Title: Oklahoma, Kansas Disciples affected by tornadoes
Date: May 7, 1999
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: news@cm.disciples.org
99c-32
INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- Oklahoma and Kansas Disciples were among those who experienced the fury of destructive tornadoes in the region May 3. Week of Compassion, the relief fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has already sent $15,000 to the Christian Church in Oklahoma for assistance to church members. Another $6,000 has been sent to help three Kansas congregations.
A member of Hillcrest Christian Church, Oklahoma City, Beverly Arthur, was killed. Among the 2,000 homes destroyed in Oklahoma City and suburbs were 30 belonging to members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Some 14 homes received considerable damage.
Both the First Christian Church, Stroud, and First Christian Church, Crescent, were damaged. The basement of the Crescent church is full of water.
Del City Christian Church is serving as an aid station. Church members are working with an adjacent apartment building to clean vacant apartments and make them ready for families left homeless by the storm. Other Oklahoma Disciples congregations are sending equipment and supplies for use in Del City.
In Kansas, the sanctuary of First Christian Church, Haysville, was destroyed and there may be serious structural damage to the rest of the building. The homes of three Haysville families were destroyed. Six Wichita Disciples families have also been left homeless. Five are part of Faith Christian Church, one at Hillside Christian Church.
Financial gifts to aid the clean-up and recovery efforts can be sent to Week of Compassion, PO Box 1986, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1986. Additional Week of Compassion response will be posted at http://www.disciples.org/woc/.
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