The Board of World Mission is responding to the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew in cooperation with Global Partners and Local Congregations
Please share this information broadly and with individuals in congregations
As Hurricane Matthew passed through the Caribbean and up the coast of the U.S. the BWM was in contact with global partners and local congregations to monitor the effects of this violent storm. Following the appeal sent out last week for funds to help us respond, the BWM wanted to follow up and communicate the information we have received so far, and the specific requests for assistance known at this point. Please note that in each case listed below there are immediate relief needs, but also longer term ongoing needs to support rebuilding and re-development. Any gifts given to the BWM and designated “Moravian Disaster Response” can be used for both immediate and longer term needs. Please consider making a donation with this general designation to help us best respond to the needs communicated by our partners.
Haiti
Haiti has been the most impacted of our global partners. The BWM asks for your prayers for the churches in Haiti as we have learned of the death of at least four member of the church there due to this storm. Many church members have lost their homes to the winds and flooding, and church buildings have been destroyed. Please visit www.moravianmission.org/haiti to read a letter from the Chairman of the Moravian Church in Haiti explaining the current situation and need for assistance.
The Board of World Mission has sent an initial donation of funds to assist with immediate needs and will look to assist with specific rebuilding projects moving forward.
Cuba
Much of the damage in Cuba was concentrated on the Eastern end of the island in the area of Baracoa. Our closest Moravian ministry in Guantanamo (located Southwest of the hardest hit area) reported some damage to homes and minor flooding. We are staying in communication through the Moravian Church in Cuba, and in partnership with the Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation to reply should specific needs arise.
Jamaica
Jamaica was luckily missed by the strongest parts of the storm. Heavy rained caused flooding in the streets in some areas, which mostly receded fairly quickly following the storm. Br. Paul Gardner has offered updates on this situation, as well as helping to connect the BWM with information on the ongoing situation in Haiti, as this area is a mission area under the supervision of the Jamaican province.
East Coast of the United States
Emergency response has continued in several areas due to rising rivers leading to further flooding following the rains of Hurricane Matthew. The BWM is in touch with our ecumenical partners who will be coordinating volunteer opportunities on the ground. These opportunities will arise after the initial emergency recovery phase has been completed. The BWM may be in need of some volunteers to drive our MDR tool trailers to the areas of need in North Carolina or Florida. Please contact us if you may be willing to do this. We also welcome volunteers willing to help manage the details of willing volunteers and connecting them with specific opportunities given the many locations impacted by this storm. The BWM will be using the funds we receive to help support these recovery efforts and would love to pair the funds with volunteers on the ground.
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”.
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 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