Volunteers Needed Immediately In Kansas

Even as rains continue to threaten flooded areas in Kansas and Oklahoma, the need for immediate relief is critical. Thousands have been displaced and homes have been damaged or destroyed over vast regions of several states. Those whose lives have been devastated face overwhelming challenges and desperate needs.

World Hope International (WHI) Disaster Response Manager, Andrea Babin, toured the flooded areas of Kansas and Northern Oklahoma the first weekend of July to assess the extent of damage in those areas. She met with several disaster response organizations and local pastors in an effort to organize an effective response in the hardest hit communities.

The situation in Kansas is critical:

• Over 625 housing units were affected by floods in Osawatomie.

• 17 counties in Kansas are declared disasters.

• Recovering from the destruction will require months of organized efforts.

From a Wesleyan pastor's flooded home in Osawatomie to the oil-drenched neighborhoods in Coffeyville, Ms. Babin witnessed devastated communities and people without hope. The critical need in those areas requires immediate response and WHI is mobilizing relief efforts now. WHI's Disaster Operation Center will open July 16, and volunteers are needed immediately to form mudout (house-gutting) teams. The organization remains committed to serving those in peril at the most desperate of times.

This service that you perform is not only supplying the
needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 2 Corinthians 9:12

In 2007, WHI has responded to tornado destruction in Americus, GA, and has continued its efforts in the New Orleans area with hurricane recovery. In New Orleans, volunteers are still needed to assist with home reconstruction. With over 200,000 applicants for government rebuilding assistance the work is far from done. WHI's presence there is continually needed.

WHI responds to natural disasters such as tornados, floods, and hurricanes around the United States. Your gift of time and energy can make an immediate difference in devastated communities. Your donation will help us continue to offer hope and help in emergency relief, recovery and restoration.

Donations can be made online for Disaster Relief. Volunteers can register online or by contacting Andrea Babin at 866-373-1559 or relief@worldhope.net.

For Him whom we serve through our acts of kindness to others,

Debbie Hoover
Hope Corps Director