More Flooding Hits the Midwest

Thursday, June 19, A.D. 2008

Following the severe flooding in Indiana last week, waters have again inundated a portion of the U.S. Midwest, this time striking parts of Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri. It is the worst flooding in the Midwest in 15 years, swallowing up potentially millions of acres of farmland and forcing tens of thousands out of their homes.

WOC has sent a total of $25,000 to the Christian Church in the Upper Midwest, who, in turn, has sent grants to seven congregations, so far, to help members affected. In addition, Cedar Christian Church in Cedar Rapids, IA, was totally flooded, and has received a grant as well. Don Hiscox, Associate Regional Minister, writes that they are keeping an eye on other towns hosting Disciples congregations as the water moves downstream and will keep us posted on any further needs. Work groups will be needed at some point for clean up and recovery; WOC is working on those connections and arrangements and will post information as it becomes available. The WOC office has also contacted the Christian Church in Illinois and Wisconsin and the Southeast Gateway and Northeast Areas of the Christian Church in Mid-America and will respond as needed.

In Indiana members of Central Christian Church, Seymour – themselves impacted by last week’s flooding - have been assisting with clean-up, repairs, and meals for flood victims in the hard hit community of Medora. WOC has sent a grant to Central CC to assist their efforts and to aid yet another family affected in Seymour. Thus far, WOC has provided $37,000 to assist Hoosier congregations responding to needs in their respective memberships and wider communities.

WOC has also been in touch with the Christian Church in Kansas following another round of tornadoes. The cities of Salina and Manhattan, both of them home to Disciples congregations, received considerable damage, but thankfully, no Disciples members or churches were seriously impacted.

Gifts are welcome and can be made online or sent to WOC, P.O. Box 1986, Indianapolis, IN 46206. All gifts are used in their entirety as directed.

Clean-Up Buckets Urgently Needed

Church World Service has issued an urgent plea for Emergency Clean-Up Buckets. Click here for more information.

WOC Map/Poster

Click here for the complete listing of this week’s responses. For a complimentary copy of the map/poster for your congregation, call the office at 317.713.2442 or send an e-mail to ecleveland@woc.disciples.org.