LABC Update – Saturday, August 19, 2023
Linked below is moving video about the Faith in Action East Bay Housing Action LABC hosted last Saturday.
A Response to Maui Fires from our friends at the American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns. (Psalm 46:1-2,5)
August 17, 2023
Dear Sisters and Brothers:
The wildfires fueled by hurricane winds on the Hawaiian island of Maui last week not only overturned the respite of tourists but devastated the lives of its residents. The scenes of destruction captured on the island breaks our hearts. Because of these fires, thousands of people have experienced loss of life, property and hope. The death toll numbers rise daily; hundreds are yet unfound and feared dead. The scene is grim. A once verdant paradise has become a Gehenna.
Although Maui is far away for most of us, American Baptists remain committed to drawing closer and be present who are suffering through prayer and providing material support for those who have been most affected.
The following quote from American Baptist News Service release includes the following statements from our partners:
The Rev. Andy Quient, executive minister of the American Baptist Churches of Los Angeles, Southwest & Hawaii, describes the devastation as “astonishing” and especially “impactful, given the closeness of the Hawaiian people to each other and to the land,” which Quient knows first-hand from having lived there. “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness”, says Quient. “God bless our entire ABC family for your prayers.”
According to the Rev. Lisa Harris Lee, ABHMS director of Healing & Transforming Communities of the American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS), “The grief from the loss of loved ones and community and the harm to the earth will linger and require our care for many years. Rebuilding after this disaster, given its breadth, will take constant prayers, boundless emotional support and reportedly billions of dollars.”
American Baptists can contribute to the support that is needed to help restore Maui, particularly Hawaiians whose homes have been in Maui for generations – whose livelihoods are dependent on the island that has attracted so many from the outside to the paradise called the Hawaiian islands.
How you can help:
Please join American Baptists in supporting the relief efforts directed toward those affected by the catastrophic fires on Maui by giving to the One Great Hour of Sharing offering, designating “Maui Relief.” One hundred percent of designated OGHS gifts go directly to the place of need you have designated.
The World Relief Committee of the Board of General Ministries of American Baptist Churches USA administers the One Great Hour of Sharing offering. This committee facilitates American Baptist emergency relief, disaster rehabilitation, refugee work, and development assistance by establishing policy guidelines and overseeing distribution of the OGHS offerings that are received.
Campbell
Rev. Dr. Campbell B. Singleton, III
ABCMNY Associate Executive Minister
(LABC members can contribute by sending a contribution/writing a check to LABC and designating it “Maui Relief.”)
This Morning on LABC Zoom Pastor Carolyn leads A Time For Prayer at 10:00
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