, Sharon (a friend) was in my home, we shared a great time together. Today she is praising God that she is alive. Sharon is a single Mom with 3 children, one of her children is totally disabled and is cared for at home. He was in a car accident one week after graduating from High School this pass May. She took him out of the nursing home and continues to care for him. It's amazing how one can endure so much and still praise and thank God. They remain in the apartment with blue tarps over the roof of two bedrooms. All four are living and sleeping in the front room. This brings me to the reason I'm writing to you our family and friends. We desire to help her as much as possible. Many agencies are helping with immediate needs and we thank God for them, we would like to be there for Sharon and her children for the duration. This is going to be a long recovery process and I'm witting to ask for your help.
Immediate needs are clothes for the children I have all their sizes. If you are able to help I will supply you with a list. Any financial help would be appreciated as well. Checks can be made to Operation MOBILE or Gulf Coast Christian Center. All funds that come in for her will go to her directly and you will receive a tax deductible receipt.
Thank you for all the prayers and love. We appreciate you very much
In His service with Love,
Pastors David & Margaret Richey
Gulf Coast Christian Center
6500 Zeigler Blvd
Mobile Alabama 36608
251 343-7300
www.gulfcoastchristiancenter.com
Operation MOBILE
P.O. Box 911
Mobile Al 36601
Opportunity from Andalusia
"Touching the Heart of Our Community One Life at a Time"
Open Heaven Ministry Church
We are a ministry in south Alabama that has a resource center which is strategically located to help the hurricane victims of Katrina. We have sent food and supplies already to many of the hurricane victims in Biloxi and New Orleans. We have a 21,000 foot warehouse building and have a capacity to hold 8 trailer loads of food and supplies with over 50 volunteers standing by. Our current supplies are getting low, however, if you have someone who has access to a large amount of food and supplies and wants to make sure a Christian organization who is on the front line to handle it we would be glad to help. Or if anyone would be willing to make a tax deductible financial contribution we will be glad to assist as well and make sure the money is spent for hurricane relief. Checks can be made payable to: Acts of Kindness, Inc (501c3) mailing address: 111 Beasley St Andalusia, AL 36420
We are presently working with Operation Blessing, The American Red Cross, the City of Andalusia, and a ministry from west Georgia called Consuming Fire Ministry. You can call any of these sources to check our credibility.
God Bless You,
Pastor Steve Dohoney
Open Heaven Ministry Church
111 Beasley Street Andalusia, AL 36420
334-222-4542 Office
334-488-4119 Mobile
Operation Blessing Article featuring Andalusia efforts:
http://www.ob.org/programs/hunger_relief/news/2002/hsf_20020319_ALactskindness.asp
Opportunity from Gulf Port and Pass Christian
Subject: New news from the relief effort
Date: Sat, 17 Sep 2005 15:44:07 -0500
From: Swafford <pswafford@charter.net>
Hello!
I just recieved a call from my brother, Britt Hancock with Freedom Ministries, and the officials of the coastal town, Pass Christian (15 mile west of Gulf Port), have asked them (the group from Freedom Ministries) to head up the cities recovery effort! They feel that this is an unpreceded opportunity to help this city gets its community back, and also make a real spiritual impact as well. As I said in an earlier e-mail Pass Christian was completely wiped out! They plan on starting recovery efforts starting this Wednesday, Sept. 17th.
He has asked me to sound the alarm, so to speak, and try to round up heavy equipment such as backhoe's, dumptruck's, and bob cat's. Also they will need chain saws, (Trees are down everywhere and the debris is unbelievable). Of course, they can use man power as well.
He also needs:
2 ice makers
2 chest freezers
Even though many of us have no clue how to get these things or where to start, will you pray with me that the Lord will provide these items! Seems quite an enormous task to me, but I believe that The Lord Most High would have us help in this rescue and recovery, and who knows, you may know someone that is itching to provide these services. Please pass this on to anyone you may know that may provide these services. Get them to call me! My phone number is below.
Again I will post the most recent list of relief supplies needed:
These are the needs at present:
shovels
brooms
mops
crow bars
extension cords
power tools
chain saw
mattresses
blankets
towels
washclothes
tarps
rope
duct tape
flood lights
heavy duty work gloves
rubber boots
sugar
salt
powered and canned milk
These can be dropped off at my home:
109 Lake Street
Trussville, AL.
205-655-7944
pswafford@charter.net
Dale and Kim Swafford
P.S. They are taking every opportunity to pray with everyone they can!
Angel Flight Pilots - Free Missions of Mercy from Huntsville International Airport:
September 15, 2005
Angel Flight pilots are flying free missions of mercy to transport medicine, food, clothing, general supplies, refugees, and medical personnel. Please deliver donated items to Signature Flight Support at Huntsville International Airport. See detail at following link:
Angel Flight Southeast (PDF)
Opportunities for Teams in Louisiana:
September 18, 2005
Please help us get the word out about the need for manpower in the relief efforts in the storm damaged region from the hurricane. Our daughter Kayla and her new husband are in Lafayette, LA and are a part of a Christian organization who are working intensely with relief efforts. For anyone who has a desire to GO, Don Norman is the contact man to coordinate with. He can be reached at: 337-255-6996. I had a long, intense conversation with Don yesterday afternoon (Saturday). Here are things that he shared with me.
Don and Kayla’s church is involved with an organization called Pastor’s Resource Council (PRC) Their pastor, Jacob Aranza is one of the co-founders of the organization. The website for information is: www.prccompassion.org. PRC Compassion is a charitable organization that is in a strategic alliance with the Pastor’s Resource Council (PRC). The PRC is a coalition of churches and pastors to address community needs and distribute relief. The coalition was formed several years ago. In an effort to provide relief to the devastation of our state through 5 means:
- Providing temporary shelter.
- Supplying food and water.
- Providing various heavy equipment.
- Sending laborers to work in the shelters and cut down trees.
- Providing counselors for the emotional needs of those effected by the Hurricane Katrina and the aftermath.
Mission
To coordinate national, state, and local faith and community-based organizations to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of people impacted by Hurricane Katrina.
Leadership
Pastoral Oversight Committee: -
Gene Mills - Louisiana Family Forum - Baton Rouge, LA - www.lafamilyforum.org
-
Dino Rizzo - Healing Place Church - Baton Rouge, LA - www.healingplacechurch.org
-
Jacob Aranza - Our Savior’s Church - Lafayette, LA - www.oursaviorschurch.com
-
Steve Robinson - Church of the King - Mandeville, LA - www.churchofthekinginfo.com
Our son, Don Norman is the key contact person for volunteer relief personnel wanting to donate time. TIME is the most needed resource at this point. He shared with me that they have more resources of ‘stuff’ at this time than they know what to do with, but there is a lack of manpower to handle the stuff. If individuals or teams would like to go, there are places to stay and food to eat. Just go! You can have truckloads of material donated, but there is still a need to unload and distribute those items. Don can be reached at 337-255-6996
Please continue to pray for the efforts and the people behind them. Don and Kayla are in the trenches and are there for the long haul. Kayla is cooking for the Master’s Commission group, some 40 or more per day as well as many other groups coming in to volunteer. She has had upwards of over 100 at a time to prepare meals for.
Thank you for your time, love and compassion. May God bless you and keep you.
In Jesus Love,
Lisa Brown
256-882-395
Somebody Cares (Houston) Relief Efforts:
Report from Houston
Bret A. Wade (of Global Impact Ministries - Huntsville, AL)
September 10, 2005
Matt Stevens is helping coordinate efforts in Houston, TX. He works closely with Doug Stringer of Somebody Cares.
An infrastructure of collaborating city churches is the saving grace for Houston. The church is shining in this area. The secular agencies are helping some but nowhere near the effort that the church is putting out. The secular response to the church has been very interesting. There are approximately 200,000 evacuees in the city. The Astrodome only represents a portion. Those are mostly those rescued from the Superdome. Those coming to the churches are white collar executives, doctors, lawyers as well as blue collar workers. The reports we are receiving out of the these churches is that the attitude from the evacuees is overwhelmingly grateful.
Somebody Cares has warehousing in several places for supplies. They are abreast of the needs along the coast. Databases are being constructed to match needs to available goods and supplies. This has gone beyond drop off and distribution. It's taken the church of Houston to a whole new level of ministry efforts. Teams of volunteers are arriving from all over the country. Matt can also arrange missions teams. The skills will be matched to the needs.
Bret A. Wade of Global Impact Ministries - Huntsville, AL, www.globalimpactinc.org, bretwade@globalimpactinc.org, 256.828.3055 office
Somebody Cares (Houston) Efforts in Gulf and in Houston - Mission and Volunteer Team Opportunities:
 
From: Matt Stevens
September 14, 2005
Subject: Efforts in the Gulf and in Houston
Somebody Cares would like to invite leaders to lead a Volunteer Team to the region. Mission camps are being staged now so that volunteers can be accommodated. If you are interested in serving in the way the dates are October 6th – 10th. Locations, costs and requirements will follow.
Right now we are looking for individuals to organize teams.
Christ in Action is one of the Somebody Cares ministry partners who have established Camp Hope in Gulfport.
They had a visit from the President at the staging area.
Check out the pictures and reports at:
http://www.christinaction.com/index.cfm/PageID/13/index.html
Denny and his family are doing an incredible job and are a great demonstration of the Church rising up to serve the needs of people.
Mobilizing the Church to show people that Somebody Cares
UPDATE
From: Matt Stevens
Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005
Subject: Organizers and administration is needed
Importance: High
We have an immediate need for leadership people who can temporarily go to the staging areas and relieve some of the leaders in the hardest hit areas in Mississippi, Louisiana and Houston.
These people need to be organized, well adjusted and understand basic operation and mobilization principles. Please share this with those who you know may be able to handle the task. We can serve the servants of this efforts by relieving the relief workers.
Matt Stevens
If you know of people who are available, we have locations that they can sent to: you can feel free to contact me By phone: 443 520-4205 or By Email: MATT@CHAINREACTION2005.COM
Additional Relief Resources and Details
Expanded List of Resources from Senator Sessions Office
U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions provided to the Christian Coalition of Alabama the following list of contacts for relief agencies, government agencies and various organizations working with victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Please pass this information along to anyone you feel it could benefit.
Resources for Those in Need
State of Alabama Donations and Volunteers Hotline
1-877-273-5018
Web Site for Donating Housing or Finding Housing
Licensed health care professionals who want to volunteer should call
1-800-272-2707.
Vendors
National Emergency Resource Registry
Click on “Help the Victims of Hurricane Katrina-
Register Your Business to Provide Relief For vendors wishing to do business with FEMA
Web site for resources of any kind can be posted
(donations, volunteers, contractors, etc.)
Locate Missing and stranded Individuals (Red Cross Site):
Family Link Registry Locate Missing and stranded Individuals (Coast Guard Site):
FEMA National Donations Hotline
1-800-440-6728
202-646-4006 (for voice message)
USPS
(FOR INDIVIDUALS TO MAKE ADDRESS CHANGES
800-ASK-USPS/800-275-8777)
JOB RESOURCES
Department of Labor:
866-4-USA-DOL (866-487-2365
Alabama Department of Industrial Relations
866-234-5382
Louisiana Department of Labor
866-783-5567
Mississippi Department of Employment Security
888-844-3577 OR
Alabama
Governor's Office of Faith and Community Initiatives
List of County EMA Offices
To List Rental Units
Alabama Only
Fax information to Mary Bendon
334-409-4691
Alabama Emergency Management Agency
205-280-2200
Click below for your county EMA contact information:
Alabama Department of Transportation
Emergency Road Closure Information and Evacuation Updates:
1-888-588-2848 or 1-334-353-6650
Attorney General
1-800-392-5658
Alabama Department of Mental Health & Mental Retardation
1-800-367-0955
Facilities and Health Care Information
Louisiana
To report missing persons,
please call the American Red Cross at 1(866) 438-4636.
Louisiana Governor Blanco's hotline:
800-469-4828
Louisiana Evacuation Office:
225-925-7514
Louisiana State Police:
225-925-7708 or 7709
Shelter Information:
Red Cross- 1(866)(438-4636)
Special Needs Shelter Information Triage Phone Numbers:
Alexandria: 800-841-5778
Baton Rouge: 800-349-1372
Slidell/Hammond: 866-280-7724
Lafayette: 800-901-3210
Lake Charles: 866-280-2711
Monroe: 866-280-7287
Houma/Thibodaux: 800-228-9409
Mississippi
Red Cross 1-866-Get Info (Missing Persons)
Red Cross
1-800-Help Now (Donations)
MDOT traffic hotline:
601-352-7017
Volunteers Medical personnel:
Doctors call: 601-987-3079;
EMTs call: 601-576-8085;
Nurses call: 601-497-8022
Non-professional volunteers: contact Red Cross, Salvation Army other established volunteer organizations.
Federal Government
DONATIONS
American Red Cross 1-800-HELP NOW (435-7669) English,
1-800-257-7575 Spanish;
Family Links Registry
1-877-LOVED-1S (1-877-568-3317)
Operation Blessing
1-800-436-6348
America’s Second Harvest
1-800-344-8070
Donate Cash to and Volunteer with:
Adventist Community Services
1-800-381-7171
Catholic Charities, USA
1-800-919-9338
Christian Disaster Response
941-956-5183 or 941-551-9554
Christian Reformed World Relief Committee
1-800-848-5818
Church World Service
1-800-297-1516
Convoy of Hope
417-823-8998
Corporation for National and Community Service Disaster Relief Fund
(202) 606-6718
Lutheran Disaster Response
800-638-3522
Mennonite Disaster Service
717-859-2210
Nazarene Disaster Response
888-256-5886
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
800-872-3283
Salvation Army
1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769)
Southern Baptist Convention -- Disaster Relief
1-800-462-8657, ext. 6440
United Methodist Committee on Relief
1-800-554-8583
B'nai B'rith International,
2020 K Street, N.W., Seventh Floor, Washington, D.C., 20006;
clicking on the link for disaster relief.
United Jewish Communities,
P.O. Box 30, Old Chelsea Station, N.Y., 10113,
attention: Hurricane Katrina.
Mark the memo section of checks with "Katrina."
Phone: 1- 877-277-2477
Union for Reform Judaism
International Aid Global Headquarters
17011 W. Hickory Spring Lake,
Michigan 49456-9712,
USA Phone: (616) 846.7490
Fax: (616) 846.3842
Toll Free: (800) 968-7490
24-hour Donation Line: (800) 251.2502
For further information: visit the website for the
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD)
OTHER CONTACT INFORMATION
Alabama Commission on Aging
1-877-425-2243
1-800-243-5463
1800-458-7214
Farm Service Agency
Mobile, Baldwin:(251)937-3297;
Washington: (251)246-0245
Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA)
1-800-843-0699
Alabama Emergency Management
American Red Cross
1-800-GET-INFO
Alabama Consumer Affairs Division
1-800-392-5658
Department of Mental Health
State Wide Crises Counseling
1-800-367-0955
1800-832-0952
POC: Acquanetta Knight (334) 242-3229
Alabama Dept. of Revenue
1-334-242-1170
Disaster Unemployment
Department of Industrial Relations
1-866-234-5382
Donations Hotline
Emergency Assistance
1-800-HELP-NOW (435-7669-English);
(1-800-257-7575-Spanish)
American Red Cross
1-866-438-4636
Food Stamps Automated Information Line
1-800-382-0499
Fraud
FEMA Fraud-Office of Inspector General
1-800-323-8603
FEMA Help-Line & Teleregistration
1-800-621-3362
1-800-462-7585
Governor's Office
334-242-7100
Insurance Commissioner
1-800-433-3966
1-334-296-3550
Disaster Legal Services
Young Lawers Division Alabama State Bar
1-800-354-6154
1-334-2691515
Salvation Army
1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
Small Business Administration
1-800-UASK.SBA
1-800-827-5722
Social Security Administration
1-800-772-1213
1-800-325-0778 TTY
Tax Assistance
I.R.S.
1-800-829-1040
1-800-829-4059 TTY
Refund only Information 1-334-353-2540
Veterans Services
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
1-800-827-1000
1-800- 829-4833 TTY
|
|
