Hurricane Matthew Disaster Response
MORAVIAN DISASTER RESPONSE
Hurricane Matthew Hits Caribbean Partners and Possible U.S. Landfall
Please share this information broadly and with individuals in congregations
The Board of World Mission has maintained contact with our partners as we have tracked the path and impact of Hurricane Matthew. This Category 4 storm hit with 145 mph winds and the full extent of the destruction caused by this storm is not known at this time. However, reports have come of flooding, blocked roads, washed out bridges and widespread damage to homes and other buildings. The death toll is expected to rise over the next few days.
While southwestern Haiti was hit most directly, we have also been in contact with partners in Jamaica and are awaiting word from the Moravian Church in Cuba as to the full extent of the damage there. We are currently watching and waiting to see if the storm will make landfall in the U.S. with possible impact most heavily on Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas in the coming days.
As the threat of more damage continues and recovery efforts begin, Moravian Disaster Response (MDR) asks that you take a moment in prayer for those affected, that they may find safety and that emergency responders are able to reach those in need. Pray also for those who are even now beginning the recovery phase following this damage.
MDR and the Board of World Mission is monitoring the situation and is in contact with partner organizations as immediate and long term needs are assessed. If you are feeling called to help respond, please see avenues for donating and volunteering below.
Make a Donation
Donations to help support MDR as it partners in the recovery can be made online by going to moravianmission.org/give. Please use the online giving form, and in comments designate the Donation for “Moravian Disaster Response”. Given the many areas affected we are asking for this general designation of gifts to help us be flexible in sending funds quickly to where they are needed most.
Donations within the U.S. can also be sent directly to the Board of World Mission at the address below. In the memo line of any checks please write “Moravian Disaster Response”.
Board of World Mission
PO Box 1245
Bethlehem, PA 18016
Canadian Churches may send donations to the following address in order to receive full tax credit for your donation and they will be sent along to the BWM:
Moravian Church in Canada
600 Acadia Drive SE
Calgary, AB T2J 0B8
NOTE: We are requesting funds be designated for general disaster response to allow the BWM to respond with the flexibility needed in this ongoing situation. All funds under this designation will be used for disaster response.
Volunteer
If you are interested in getting information on joining teams to help in the recovery and rebuilding efforts for this, or other disasters, please use this link to enter your contact information, and the BWM will follow up with you regarding any specific opportunities to get involved. Please not we will not be involved immediately with recovery efforts internationally, but will contact partners about possible longer team recovery needs.
Please contact the BWM with any questions.
Northern Province Office: 610.868.1732
Southern Province Office: 336.773.1732
Justin Rabbach
Director of Mission Engagement
Board of World Mission
[email protected]