Tornado Response and Prayer

Today we wake to the devastating news of major damage and loss of life from horrific tornadoes. Our immediate response, as it should be, is prayer. In listening to early-morning reports, my heart breaks for the people of Bowling Green and Mayfield, in particular.

I have been in contact with Jim Morse, the Kentucky Annual Conference’s Disaster Response Chairperson. Jim is already working to gather damage reports and will be on a Zoom call with our partners in VOAD, the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, to share and collate information. Later today, Jim and I will also discuss asking UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, for a solidarity grant and possibly a Conference advance. 

I encourage you to check on your friends, family, and neighbors in the areas hardest hit. When the time comes to respond to all the calls for help, I encourage you to offer your assistance with the generous hearts of passionate spiritual disciples who know and show the love of God.   

Please join me in prayer:
Holy One, you are our comfort and strength in times of sudden disaster, crisis, or chaos. Surround us now with your grace and peace through storm and flood. By your Spirit, lift up those who mourn great loss today of life and property, especially the people of Mayfield and Bowling Green, and all places that have been hit hardest. Sustain those who work to rescue or rebuild and fill us with the hope of your new creation, through Jesus Christ, our rock and redeemer. Amen.

In Christ,
Bishop Leonard E. Fairley