Given the recent events in my state I have thought a lot about Hurricanes. While there is no direct mention of the word hurricane in the Bible, my study has determined references to "strong wind and rain" in Exodus and I Kings Ch. 18. My hometown in North Carolina (Tarboro) was flooded out by Hurricane Floyd in 1999. By now most people know that Florida, headquarters of the 11th Episcopal District, was devasted by a Catergory 4 Hurricane last Friday resulting in nealry 20 deaths and estimated losses of $12 billion dollars. As of today nearly 800,000 Floridians are without electricity and 150,000 are without telephone service. Over one-third of Florida counties (37) have been designated as Federal disaster areas. If you desire to help you can do so by contacting your local Red Cross, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities or United Methodist Committee on Relief. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a full listing where you can send contributions. You can find the listing by visiting www.fema.gov There are isolated events of looting and civil disorder which impede efficient relief efforts. Such behavior is despicable because it only delays in assistance reaching those in need. Florida will survive Charley just like she did Hurrican Andrew in 1992. Prayer of course is greatly appreciated. QED

-- Anonymous, August 17, 2004

Answers

Bill, I have been watching the news and it looks devasting. Do you have any word if any of our ame churches have been hit. And how our Bishop young and dr. young doing.

On a related note our local red cross disaster team in Bozeman, Montana has sent members from Montana to florida to help. They are also on the national disaster team. Danielle is on the national disaster team but cannot go because of seminary.

I would also like to encourage everyone to join the Red cross disaster team in your area. The training is free and it can really help the communities. Also pastors please consider your church as possible shelters for the Red Cross.

It would mean contacting your local red cross office. They would provide cots, food, workers etc. In case of disasters in black neighborhoods, it would be great if there were shelters near by.

Keep the faith Bill we are praying for all the people in florida.

-- Anonymous, August 17, 2004

Rev. Rogers -

Many thanks for your comments and empathy displayed towards my fellow FLoridians impacted by Hurricane Charley. Bishop Young is in the process of coordinating a humanitarian relief effort for families and communities impacted by the hurricane. His office is in the process of developing a needs assessement as we speak. I know of two AME churches which were directly affected by the hurricane (Allen Temple in Lake Wales and Mt. Zion in Arcadia). A Presiding Elder in that area completely lost a retirement home as well. Local churches across the state will be preparing relief supplies as well. We are keeping the faith. As the late Prince of Gospel Music, Rev. James Cleveland, once sang: This Too Shall Pass. QED

-- Anonymous, August 19, 2004

Bill, please keep us posted. I am so sorry to hear the news regarding our churches.

I think for those of us that live in areas that are often battered by weather conditions, there is a special bond. In Montana we have the forest fires.

Our prayers go out to the entire state.

-- Anonymous, August 19, 2004