Severe weather has rolled through many parts of the country over the past two weeks. Fires, floods, thunderstorms and tornadoes have pounded the South, the Midwest and the Plains States. On May 22 a tornado, now rated as the deadliest single twister in the U.S. in over 60 years, hit Joplin, Mo., where 120 people are now confirmed dead, 750 injured and 10 unaccounted for.
A number of Disciples families in the Joplin area lost homes and their possessions in the storm. The sanctuary and fellowship hall at South Joplin Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was damaged, and has now been gutted following the storm. About 600 gallons of water was pumped from the basement. First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), which was not damaged, is serving as a donation and distribution center for both volunteers and supplies. First Christian was also the site of a joint church service with South Joplin and First Community Christian, an independent church, where the worshipers joined together in prayer and reflection on Sunday, May 29.
Week of Compassion already has responded with solidarity grants for the Joplin community. To learn more about how your gifts through Week of Compassion can make a difference to those affected by the storms, go to: www.weekofcompassion.org
