Brethren Disaster Ministries and ecumenical partner Church World Service (CWS) have issued updates on their responses to the unfolding disaster and continuing human needs in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Church members who are considering donating to the response are encouraged to give through the Emergency Disaster Fund (www.brethren.org/edf ) in support of the Brethren response including the work of Children’s Disaster Services (www.brethren.org/cds ).
Brethren Disaster Ministries
EDF Grants Support Brethren Disaster Ministries Projects in Virginia and Alabama
Two grants have been made from the church’s Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) to fund Brethren Disaster Ministries rebuilding projects in Pulaski County, Va., and Arab, Ala.
Disaster Response to Sandy Begins, Brethren Still Without Power in Some Areas
As the relief effort following Hurricane Sandy gets underway, Brethren Disaster Ministries is encouraging Brethren to consider donating to the Emergency Disaster Fund (www.brethren.org/edf ) to support a Brethren response including deployment of Children’s Disaster Services volunteers.
Brethren Disaster Ministries Monitors Storm and Calls for Prayer, Children’s Disaster Services Volunteers on Alert
“CDS is busy,” reports Judy Bezon. As the storm called “Sandy” assaults the East Coast, Children’s Disaster Services has put volunteers on alert and Brethren Disaster Ministries staff are calling for prayer as they monitor the situation. Prayer is requested for all affected by the storm, as it threatens the US after causing damage in a number of Caribbean nations including Haiti–where four Brethren families lost homes–as well as the Dominican Republic and Cuba.
Brethren Drought Response Will Aid Farm Families, Encourage Garden Projects
A new Brethren effort has been put together by denominational staff and districts to respond to needs of farmers and communities following a summer of extreme drought. The Church of the Brethren drought response will be carried out in two parts, a Farm Relief Initiative, and a Community Food Security and Nutrition Initiative.
Children’s Disaster Services Aids Families Displaced by Isaac
Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) is aiding children in Louisiana who have been displaced by Hurricane Isaac. Fifteen CDS volunteers were deployed to this heavily impacted area on Sept. 3. R. Jan Thompson is serving as project manager for the response.
Newsline Special: Hurricane Isaac
Brethren Disaster Ministries monitors progress of storm, Children’s Disaster Service prepares volunteers to respond, Haitian and Dominican Brethren send updates
Children’s Disaster Services Completes Oklahoma Response
Children’s Disaster Services has completed a response in Oklahoma, where a total of 11 volunteers cared for children for 9 days after wildfires destroyed numerous homes. The CDS volunteers saw a total of 69 children.
Disaster Grants Announced for Haiti, Angola, Summer Storms in US
Several grants have been given recently by the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF). Heading the list is a grant continuing the post-earthquake work of Brethren Disaster Ministries in Haiti.
Children’s Disaster Services Works in Oklahoma
Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) on Tuesday, Aug. 7, opened a child care center in Glencoe, Okla., to aid families affected by fires.