Supporting Disciples Every Step of the Way

Advent is a season of waiting. In December 2021, extensive and destructive tornadoes left many communities waiting for answers. What is the damage? Can anything be saved? Who can we lean on as we heal and rebuild?

Disciples affected by the storms did not have to wait long for light in the darkness. The Church immediately connected to coordinate support. The Office of the General Minister and President, Week of Compassion, Pension Fund, National Benevolent Association, and Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF) worked with regional and local church leaders to identify logistical and spiritual needs.

DCEF’s Jim Michel, who leads the Building Disaster Response service, traveled to Kentucky the following week. While there, he worked with Kentucky Regional Minister Rev. Dr. Donald K. Gillett, II, and West Area Regional Minister Rev. Rachel Nance Woehler.

In Mayfield, KY, Jim met with Pastor Dennis Gray at Second Christian Church. Their building was relatively unscathed, but area infrastructure was heavily damaged. Jim delivered a solar generator to light the fellowship hall operating as a food distribution center.

Jim also met with Rev. Milton West at First Christian Church–Mayfield to start planning. Their building was a complete loss, but the communion table and cross remained intact. Jim continues to support the congregation with semi-weekly calls. He also guided them through paperwork to request assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

This is just the beginning of a long journey to rebuild. Because of the generosity of Disciples like you, DCEF will be there every step of the way.

Contact us at 1.800.274.1883 or gifts@disciplescef.org to learn how you can plan a gift to help ensure our mission continues.