6 minute read
UM connection means tragedy and triumph ignore borders
from The Contact 10-2-24
by okumc
Hurricane Helene cut a miles-wide path of devastation across the southeastern United States, causing over 160 deaths across six states. Thousands are still missing, since many areas are stranded without electricity or even cell service. Roads are closed due to flooding, washouts, and blockages.
Estimates show over two million people without power, and infrastructure in many places, like clean water and accessible roads, is set back by a century. The Department of Defense and FEMA will airlift supplies to inaccessible areas, according to a CNN report. The Army Corps of Engineers is working to quickly repair roads and bridges that have cut off contact.
Bishop Tom Berlin of the Florida Conference said approximately 50 churches were impacted in some way, “but more importantly, all of our communities have been impacted in every way.”
“We’re here to help those who have been impacted, not only in Florida, but beyond - because, as you know, the storm has touched many lives across the southeast region,” continued Berlin. “And so we’re in connection with those other localities to see if there’s other things that we can all do together. That’s the blessing of a connectional church.”
Bishop Tim Carter of the Western North Carolina Conference acknowledged the crucial work of first responders, stating, “Helene has brought great flooding and damage and devastation to many of our communities.”
He shared, “We look forward to the time when many of our volunteers can join in the recovery efforts. Our annual conference is already engaged in the response, which is ongoing and long-term.”
In the North Georgia Conference, at least six United Methodist churches sustained damage. Hundreds of Georgia families are in shelters and thousands have lost power or cell service. At the time of this writing, Augusta was in an active state of emergency.
Bishop Robin Dease offered, “Hurricane Helene has moved through Georgia leaving destruction in its wake. From Valdosta to Augusta and so many areas in between, the impact of the hurricane is heartbreaking. On behalf of the South Georgia and North Georgia Conferences, we send our earnest prayers to all those persons and communities affected by Hurricane Helene.”
The South Georgia Conference shared, “For many across our South Georgia Conference, this Sunday looks very different. Whole communities have found themselves ravaged by Hurricane Helene and the devastation she brought in her wake. The wind and rain were intense, uprooting trees, destroying buildings and homes, and decimating properties and crops.”
Feeling the pain in Oklahoma Even half the country away, Oklahomans can feel overwhelmed by the scope of the disaster. Many want to know how they can help. With hearts in throats, some may be compelled to drive to the affected areas and try to render aid.
While this sort of response comes from a place of love, it can often have a negative impact on affected families and on first responders. The North Georgia Conference announced the Augusta emergency with this caveat: “Please do not travel to Augusta individually. The area resources including gasoline are limited, and it is imperative that we not become a burden by using the community’s resources as we offer help. Please only deliver the specifically requested supplies to these four drop off locations at the time specified.”
What you can do
Dana Parker, who heads up disaster response for the Oklahoma conference, gave advice for Oklahomans who want to help those affected by the hurricane. “People can give to UMCOR US Disaster Relief through umcmission. org,” she suggested.
“They can be sure the money they donate will be used in the US for disaster needs,” she explained, noting that specific disasters are usually not given individual funds because of the way UMCOR grants work.
“People can also send money to the conference office, which can send them on to the different conferences that would use them.”
“As far as response work,” continued Parker, “right now we wait to be invited by the conference. I’m sure emergency rescue work will be going on for a week or more. Then, Early Response Teams [ERTs] can be requested by the affected conference for help with debris removal, tarping, chainsaw work, water-soaked debris removal (muck-outs), and more. Our Early Response Teams can go if they are able after that invitation.
Parker invited any groups wishing to form a team to contact her. She can work with teams to coordinate training, protocols, contacts, and more. “That work will be two weeks out and stretching into the next several months,” she added.
Volunteer from here
Flood buckets - also known as cleaning kits - are extremely helpful kits used to assist families in preparing their still-standing homes for reentry. This task can seem overwhelming, so cleaning kits can relieve a bit of the burden. Check here to see what goes into a flood bucket. Contents change from year to year due to changing needs and lessons learned, so please check before sending.
Be in prayer for those affected. From displaced families to those who lost loved ones to first responders to leaders making tough decisions, there are many who need prayers throughout the coming months.
The United Methodist connection means we are one big family, scattered far and wide, sending love and material assistance where it’s needed.
