Prayer for Today, Tuesday, May 24

O God,

Our prayer today is for the people of Joplin, their family and friends. Give them strength, Dear God, as they search, rescue, recover and start to rebuild. May Your Presence empower them during this heart-wrenching time. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
____________________________________________________

Yesterday afternoon we received the following email from Gary Mitchell and Tom Jewell:
++++++++++++++++++
Dear Friends,
The Oklahoma Regional Church stands ready to assist our sisters and brothers in Joplin, Missouri following yesterday’s devastating tornado.
We have been in touch with the Mid-America (Missouri) Area Minister, the Rev. Mike Weinman who reports: “Initial information is that South Joplin CC has suffered damage, windows blown out, probably roof damage and water in the sanctuary. First Christian was not damaged and was being used as a shelter on Sunday night. Both congregations have families who have lost homes, businesses and places of employment. Both congregations are trying to identify and locate members of their congregations to see how the church can respond. ”
We are volunteering housing and transportation to those in need. Week of Compassion has already been in touch with the pastors of the congregations affected and will be offering direct financial aid.
For now, the best thing all of us can do is reflected in the phrase: Pray, Pay, and Stay. If your congregation would like to make a financial gift you may do so through Week of Compassion or through the Oklahoma Regional Church. Please indicate “Joplin Tornado Relief”. While many might want to travel to Joplin, please wait. Stay in your community until we know exactly the kind of assistance that will be most helpful. We will send out notice when and as it is appropriate for volunteers to be involved.
Please keep the people of Joplin in your prayers.
In Christ,
Rev. Gary Mitchell, Associate Regional Pastor (Disaster Relief Coordinator)
Rev. Dr. Thomas R. Jewell, Regional Pastor
++++++++++++++++++++
I am in OKC. I will include today’s scripture reading in tomorrow’s email.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore