Wesleyan churches continue to commit finances, supplies and workers to assist in hurricane relief and recovery efforts. Recently joining efforts are New Life, La Plata, Maryland, Christ Wesleyan, Milton, Pennsylvania, and Cornerstone Community (CCC), Charlottesville, Virginia. CCC donated its entire Sunday offer to relief efforts.

“World Hope and Poured Out personnel are on the ground in Texas,” said John Lyon, World Hope International president. Poured Out Executive Director Steve Adams participated in a response call with William Long, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Association) administrator, during which Long wept while describing the destruction. Long said there will likely be over one million homes flooded, which will make Hurricane Harvey worse than Hurricane Katrina.

“Long also said there aren’t many recovery groups like World Hope at the table at the moment,” Lyon said. “He referenced that help is primarily coming from first responders that come early and leave early, acknowledging there are not many organizations like World Hope that are willing to come and stay for the long haul.”

Lyon is engaged in an aid and disaster preparedness conference. World Hope is joining other charities that respond to disasters. This partnership will allow World Hope and its partners to leverage even more supplies and logistics to places where they can be distributed, namely Wesleyan churches.

“These connections will allow The Wesleyan Church to stand out if Irma strikes Florida or anywhere else on the southeast coast,” Lyon said. “If Irma hits, we are ready to respond.”

In addition to prayer, help can be provided in the following ways:

Giving a Donation: Gifts of any size will help purchase emergency supplies and equipment for the recovery phase and establish a base of operations for support. Give online at https://www.worldhope.org/hurricane-harvey or by phone at 703-594-8527.

Collecting Supplies: Diapers, baby wipes, water, nonperishable food items (also crackers, cookies & granola bars), new blankets, new towels, new undergarments for children (including socks), hand sanitizers, hygiene products, heavy duty large trash bags and duct tape have been specifically requested on the ground in Texas.

Collected items may be shipped by Sept. 30 to: Brink Truck Lines, Hurricane Relief, 3899 58th St, Holland, MI 49423.

Volunteering: World Hope is partnering with Poured Out ministries for coordination of volunteers at our staging area on the outskirts of Houston. Contact KimRankens@worldhope.org for trip information.