Five states were hit overnight with deadly tornadoes leaving countless dead, damaged homes and buildings and community-wide disruptions across the Midwest. Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky were among the states hardest hit. As first responders assess the damage and continue with rescue efforts the death toll is expected to rise. Among the hardest hit was a Candle factory in Kentucky with over 110 employees inside affected by the completely collapsed building. Authorities are confirming most of the employees were able to be evacuated. Tennessee, still in recovery from the recent flooding which has devastated so many, is now facing another disaster complicating their long term recovery efforts. It’s time to PRAY, CARE, and SHARE Christ together!
Let’s PRAY!
“Praise be to God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of ALL comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we have ourselves received from God.”
II Corinthians 1:3-4
Father, we ask that You comfort all those affected by the tornadoes last night. God would you strengthen them to face the trial ahead and comfort them in their grief with the loss of loved ones. Would you assist those at the front of the recovery efforts to locate survivors and administer to their immediate needs? Would you strengthen the first responders as they view the devastation to turn to You? We Praise you Father that you use our trials to comfort and encourage others because You have comforted and strengthened us. Lord, these deadly tornadoes have upended so many lives and the tragedies are compounded by recent flooding, economic downturn and COVID mitigation. As we celebrate your birth this Christmas help us to remember the needs of others around us, like those living in the Midwest who have lost so much, by giving in their point of need as it is giving unto YOU! Amen
Let’s CARE!
CEN National Administration Officer Mary Marr says: “This is a time for Christians to shine the Light of Christ by praying, caring and sharing Christ in a very dark hour in the U.S. Midwest. May we stand together and GET READY to shed the love of Christ in prayer, in caring for the spiritual, emotional, mental as well as physical needs of those affected. CEN urges Christians to give donations only to trusted Christian relief ministries rather than secular agencies who do not bring the Hope of Christ to survivors. CEN recommends you send donations to a local CEN ReadyCity network affected by the tornadoes earmarked with the name of the local state/city effort such as ReadyKY. CEN also recommends you send gifts to trusted large scale national disaster Christian ministry first responders such as The Salvation Army Disaster Relief or Inspiritus Disaster Relief.”
CEN National Logistics Officer and Inspirtus Director of Disaster Relief Programs Sherry Buresh says: “Christians can provide immediate help to support the most affected areas by sending donations to Inspiritus. Those who would like to assist in locating much needed supplies, providing volunteer reception center support, or volunteering on site with the recovery efforts in these states over the coming months may contact us at Inspiritus earmarked for ‘Tornado 2021 Relief.’ CEN partner Inspiritus, is an affiliate of Lutheran Disaster Services. Inspiritus provides clean up, guidance on support services, and emotional, mental and spiritual care for those directly affected by large scale disasters through their nationally recognized Volunteer Receptions Centers set up on the disaster site.
CEN National Care Officer Major Don Gilger says: “The best thing people can do right now is to send donations to a LOCAL Salvation Army. For example, go to: Kentucky/Tennessee Tornado Relief site and earmark your gift ‘Tornado 2021 Relief.’ 100 percent of your donations go to local units to provide food, shelter and basic necessities. The local Salvation Army is on the scene already and needs funds to purchase what is needed the most right now.” The Salvation Army’s response to large scale disasters is a trustworthy way to provide those directly affected by large scale disasters with immediate and long term assistance. The communities and churches in the five states will need long term assistance to recover from their loss. We stand ready to listen and respond with the love of Christ.” CEN partners with The Salvation Army because it is a nationally recognized Christian disaster first responder ministry with a long trusted history of disaster response experience in caring for those affected by disasters.
Let’s SHARE!
Concerned about the increase in attacks on Christians and increase in natural disasters? God gave us a blueprint to be READY to respond. Will you Be Aware, Ready and There sharing the Hope of Christ amid the escalating confusion and chaos? We are stronger together than we are separately. Join other Christians!
SIGN UP for CEN’s FREE ReadyChristian Training which includes:
Comprehensive Readiness to Respond Assessments
Measures your ability to replace fear with Hope and confidence.
‘Up to the Minute’ Subject Expert Conference Calls
Provides timely incident-specific life-saving action steps.
Christian Readiness Training Manual
Provides a self-study guide to respond to crisis with other Christians
When Lightning Strikes Video
Prepares you to recognize and remember how to avoid danger. Watch trailer HERE
SENSITIVE UnClassified DATA
Helps you make deployment decisions Enroll now!
___________________________________________________________________________________
CEN ALERTS, Advisories, ACTIVE Threat News, and FAQs provide timely actionable information to help you be AWARE - READY and THERE sharing Christ for such a time as this!
CEN FAQs: Should Christians Avoid the News?
Other Helpful Resources:
Active Shooter Planning and Response Guide
Active Shooter: What You Can Do Online Course
Center for Faith-Based & Neighborhood Partnerships
Employee Vigilance Through the Power of Hello
Homeland Threat Assessment (HTA)
Houses of Worship Security Self-Assessment Tool
If You See Something, Say Something®
Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship Security Guide and Fact Sheet
Preventing Targeted Violence Against Faith Communities
Protecting Your Church from Vandalism
Securing Soft Targets and Crowded Places
Ten Reasons why Churches are Soft Targets
“Be READY to give an answer for the Hope of Christ within you.”
I Peter 3:15
No comments:
Post a Comment