Within Your Gates: Cyclone Freddy & Mississippi tornados
Church of God Network’s Within Your Gates program is designed to marshal the resources and manpower of THE ENTIRE Church of God to come to the aid of brethren (and local communities) in times of need. The program has two functions: 1) to keep the Church of God at large informed as to the critical needs brethren and communities worldwide, and 2) to connect brethren seeking to serve with the Church of God organizations already responding to needs on the ground.
Two major weather events are currently being responded to by the Church of God:
- Cyclone Freddy hits East Africa: Church of God brethren in East Africa have been hit hard by several issues recently. Inflation and weather conditions had made meeting daily needs very difficult for brethren even before they were hit with a Cyclone two weeks ago. So far, Cyclone Freddy has displaced tens of thousands of people, including a number of Church of God brethren.
- Devastating tornadoes strike Mississippi: One March 24th, tornados hit the state of Mississippi, causing the loss of 25 lives, with dozens more injured. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing and there is great need to provide aid and resources to those in the affected areas.
We have provided information below concerning how to help those affected by these disasters. If you know of other Church of God initiatives to address these events, please reach out to us via our Contact Us page.
Cyclone Freddy
Here is a message from the United Church of God regarding their Cyclone Freddy response:
In early February 2023, Cyclone Freddy developed off the north coast of Australia. Slowly making its way across the Indian Ocean, the storm initially made landfall in Madagascar on February 21st, 2023; it has been traversing across Malawi and Mozambique ever since, gaining strength as it traveled. As of March 15, 2023, an estimated 19,000 people in Malawi have been displaced from their homes, including at least 10 families in the United Church of God.
We are raising funds to help families rebuild and offer famine relief as many people have had their gardens and farms completely washed away.
To donate, follow the link below.
ucg.org/members/service-projects/cyclone-freddy-relief-2023
Brethren can also contribute to COGWA for this as well. COGWA has an international fund to which people can send funds, and which is used for this kind of need. Donors making a contribution must simply write “International Fund” in the check memo line with.
Mississippi Tornados
Here is a message from Christian Educational Ministries regarding their response to the Mississippi tornados:
URGENT: Tornado Relief Efforts in Mississippi
Dear Christian Educational Ministries family and friends,
Our hearts are heavy as we learn about the devastating tornadoes that struck Mississippi on March 24th. The disaster has caused the tragic loss of 25 lives, with dozens more injured. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing in Sharkey, Humphreys, Carroll, and Monroe counties, and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is working tirelessly to provide aid and resources to those affected.
As members of the Christian community, we are called to be a beacon of hope and light during times of crisis. We are reaching out to you, our dear friends and supporters, to join us in providing much-needed assistance to the victims of this disaster.
Your donation to our Mississippi Tornado Relief Fund will help us offer immediate support to those impacted by the tornadoes, providing essential items like food, water, and shelter. To make a donation, please visit our website or click the “Donate” button on our Facebook page. Every little bit helps, and together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by this tragedy.
Please keep the victims, their families, and the rescue workers in your prayers.