Gustav Update 9-3-2008

Email Update September 2, 2008

As Hurricane Gustav continues its track inland, the Conference Disaster Response Ministry is in full swing. From the Mississippi Conference headquarters and district offices to local churches and neighborhoods, the remnants of Gustav are alive and well. Bad weather is predicted to impact much of the state through Wednesday night.

Churches and pastors are calling the conference office to report their status. Our district coordinators are working to assess the damage in their areas.

By most reports, the damage is much more limited than with Katrina. Of course, by Thursday, we will have more information.

We are also working with our brothers and sisters in Louisiana as they assess and share needs. Currently, we are looking for folks to receive ERT training to help in those areas hardest hit. We will make information available as we receive it.

•The Conference Call Center can be reached at 601-354-0515 or 866-647-7486 (MISS4UM)

How You Can Help

• Pray

• Give monetary contributions to the response efforts earmarked for “Mississippi Hurricane Response”. Send to the Mississippi Annual Conference, Mississippi Gustav Response, P.O. Box 1201, Jackson, MS 39205

• Volunteers should contact Robert McCoy at 662-213-6400

• Donations and resources should contact Brenda Hiatt at bhiatt@comcast.net or 601-917-7094 or Rex Hiatt at rahiatt@comcast.net or 601-917-9201.

• If you want to set up a collection point for donations, contact Roger Shock at 662-397-2626.

Water, Water, Everywhere!

Although you have worked so graciously over the last months collecting them, we can still use flood buckets. They are a very popular and practical item.

Contact: Brenda Hiatt at bhiatt@comcast.net or 601-917-7094. Thank you for your gracious spirit and loving care.

Telling the Story

Currently, we have a special blog entitled, “MS Voices of Hope”, for telling the stories of hope, response and relief. We encourage you to access the blog at the conference website (www.mississippi-umc.org) or by going to http://msvoicesofhope.blogspot.com.

Also, you may share your story with one of our Public Information Contacts. They are:

Lisa Michiels, Seashore District, 228-436-0058 (H) or 228-424-8689 (M)
Trudy Cessna, Hattiesburg District, 601-794-5555 (H) or 601-310-3776 (M)
Judy Sibley, Brookhaven District, 601-814-0222

Thank you for your continued support.
Blessings and peace,
The Mississippi Annual Conference