Responding to Recent Storms

June 2, 2011

Dear Members and Friends of the South Georgia Conference,

My heart has been heavy as I consider the various storms and other natural disasters that have occurred nearby as well as around the world.  As I see the faces of displaced people and hear about the stories filled with pain and loss, it seems so overwhelming.  In times like these I turn to God in prayer seeking understanding for what seems so unthinkable.  I am sure that many of you have been touched by the people who are suffering due to these calamities.  I am aware that some of you have been on the site in some of these situations helping out in a personal way.

I ask you to continue to pray for those who have been affected by what appears to be an unusual amount of devastation due to natural disasters.

If you are not presently involved in helping those who are trying to rebuild their lives and would like to get involved, the following information may be of help.

One way we can all help is to give money to the UMCOR Advance number 3021326, which is the U.S. Spring Storms offering.  You can send gifts through our Conference Treasurer marked with the Advance number.

Teams interested in working in one of the nearby disaster areas can contact Jamie Gibson, our Disaster Response Chair, jamie720@aol.com.   Rev. Doreen Smalls, our conference staff person, may also be of assistance (doreen@sgaumc.com).  Please feel free to email Jamie Gibson or Rev. Doreen Smalls with any questions you may have.  I hope you will continue to watch our conference website for information regarding volunteer opportunities.

Now may the same faith that we have in God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ give us the strength to love and care for our brothers and sisters who desperately need us.

With love,

Your Bishop,
James King