In the wake of a natural disaster we often look at images on television or read horrific stories only to become overwhelmed with the magnitude of hurt and pain that others must be feeling. Like many of you, we have watched as terrible storms have swept throughout the southeast claiming the lives of at least 200 and you have began asking yourself what you can do.

PRAY

First, we would encourage you to pray for the families affected directly by these storms. In Alabama alone, over 150 individuals lost their lives and other fatalities are being reported in Mississippi, Georgia, Arkansas and Tennessee. Join us in praying for peace in such a difficult time of trouble. 

• Pray specifically for the families who have lost loved ones, homes, possessions and livelihoods. 
• Pray for first responders and disaster relief teams who are assessing damage and meeting critical needs.
• Pray for churches throughout the Southeast who are ministering to communities and neighbors. 

“God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.” Psalm 46:1

GIVE

Second, if you feel compelled to support financially the disaster relief efforts in the southeast, we would highly encourage you to do so. There are a number of great organizations and ministries on the ground doing vital work and at this point, the most valuable resources are cash gifts. In the first few days and weeks following a disaster the needs are so unknown and varied, that cash gifts often provide the most fluid and direct help. 

As a church, we are specifically supporting, and would encourage you as well, the work of the Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief Teams.  The Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief Team has over 5400 trained disaster relief volunteers, who provide mass feeding, chainsaw/clean-up recovery, childcare for families in need, laundry units, shower units and on-site chaplains. These teams have been on the ground throughout the state, since Wednesday afternoon, April 27th, and will continue to stay in order to meet the physical and spiritual needs of so many hurting during this time. 

100% of the funds donated to Alabama Disaster Relief Teams are used to assist victims and churches directly. You can donate online by clicking the following link and read updates of disaster relief teams throughout the state. 

http://www.alsbom.org/feature5

Checks may also be mailed to:

State Board of Missions

P.O. Box 11870

Montgomery, AL 36111-0870

(Write Disaster Relief in Memo Line)

This is just one of many great ministries supporting victims and empowering the local church to reach out and serve neighbors.

GO

Lastly, many of you will feel compelled to go and be a part of recovery efforts and we are currently examining and praying about how to best facilitate this. For the next several days, active search and rescue are still the priorities of first responders. A member of our mission’s staff will be in Alabama this weekend assessing damage and we hope this will allow us to better formulate a response in terms of volunteer teams in the coming days and weeks. We are committed to coming along side those who are hurting and will pass onto you ways that you can support and help. 

If you or family members have been directly affected by these recent rounds of storms, please let us know so we can pray for you, your family, and come alongside you during this difficult time. Email Jason Hale, jason@rollinghillscommunity.org, directly with any information, prayer concerns or additional needs you may be aware of. As additional information or ways to get involved become more readily available, we will post directly here on our site. Again, please pray for all of these families and individuals who are so deeply hurting right now. Thanks so much church for your support, care and generosity of those in need.