Title: Arkansas, Kentucky Disciples affected by floods and tornadoes
Date: March 4, 1997
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
97b-12
INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- Christian Church (Disciples Christ) members in Arkansas and Kentucky have been hard hit by killer tornadoes and torrential rains plaguing parts of South-central United States.
In Arkansas, nearly 30 people have been killed and 300 persons injured as a result of a March 1 series of tornadoes. Entire blocks of homes and businesses also were destroyed, according to the Rev. Johnny Wray, administrative director of Week of Compassion.
In north-central Kentucky, entire communities have been evacuated and are underwater, and the situation could worsen as the Ohio River continues to rise, Wray said.
No damage was reported to Arkansas Disciples congregations, but First Christian Church, Arkadelphia; Parkview Christian Church, Little Rock; and First Christian Church, Hot Springs, have members who were injured or lost homes.
In Kentucky, several Disciples' church buildings have been affected. Especially hard hit were the Falmouth, Morgan and Monterey congregations. At least 10 Kentucky congregations have members whose homes and businesses are underwater.
Disciples congregations are serving as Red Cross staging centers, food and clothing distribution points, and shelter centers in the flood and tornado stricken areas, said Wray. WOC is preparing emergency grants to help congregations meet immediate human needs and to support numerous relief and recovery efforts.
In the meantime Disciples can send "Gifts of the Heart" kits, especially cleanup and health supplies, to the Church World Service Distribution Center in New Windsor, Md. Contact the Week of Compassion office at 317-635-3100 for content and mailing details.
Volunteers also will be needed to complete cleanup and rebuilding work months after emergency relief teams leave, said the WOC administrator. Several Disciples congregations in Kentucky, especially, will need hands-on help.
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