Louisiana Assembles Cleaning Kits
October 16, 2024
In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Bishop Delores J. Williamston has issued a call to action for all Louisiana United Methodist churches: to assemble cleaning kits in support of Sager Brown Depot and UMCOR’s relief efforts.These essential kits, commonly referred to as “flood buckets,” will provide immediate aid to those recovering from the devastation left behind by the storms, and at the same time, it will help replenish the supply at UMCOR's Sager Brown Depot, located in Baldwin, Louisiana.
“This is an excellent opportunity for all of us to help and to do so in a very tangible way,” said Bishop Williamston. “There’s more than just 'stuff' in these flood buckets; there’s hope. And hope is needed now more than ever. There's also a lot of prayer. I told our team the other day that when they open these buckets, prayers will just pop out because the hands that have assembled each and every one of these kits also prayed for those who are receiving the kit.”Bishop Williamston says her challenge also aligns with her broader vision for the Conference to “Build, Connect, and Equip".She emphasized that this opportunity for service goes beyond the material needs of disaster response and offers a chance for churches to come together in a common mission.“By assembling these kits, we’re not only addressing needs of those impacted by storms, but your congregation, your Sunday School class, your youth group - they can connect with one another in a unique way. It's also a chance to continue building the connection between our churches, our districts and the conference office. We are in this together as disciples living out our faith in the United Methodist tradition."On Wednesday, Conference staff assembled 20 cleaning kits at the Conference Office, setting an example of the kind of hands-on effort needed to meet the challenge.
More Financial Assistance
In addition to the cleaning kits, the Louisiana Conference has also extended financial aid to hurricane-affected regions. This week, an additional $10,000 solidarity grant has been sent to the Florida Conference.In a video release, Bishop Tom Berlin thanked The Louisiana Conference again for the generosity. "When your bishop called me and said, 'we want to send you more money', an additional ten thousand dollars," he said. "Oh my goodness, you have no idea how much you are helping! Can I tell you, it beings us hope! It makes us feel like we are a part of a connection that's more than just talk."
Florida Bishop Thanks Louisiana
https://www.la-umc.org/newsdetail/bishop-williamston-challenges-louisiana-united-methodists-to-assemble-cleaning-kits-for-hurricane-relief-18697152