Please pray for those who have lost loved ones, lost their belongings, lost their livelihood, and those who are reaching out with the love of Christ to their neighbors and communities during this time of tragedy.
The rain falling this week is not only some of the heaviest in South Carolina’s history, but also in the United States as a whole. The deluge began on September 29th and was intensified by Hurricane Joaquin on October 4th. This week, rain continues to fall and the crisis may intensify in the days ahead.
We are deeply saddened by the news that 20 lives have been lost due to flooding, washed out roads, and collapsed dams across the southeast. Many homes have been flooded and more than 30,000 people have lost power.
I ask that you remember these brothers and sisters in your prayers this week:
Compassionate God, draw near to our brothers and sisters in South Carolina in this time of sorrow and anguish, comfort those who mourn, strengthen those who are weary, encourage those in despair, and lead us all to fullness of life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen (BCP, p.733).
Relief donations may be directed to The Anglican Relief and Development Fund. Gifts can be given online at http://weblink.donorperfect.com/SCrelief2015
All funds will be dispersed through our local ACNA dioceses and parishes in South Carolina.
Your brother In Christ,
The Most Rev. Dr. Foley Beach
Archbishop and Primate of the Anglican Church in North America
