News

Moravian Disaster Response Update 9.16.21

The Moravian Board of World Mission continues to invite your prayers for the children of God worldwide that are suffering from hunger, natural disasters, war, and injustice. We would like to provide you with information on three areas of concern.

Haiti Earthquake and Hurricane Relief Efforts
The worst effects of the August 14 earthquake and the tropical storm that followed it are over. However, in Haiti transportation is difficult, political tensions are high, and rival gangs control large areas of the country. Having spoken to leaders in Haiti, they are thankful that the $17,500 already sent from the Board of World Mission is on its way, but they also tell us that this will be a long-term process and will take lots of prayer, patience, and persistence. People who lost their homes are still living in the streets, water and food are scarce, and medical care is hard to come by. Please pray for the Moravian Church leaders and their members. Read our previous updates on the Haiti earthquake here.

Hurricane Ida Impact on the Gulf Coast
Hurricane Ida was a major Category 4 hurricane when it made landfall in Louisiana, and damage assessments are high. Loss of life is now at 153, most of these occurring with the flooding in New Jersey and New York. We have continued discussions with our ecumenical partners, who are still evaluating how we can best be of assistance. At this time, we will be sending funds to help with emergency outreach and will begin to look toward long-term rebuilding efforts when we can send teams in safely. Read our previous updates on Hurricane Ida here.

Afghanistan Refugee Resettlement
The U.S. and Canada continue to see rising numbers of Afghan refugees fleeing this war-torn country. We encourage congregations to follow the Biblical call to welcome the foreigner by helping these families as they begin their new lives in North America. The BWM is partnering with Church World Service and Team Rubicon to support this complex effort. CWS has long been known for its work with refugee resettlement; you can read more about their efforts on their website. Team Rubicon is also respected for its work with refugee families. They are currently assisting Afghan families who are being relocated to the following U.S. military bases: Wisconsin at Volk Field & Fort McCoy, New Jersey at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Mexico at Dona Ana Range / Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico / Texas at Fort Bliss, Virginia at Quantico, Virginia at Fort Pickett, and Indiana at Camp Atterbury. If your congregation happens to be near one of these bases, you can go to the Team Rubicon website for information. In these places, you can drop off things such as toiletries, clothing, food, and water. For assistance with establishing this outreach in your congregation, please email Jill Kolodziej at [email protected]. Read our previous updates on Afghanistan Refugee Resettlement here.

U.S. Donation Information: You can assist the BWM in all of our efforts to bring relief to those in need by sending your donations to: Board of World Mission, 1021 Center Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018. You may also make your donation online at http://moravianmission.org/give/ and click on the green “Give” button at the top of the page. Please indicate that your gift is for “MDR.” Your support changes lives.

Canada Donation Information: You can assist the BWM in all of our efforts to bring relief to those in need by sending your donations to: Moravian Church in Canada, 600 Acadia Drive SE, Calgary, AB T2J 0B8. Interac e-Transfer donations may be sent to [email protected]. In the comments section, mark the donations as “MDR” and include your name and address to receive a tax receipt.