Fire Destroys Oklahoma Church

Monday, June 23, A.D. 2008

Lightning struck First Christian Church, Altus, OK, early Thursday morning, June 19, igniting a fire that completely destroyed the single-story building. The congregation celebrated its 100th anniversary last September. Pastor Jim Brown said, “We’re looking at a lot of destruction – a lot of history that’s gone, a lot of things that can’t be replaced - but those things are temporal. The congregation is a resilient group of people. We’ll handle the future with God at our side doing the things we believe we’re supposed to do.”

Week of Compassion has sent a solidarity grant to the congregation as an expression of the concern of the whole church.

Flood Relief Continues

To date Week of Compassion has sent a total of $41,000 to the Christian Church in the Upper Midwest for flood relief to churches and members affected in at least 11 different congregations, and the list of persons needing assistance seems to be ever-increasing. We would like to share the following message from Liz Woodward, pastor of First Christian Church, Cedar Falls, Iowa:

"Delivering the WOC solidarity checks has been an amazing experience. Each and every family is overwhelmed with gratitude and humbled by the strength and support of the whole church. One man tried to say "thanks" this morning in worship; we simply cried together. There are not adequate words to express this congregation's gratitude. We are truly blessed to be a part of God's family known as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ.) I only wish the words carried the depth of gratitude and thanksgiving felt by this congregation."

Indiana Disciples congregations have received a total of $37,000 for flood relief, and we continue to communicate with the regional and area ministers in Missouri and Illinois on any needs they might encounter.

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.

Other Weather-Related Disasters

WOC continues to monitor two other recent disasters - the wildfires in California and the typhoon in the Philippines. We are in touch with our partners and will keep you apprised of any needs to which WOC responds.