In the wake of Hurricane Laura, we continue to pray for those affected by the storm. Bishop David Graves is requesting that churches begin collecting special offerings so that we are prepared to purchase critical items or donate money directly to the annual conferences where there is a need. Our recent experience with Hurricane Michael showed that many supplies went to waste. We have been in contact with the Louisiana Annual Conference and others affected by the storm. Their Conference Disaster Response Coordinators will communicate to us what supplies are needed and how we can best assist them. Please do not send goods and supplies until we have clear needs, and do not deploy until the call is made. So many well-meaning efforts often go to waste. We want to be faithful and good stewards of our funds, time, and energy.
UMCOR has already staged thousands of flood buckets in the area. In the months and weeks to come, there may be a need to help replenish the supply at Sager Brown. We will communicate with you if there is a time to produce those buckets.
We will begin identifying churches that have been impacted by the storm and will be looking for partner churches within our annual conference to spiritually and financially support them. Please consider being a partner church. If you are interested in partnering, please reach out to disasterresponse@awfumc.org.
Offering checks may be mailed to the conference office at the below address. Please write "Hurricane Laura Relief" in the memo line. We are grateful for our United Methodist connection during devastating times such as these. Our prayers are with Louisiana and Texas as they begin the recovery and relief process.
Alabama-West Florida Conference
Attention: Fiscal Office
4719 Woodmere Boulevard
Montgomery, AL 36106