The Board of World Mission (BWM) is the agency that coordinates the North American Moravian response to disasters worldwide. BWM is closely monitoring the situation in western Alaska following Typhoon Halong, which reached Alaska on October 12. The storm brought hurricane-force winds, widespread flooding, and severe damage to coastal villages across the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta region.
Through news outlets and Moravians in Alaska, we know that several communities with Moravian congregations have been directly impacted, including but not limited to: Kongiganak, Bethel, Napakiak, Kwigillingok, Napaskiak, Kipnuk, Quinhagak, and Tuntutuliak. Damage resulting from wind and flooding is widespread. Hundreds of people from Kipnuk, Kwigillingok, and perhaps other villages were evacuated by the National Guard to Bethel and Anchorage because nearly all homes sustained severe damage. Moravian facilities, such as Bethel Moravian Church and the Moravian Seminary in Bethel, have begun helping those displaced by the storm.
With the guidance of Moravians in Alaska, the Moravian Disaster Response (MDR) of BWM has made an initial $10,000 contribution to the Western Alaska Disaster Relief 2025 Fund, which was established by local community organizations and regional partners, many of whom were recommended by Moravian contacts. According to the Alaska Community Foundation, which houses the fund, “distribution decisions will be guided by advisors including regional leaders and stakeholders, ensuring resources reach affected communities based on locally identified needs.” Further donations are greatly appreciated to help us continue this response.
We ask for your prayers for all affected individuals, families, and communities, and for those working tirelessly to bring aid and relief in the aftermath of the storm. The BWM stands ready to offer additional support in the weeks and months to come as we continue to communicate with the Alaskan Moravian Province. Your gifts make it possible for us to respond quickly to urgent needs, provide resources for rebuilding, and accompany our partners through the long recovery ahead.
100% of the donations received for our MDR Fund go to providing relief for these disasters. You can assist us with our disaster response efforts by giving online at MoravianMission.org/Give. Please designate your gift to “MDR” to ensure that funds can be directed to the disaster relief efforts where there is the greatest need. Please make checks payable to “Board of World Mission” and send to:
U.S. Donors: Board of World Mission, 1021 Center Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018
Canadian Donors: Moravian Church in Canada, 600 Acadia Drive SE, Calgary, AB T2J 0B8. Interac e-Transfer donations may be sent to [email protected]. Include your name and address in the comments section of the transfer to receive tax receipts.
Click here to download this MDR update as a bulletin insert.
