Moravian Disaster Response 2008 in Review
The Moravian Disaster Response of the Board of World Mission (BWM) has accomplished much in 2008. May God receive all glory and honor for what has been done by bringing or restoring hope to those who are in need, not only in material ways but also through sharing the Good News of the Savior.
Mississippi
We began 2008 by continuing to serve to help in the rebuilding in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. Our presence there continues to be a blessing to those who are still working to reestablish a more normal life. Teams continue to flow at a fairly decent pace from all over our denomination. We have also had teams that have been made up of other denominations as well; it has truly been an ecumenical effort. Our work there is in no way finished, many houses still remain uninhabitable and many incomplete. We are also working towards building another Habitat for Humanity house to add to the three we have already completed.
At their last meeting the BWM decided that our work in Mississippi needs to continue at least until 2012 and approved funding to support our Mission House there until then. With this support we will be able to keep our Mission House filled with volunteers to bring hope that is so desperately needed. This funding does not include the need for funds to help with rebuilding of these homes; funds for materials are still desperately needed!
The BWM also discussed that we should pray and ask the Savior if He would have us plant a church there. This is something I ask you to join us in, to pray and seek our Saviors heart and see if it His will for us to reach out to the unchurched in and around our community there.
Nicaragua
Since January we have been sawing lumber from trees knocked down from Hurricane Felix in August of 2007. This lumber is being used in the rebuilding of homes that were destroyed by this storm. Approximately 30 young Nicaraguan women and men have been trained and currently continue to operate these sawing operations and over 500,000 board feet of lumber has been sawn. With this training it is our prayer that these sisters and brothers will be able to take what they have learned and provide income for themselves well into the future. Although only a few of us North American Moravians have traveled to Nicaragua to help in this effort, you and others have given generously of your prayers and money to help finance the training and support of the young Nicaraguans. This effort has empowered these young Nicaraguans to take ownership of what God has provided.
Indiana
2008 has also been another year of major disasters in the U.S. and around the world. Flooding in our Midwest has left many families temporarily without a home. Columbus, Indiana, is one of the cities enduring extensive damage. Approximately 2200 homes are now in need of rebuilding. Located only 10 miles from Hope Moravian Church, Hope, Indiana, they heard the call from the Savior to establish and support a station to recruit and house volunteers to come and take the lead in the rebuilding of their neighbors homes and lives. From their service in Mississippi following Hurricane Katrina, our Sisters and Bothers at Hope have taken what they have learned and will continue to be a blessing right in their own back yard. What a powerful message this sends to the rest of our Church!
Texas
Hurricane Ike left many in Texas in desperate need of help. A visit to the devastated area left memories of what Waveland, Mississippi, looked like days after Hurricane Katrina, with many living in tents, using generators for power, and searching through what was left of their homes and belongings. An effort to establish a volunteer station with our Sisters and Brothers of the Unity of the Brethren in Crosby, Texas, is underway. One of our MDR tool trailers has been delivered to Crosby to help our volunteers there start with the cleanup. We will continue to work with the Unity Church to help with the rebuilding and the recruitment of volunteers for this effort as well.
Honduras
Honduras experienced terrible flooding In November 2008. A low pressure storm stayed stationary over most of the north coast of Honduras for several weeks and dumped approximately 80 inches of rain over the area. The rain fell over a long period of time and did not cause the rivers to flood too fast, so loss of life and damage to homes or other buildings was minimal. The rains did, however, destroy the rice and bean crop, their basic food source was washed away. This created a need for immediate food and to replant for the future.
The BWM sent $5,000 from funds from MDR accounts to begin the process of buying food for the short term and seed for the long term. This amount will be not last long and funding is needed for the future, not only in Honduras but also in ALL the other places MDR is currently working to help those still in need. A need to replenish MDR funds is necessary to continue our work!
All gifts should be sent to: Board of World Mission, ATTN: Moravian Disaster Response, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245
Please note on the donation that it is for MDR so we can use the funds where they are most needed.
God has certainly been working through the Moravian Church in 2008 as
we respond in kind to those in need. If you feel you are being called to
be the hands and feet of the Lord or to support the work of MDR with
prayer, funding, or initiative, please contact the Board of World
Mission: Lisa Mixon, Director of People in Mission,
Our prayer is that we can continue to make a difference in 2009.
