After a series of deadly tornadoes ripped through six states this week, the Foursquare Southeast District reports that all 154 churches located in the impacted areas were not directly hit. All Foursquare credentialed ministers have been accounted for and are safe.
A category F-5 tornado ripped through Alabama, leaving more than 200 dead. Pastor Huey Hudson has already set up relief efforts at his church. Restoration (Huntsville Foursquare Church), located in Madison, Ala., fed 400 people on Thursday, April 28.
There is already word of additional Foursquare churches looking for ways to make a difference in the lives of those who survived the storm. Living Way (Adairsville Foursquare Church) in Adairsville, Ga., pastored by Tina and Jon Spellman, and Refuge West (Marietta Refuge Foursquare Church) in Marietta, Ga., are partnering to feed and care for disaster relief workers today (April 29). In addition, Living Way is both a shelter and collection point for clothes and supplies needed by government and relief organizations.
“We’re so thankful that our immediate Foursquare family was spared, but amidst such intense devastation, it is time to demonstrate the gospel,” says Ted Vail, associate director for Foursquare Missions International—U.S. Missions. “Not only is there physical damage, there is fear and uncertainty. May we extend His heart and hands together!”
Tom Isenhart from Foursquare’s Relief and Compassion reports that immediate needs include water, ice, baby supplies, food, candles, flashlights and generators. Longer-term needs include food, clothing and temporary housing.
Those looking to offer relief to those in need can donate funds through give.foursquare.org to “U.S. disaster relief.” In addition, those interested in making donations can contact Foursquare’s Relief and Compassion via e-mail, or by calling 213.989.4320.
Local area Foursquare churches are currently collecting supplies for those in need. Non-perishable items such as canned food, baby supplies, candles and clothing can be mailed to the following churches:
Living Way Foursquare Church
118 East George St.
Adairsville GA 30103
Refuge West Foursquare Church
2200 Powder Springs Rd. SW
Marietta, GA 30064
Vine and Branches Foursquare Church
321 Broadway St.
Dayton, TN 37321
Restoration Foursquare Church
5810 Wall Triana Highway
Madison, AL 35758
Please check foursquare.org for future updates from our churches as well as ongoing needs from Foursquare churches in the affected areas.
Update—May 2, 2011: More than 300 people are confirmed dead in the areas impacted by the tornadoes. All local Foursquare churches and ministers remain safe; none have been directly hit by storms.
Over the weekend, Foursquare’s Relief and Compassion, in conjuction with Convoy of Hope, brought trucks filled with supplies and food to the affected areas. Foursquare Pastor Huey Hudson reports feeding thousands, and continues to plan for both short- and long-term needs. The church is also looking to meet practical needs and has already set up a cell phone charging station that is getting much use. Huey notes that supplies cannot be directly accepted by the church at this time, but asks for people to donate to give.foursquare.org so that the funds can be best appropriated to those with the most need.
Update—May 3, 2011: Watch a new video from Southeast District Supervisor Scott Reece.
By: Marcia Graham, editor of Foursquare Leader magazine and Foursquare.org
