When we watched the news in 2005 that Hurricane Katrina had hit the Gulf Coast, we were pretty sure that Brethren Disaster Ministries would be available to help with the rebuilding. We had no idea that it would mean a major change for us, that it would bring us into an experience that we now consider to be one of the highlights of our lives.
Brethren Disaster Ministries
Brethren Disaster Ministries Restructures, Makes Personnel Changes
Brethren Disaster Ministries is restructuring and reshaping its staff and support staff positions to better serve a growing rebuilding ministry and Children’s Disaster Services. Three new positions have been created and filled: office manager for Brethren Disaster Ministries, a salaried staff position; program assistant for Brethren Disaster Ministries rebuilding program, a support staff position; and program assistant for Children’s Disaster Services, a support staff position.
Brethren Disaster Ministries Begins New Partnership for ‘Disaster Recovery Support Initiative’
Brethren Disaster Ministries has begun a new partnership for a Disaster Recovery Support Initiative, joining in with disaster programs of other Christian denominations. The ministry has requested an allocation of $5,000 from the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) to help fund this pilot program to more quickly and effectively support the formation of Long Term Recovery Groups (LTRGs) in communities affected by disaster.
Children’s Disaster Services Offers Additional Training Workshops
Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) is offering three additional volunteer training workshops this fall and winter. CDS is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren and part of Brethren Disaster Ministries. For online registration and a list of previously announced trainings go to www.brethren.org/cds/training/dates.html .
Nigeria: A Land of Many Possibilities
Traveling back and forth between Nigeria and the United States is one of the great joys my wife and I share in our role as co-directors of the Nigeria Crisis Response. It has been truly amazing to witness the sacrificial giving of our denomination toward the recovery of the church in Nigeria, and assisting the thousands of people who have been displaced by the senseless violence perpetrated by the radical insurgent group, Boko Haram.
Food, Aid Distributions Reach Thousands of People in Remote Districts in Nigeria
The EYN Crisis Management Team of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) has been very busy with food distributions. In the last few weeks, your donations have provided food for more than 988 families (about 6,000 individuals). Food was distributed to three remote districts that had never received help because they were still in dangerous and unsafe areas.
Material Resources Contributes to Shipment of Relief Supplies for Syrian Refugees
The Church of the Brethren Material Resources program has loaded two 40-foot containers filled with Hygiene Kits and School kits, and shipped them to aid Syrian refugees fleeing from the violence afflicting the Middle East. This shipment was arranged by the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) in partnership with Church World Service (CWS), reports Material Resources office coordinator Terry Goodger.
Address to the Annual Conference by EYN President Rev. Dr. Samuel Dante Dali
An address by Samuel Dante Dali, president of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Tampa, Fla., on Monday, July 13, 2015.
Delegates Receive Presentation on Crisis Response in Nigeria
Much of Monday afternoon’s business session was devoted to the crisis of sister church in Nigeria, Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). EYN has been facing the assault of violent extremist Islamist group Boko Haram.
Wenatchee Wildfire Affects Pacific Northwest Brethren
Brethren Disaster Ministries reports that a wildfire on the outskirts of Wenatchee, Wash., has destroyed 24 homes and 4 businesses. No lives have been lost. “We need and appreciate your prayers for my home town,” said Colleen Michael, executive minister of the Church of the Brethren’s Pacific Northwest District.