The devastation in Joplin is staggering and overwhelming. The Church in Kansas City is responding to this mega-disaster which is only about 3 hours away. Here are some examples of what churches are doing in this early stage of relief efforts.
The Cedar Ridge Extend team is meeting this week to work some details, that could include GO! (sending a team to help with initial relief) Give (items and funds) Pray
In the short term, Cedar Ridge is directing people to a great church in the Joplin area that is actively involved in the relief efforts: Christ's Church of Oronogo. They have put together good info and response brief on their website:
http://ccochurch.com/joplin-tornado-information/
"...share your food with the hungry, provide the poor wanderer with shelter, clothe the naked, do not turn away from family... spend yourselves..." -Isaiah 58:7,10
Brian Wright
spiritual janitor
cedar ridge christian church
www.cedarridge.cc
A place to GIVE – Westside recommends financial gifts go to “The Convoy of Hope” based in Springfield, Missouri (about an hour east of Joplin). You can give online at their website –
http://www.convoyofhope.org
If you want to drop off a check at Westside please make your check payable to “Convoy of Hope.”
A way to GO – College Heights Christian Church in Joplin (http://www.chcchurch.org/the-storm) is organizing teams of volunteers to assist in various ways. If you would like to volunteer, please contact the church at (417) 624-6915. (The church does not currently have email or internet access.) Upon your arrival in Joplin you will need to check in at the Volunteer Coordination Office which is temporarily located at Missouri Southern State University. As you can imagine, hundreds of people want to volunteer immediately, often the best response is to wait a few days.
Be in prayer for the people of Joplin and for the churches and ministries in the immediate area.
MATT Adams
Pastor of Community Impact
matt@westsidefamilychurch.com
Twitter: impactpastor
www.westsidefamilychurch.com
Currently, two options for involvement.
1. Buy supplies and bring them this Sunday.
- Bottled water
- Hygiene Items (travel size) Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Shampoo/Conditioner, Soap, Tampons and Pads (various sizes)
- Baby Items: Diapers (any size), Baby bottles, Formula, Baby wipes
2. Boots on the Ground opportunity
Currently, we are waiting for Joplin to declare their need for volunteers to help with the cleanup effort. Bill McMurtrey will be heading down there at that time. If you would like to help out with this effort please contact Bill at 913-271-1477 or fix4_u@yahoo.com
Thank you for rising up to meet these needs,
Dan Deeble & Harold Eastman
on behalf of the Heartland Mission Team
www.heartlandchurch.org
Indian Creek is recommending that medical professionals connect with Heart to Heart International at 913.764.5200. Others please check out this link from the Kansas City Star, with several good connection options:
http://bit.ly/lgGPRn
As Joplin moves past the initial relief phase, Indian Creek will provide recommendations for going to serve in Joplin, and will notify its congregation if it is coordinating teams to go and serve there.
Gary Kendall, Lead Pastor
and the Live Out Executive Team
www.indiancreek.org
Posted on
Wed, May 25, 2011
by Eric Rochester