ReadyMS Activates!

 CEN ReadyMS Activates!

As of press time, 26 have been killed as a result of 12 tornadoes that have hit Mississippi and Alabama in five days, the National Weather Service reported. Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves declared a State of Emergency in affected areas, activated medical support and formally asked FEMA to expedite assistance. There have been 13 deaths reported in the small town of Rolling Fork, MS. In announcing the higher death toll Saturday afternoon, MS Emergency Management Agency said four people who were missing had been accounted for. Dozens more people were injured, as CEN activates ReadyMS, says CEN National Public Information Officer John Phelps. 

ReadyMS Administrator Misty Israel Marascalco reports: “Cornerstone Church in Pearl MS are gathering supplies to deliver to one of the hardest hit areas in Amory, MS today. One lay leader says: Devastation!. That is really the best way to sum it up. People have lost everything. Schools closed, pretty sure high school will not even open for rest of the year. Our church is full of elderly people who cannot even move stuff."

CEN National Logistics Officer Sherry Buresh is monitoring the situation and awaiting reports from the hardest hit areas, seeking a staging area for volunteers to assist those in the devastation. Sherry says: “We will stand up spontaneous volunteer crews who will help with chainsaw work and clean up for those in the affected area. We will be networking with local churches who are not directly affected like the Cornerstone Church and other organizations who are coming alongside the survivors in need. If you would like to help in any way please let us know at: CONTACT US.”

“Deploy with Confidence by preparing your team using CEN’s ReadyChurch training to help you pray, care and share Christ with those affected by natural disasters like the tornadoes in MS. A ReadyChristian and a ReadyChurch is committed to disaster relief through recovery. As the frequency and severity of catastrophic events such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, wildfires, and droughts continue to increase, it is essential to build a well-trained, flexible, and collaborative team that can swiftly respond to the needs of affected communities. This includes investing in ongoing professional development programs, engaging in strategic partnerships, and fostering a culture of empathy and preparedness as reflected by Scripture. By taking these proactive measures, your team will be better equipped to provide effective assistance and support to those who are most vulnerable in the face of life-altering natural disasters.” says Michael Boler CEN National Operations and City Consultant. To learn more contact: Michael.Boler@christianemergencynetwork.net

Or, call 317-961-7007

Join in Prayer According to: 2 Chronicles 6:14 NLT

FATHER GOD HEAR OUR PRAYERS, for those who have been severely hit with these life changing storms. We are Praying that they know, without a doubt, that no matter what they are facing YOU are with them! There is no God like You in all of heaven and earth.  You keep Your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion. Give wisdom, insight, clarity of mind for those who reach out, with the Love that only You can give in times such as this, with love, mercy and your deeper GRACE then never known before, through the power of our precious Holy Spirit.

In His precious Holy name. Amen!

2 Million without Power CALL upon God’s POWER!

Pray for the Lord to protect priceless lives and property as Florida and other states are bracing for CAT 4+ Hurricane, with potential max winds of 145 mph teetering on a CAT 5. While landfall is expected later today as a major hurricane we pray that people will be safe, make wise choices, and the storm would be degraded as tornadoes and evacuation orders have been given in counties where just 24 hours they were not heeding nor responding to evacuation orders. It is expected the storm surges will be about ten feet inland. As of 7:00 PM EST I Million were experiencing power outages and millions more may be without power within the next 24 hours. 

CEN National Team Situational Reports: 

• CEN Founder, President, and Incident Commander Mary Marr reports: 

“CEN is monitoring Hurricane 2022 with our key partners in law enforcement and emergency management. We will keep you apprised of ongoing needs and developments. Again, if you would like to be considered a volunteer please ContactUS with your availability, expertise, and capacity. Sherry Buresh will contact you about the Volunteer Reception details. Keep in mind that most Florida residents have not experienced anything like this in FLA since 2004 and it may be unprecedented following Hurricane Andrew. If they have not already become a ReadyChristian those affected need your support spiritually, emotionally, mentally as well as physically. Christians should be encouraged to keep in regular communication with loved ones and have their own emergency response plans in place both to shelter and support as this may be a very long and difficult response. This is another of God’s gracious wake up calls and the opportunity for us to give an answer for the Hope of Christ within us!” I Peter 3:15

• CEN Logistics Officer Sherry Buresh reports she is collaborating with FEMA and other partners as to immediate deployment for assessment and response. Damage has already been experienced along the FLA western coast and there will be a cascading damage effect with staging areas being set up. If you would like to volunteer please ContactUS. Please do not contact Sherry directly as her communications in the field are limited. 

• CEN Public Information Officer John Phelps reports the communications are challenging as being reported by our CEN ReadyFL team. If you are a CEN radio interview provider please contact john.phelps@christianemergencynetwork.net with your preferred times to set up an interview with CEN Founder and President Mary Marr.

• CEN Prayer Officer Lisa Crump reports Hurricane Ian is a massive surging hurricane with ability to deposit heavy rains and category three winds.  This is an urgent and intense threat to Americans in Florida, especially the southern and eastern parts.  Other peoples and lands have been greatly affected such as Cuba and Puerto Rico, a territory of the United States. Mandatory evacuations are in place.  Ten foot tidal waves are anticipated with great effect on power systems. Will you and your prayer teams join me in prayer? lisa.crump@christianemergencynetwork.net 

"Why, when I came there was no man; why, when I called, was there no one to answer? Is my hand shortened, that it cannot be redeemed? Or have I no power to deliver? Behold, by my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a desert; their fish stink for lack of water and die of thirst. Isaiah 50:2

Please continue to pray for:

• Governor DeSantos, local first responders and government to assist in every way helpful. 

• First responders, especially Christian first responders as they bring the Gospel to those affected across our nation. 

• Florida's citizens personally, with your family and groups.  

• Contacts in Florida to text that you are praying for them now. 

• ReadyChristians to be prepared to help in time of need bringing His Hope to the hopeless. I Peter 3:15

LET US PRAY!

Lord our God Almighty, we praise You for You are the source of our help.  You are our creator and of the earth where You have placed us to live.  With this major hurricane threat, we ask You now for safety as millions evacuate, seek supplies and fuel, driving in heavy traffic and those with medical needs. Father I pray for fear to be replaced with the elderly and the young and the mid generations looking to You for the source of help, protection, provision, wisdom as they adhere to emergency measures given for their communities. God, we ask Your help for the church to arise to give aid through all means available, physical and spiritual.  We decree that You are more than able to do exceedingly more than we can ask or even imagine according to Your power at work within Your people.  Jesus in Your Name above all we ask for this help with hope at the throne of God.

Be READY to give an Answer for the Hope within! I Peter 3:15

Again, if you would like to be a part of the CEN Prayer Team please contact me directly at lisa.crump@christianemergencynetwork.net

Church Shooting in Ames IA

 CEN ALERT

AWARE

“Let us draw near the throne of Grace that we may find mercy in our time of need” tonight as the nation is still reeling once again from several active shooter incidents in recent weeks. Today marks yet another incident in Ames IOWA where three were killed in the church parking lot according to the Desmoines Register   report filed on June 2, 2022. The Ames sheriff confirms they practiced with vigilance to be ready to respond to incidents like this tragedy. 

READY

While CEN does not believe this is an ongoing threat to the community. However, CEN recommends all those responsible for securing their churches, ministries, businesses and schools follow the following steps found in CEN’s ReadyChurch Training Guide

1. Ensure you have your Emergency Team Roles and back ups identified and trained

2. Review your Emergency Operations Plans with your staff and congregation.

3. Check in with your local law enforcement to determine if there are any known threats 

CEN National Safety Security Officer Dan Graeber says: “Being prepared with a plan for what to do in the event you are confronted with an active assailant has a scriptural basis in Jesus' words: "for the thief cometh in the night and we know not when".  We are also told that the thief must overcome the one who is prepared to guard his home (the strong man...) This simple principle in the Bible does not necessarily mean a literal strong man physically speaking, but is indeed referring to a hard target in today's language. The person who has a plan and makes himself look hard to get.  We all must be vigilant in looking for those seeking to harm us.  Our hearts break at these horrific tragedies like Buffalo, Texas and now the church in  Ames Iowa.  We pray for the Peace of Christ to rest upon Ames IA tonight and the families at the loss of their loved ones.”

Learn from the tragedy in Ames IA by being ready using the CPPS ACTIVE ASSAILANT Video training into your home, church or city.  Contact: CEN National Safety Security Officer dan.graeber@christianemergencynetwork.net  

THERE

Let us pray together tonight:

Hebrews 4: 16 “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Father God Almighty, we thank you for that we can come boldly to You, directly to You because of Messiah, our risen LORD Jesus, Your only begotten Son. We never have to cease listening, watching, waiting, asking of You.  You actually long for us to come and tarry!  Your mercy sustains us to go forward, upward to You.  You never weary in helping us in any matter or circumstance whether in thanksgiving or great need.  Jesus thank You for paying the price for us to come to our Father together with You.  AMEN

CEN ALERT: Protestors Threaten Churches

As prayer warriors receded from the National Day of Prayer media spotlight on Thursday, the space was quickly filled with angry Roe vs Wade protests threatening to target churches on Sunday, May 8th. News outlets confirm Catholic churches, a historic advocate of the right to life, are being threatened with protests outside their doors with increased vandalism. 

CEN confirms there is no known threat these protests will become violent at this time. However, any threats to houses of worship coupled with an escalation of vandalism poses a threat to ALL people of faith to worship freely as a right enumerated in the  U.S. Constitution.

In 2019 CEN’s Founder and President Mary Marr Co-chaired the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Faith-based Committee which authored the “Preventing Targeted Violence Against the Faith Community” which was approved and fully funded by Congress, but has not been acted upon. Now, the critical deliverables for both law enforcement and the faith community to have timely actionable threat information sharing; stronger law enforcement relations; training for houses of worship that are consistent nationwide; as well as a forum for incident mitigation is not in place which poses a greater risk of expanded house of worship incidents moving forward. 

CEN has been monitoring Christian security for the past twenty years and can confirm that vandalism, burglaries, and bomb threats as well as data breaches are up 80% just in the past year alone. At a time when Jewish synagogues are facing a dramatic rise in Anti-Semitic incidents worldwide with tensions are increasing in the Middle East, Christians are facing the highest rate of persecution of any religions historically in the world.

CEN Founder Mary Marr says: “This is a time to take seriously the escalating threats and risks which have been looming over the Church for three decades. It is why CEN provides ReadyChristian, ReadyChurch and ReadyCity for such a time as this! Every church should be reviewing their security and emergency plans with those responsible for providing a safe worship environment this Sunday. CEN provides resources to assist the Church to be ready but they must use these Biblical blueprints to protect the priesthood of believers for such a time as this!”

ReadyChristian

ReadyChurch 

ReadyCity

CEN provides these three core trainings to prepare the body of Christ for emergencies both large and small. ReadyChurch helps the church assess its own level of readiness and capacity to respond including the ability to share the Hope of Christ when 90% of those in crisis will ask: “Where is God in this?” 

CEN Safety Security leadership provides training for church security teams such as how to stand up a church security team; how to understand your unique risks and threats within the ReadyChurch and ReadyCity training. CEN’s partners CPPS training helps church security teams to recognize suspicious behavior and how to mitigate active assailants and many other threats to the safety of the Church today. Bring helpful CPPS ACTIVE ASSAILANT Video training into your home, church or city.  Contact: 

CEN National Safety Security Officer: dan.graeber@christianemergencynetwork.net 

CEN ALERT: Russia Attacks Largest European Power Plant

PRAYER ALERT! As Russia attacks Europe’s largest nuclear power plant in Ukraine and thousands flee the country without even basic necessities to protect their families do you feel like the world is spinning out of control? Concerned about these increased attacks on our freedoms and faith? Seeing more chaos and hopelessness at every turn? QUESTION: Are you READY to lead others on the front lines of prayer “For Such a Time as This?” 

“For Such a Time as This!” 

CEN Monthly Prayer Conference Calls

You are invited to join CEN Founder and President Mary Marr, along with nationally recognized prayer leader Lisa Crump on the:

 

FIRST Tuesday of each Month starting April 5 at 8PM ET/7CT/6MT/5PT 

Lisa will lead us in praying through the critical issues facing Christians today around the globe. Mary will provide a domestic and international situational report and information on how Christians may be more aware and ready to respond with the Hope of Christ in the midst of hopelessness in these uncertain times. Join with other believers as Lisa leads us in a fervent prayer “For Such a Time as This!”

Sign up today to be part of CEN’s “For Such a Time as This!” Monthly Prayer Conference Calls and to receive your complimentary copy of ReadyChristian and other helpful resources to pray effectively for such a time as this.

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“Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great Mercy!.” Daniel 9:18

From this verse God, we know Daniel was a man of prayer! We ask that you help all of your children to make prayer a high priority. We pray we will be like Daniel seeking YOU for the solutions to the catastrophe we see all around us. Help us to keep our eyes focused upon you and ready ourselves to share Your Hope with the hopeless and those in darkness. Lord, we covet Your Mercy to rest upon us. May we stand together as your witnesses of Truth and Righteousness for your Name’s sake. May You alone be high and lifted up! AMEN 

“Be READY to give an answer for the Hope of Christ within you.” 

I Peter 3:15

Tornadoes 2021 Pray-Care-Share ALERT!

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!

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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:

ReadyChristian

ReadyChurch

ReadyCity

Active Shooter Preparedness 

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  

Fire as a Weapon

House of Worship Website

Homeland Threat Assessment (HTA)

Houses of Worship Security Self-Assessment Tool 

Hometown Security 

If You See Something, Say Something®  

Insider Threat Guide

Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship Security Guide and Fact Sheet

Protect Your Privacy

Preventing Targeted Violence Against Faith Communities

Protecting Your Church from Vandalism 

Ransomware Guide

Responding to Civil Unrest

Securing Soft Targets and Crowded Places 

Security Guide

Security Fact Sheet

School Safety and Security 

Securing Public Gatherings

Ten Reasons why Churches are Soft Targets

“Be READY to give an answer for the Hope of Christ within you.” 

I Peter 3:15