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Help for tornado victims
“Fear you not; for I am with you; be not dismayed; for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Dear Friends,
On Saturday, a tornado struck Reading, Kansas, destroying approximately 20 homes and killing one person. Last night an even more devastating tornado ripped through the city of Joplin, Missouri, killing at least 116 persons and injuring countless others. A regional hospital has been destroyed, and there are fears that the death toll still may rise.
According to news reports, this now is the deadliest single tornado in the United States since 1899.
I am asking every parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas to come to the aid of our brothers and sisters who have been affected by these terrible disasters.
Bishop Martin Field of the Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri has sent a communication to his diocese, and I am quoting part of it here.
“I know that many of you are wondering how you might help. Here’s what we know.
“I am trying to make personal and direct contact with the clergy of St. Phillip’s, Joplin, but have not been able to connect yet. Fortunately, Fr. Steve Wilson of Carthage has heard from some and reports that all our clergy families in Joplin (Fr. Frank & Debi Sierra, Dn. Jeff & Chalaine Bell, Fr. Roger & Sherrie Stinnett, and Dn. Andy Fritsch) are OK. A preliminary report indicates that Roger & Sherrie Stinnett’s home was damaged, but we do not yet know the extent of the damage nor have we been able to verify this report.
“Preliminary reports also indicate a couple injuries among our Episcopal brothers and sisters: the daughter of Judy Turner (ECW Chair) was injured, and a child parishioner of our Carthage church, but who lives in Joplin, is hospitalized. I am sorry that I do not know names and condition statuses of these injured. There are no reports of deaths from among our denomination members. May it stay that way.
“We know even less about the assistance that will be needed in the near future, though emergency housing will definitely be high on the list of initial needs. More definition of needs will pour forth soon. I speak from experience when I say, ‘Rest assured, the needs will become evident soon, as soon as disaster response teams and community leaders are able to begin ascertaining damage and needs.’ I base this on my own experience of losing a church building in Jackson, Tenn., to a tornado in May 2003 (the entire City of Jackson was also affected, of course). As needs are defined, we, the Diocese of West Missouri, will respond with all speed and will muster all available resources.”
This Sunday, May 29, the Sixth Sunday of Easter, I am asking that every parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas receive an offering to help our neighbors in need. It is my belief that Episcopal Relief and Development is the best place for Episcopalians to direct these resources, and Kansans have been the recipient of aid from this excellent agency in the recent past.
Parishes should forward one check from this Sunday’s special collection to the diocese. Please make checks payable to “Episcopal Diocese of Kansas,” with “Tornado Relief” in the memo line. Mail checks to Episcopal Diocese of Kansas, Tornado Relief, 835 SW Polk St., Topeka, KS 66612.
These funds then will be immediately forwarded to Episcopal Relief and Development (with the amounts sent by each parish itemized so ERD can appropriately thank each parish individually.)
I thank you for your prayers and your generosity toward our brothers and sisters in these hours. We will offer additional assistance as it becomes clear how we can best do so.
Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of comfort; Deal graciously, we pray, with all who mourn; that, casting out all their care on you, they may know the consolation of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (The Book of Common Prayer, page 505)
Grace and Peace,
+Dean
The Right Reverend Dean E. Wolfe
Ninth Bishop, The Episcopal Diocese of Kansas