Dear Sisters and Brothers,
As I write to you I am full of grief for our brothers and sisters in Texas and Louisiana. The unimaginable continues to engulf the dioceses of Texas and West Texas. The photos and news briefs paint such a picture that words truly can’t do justice to the destruction Hurricane Harvey is inflicting.
We all know from our own experiences, especially on this the 12th anniversary of Katrina, how helpless we can feel when nature descends upon us in unrelenting power. Rising water, forceful winds and the loss of control bring us to the point of utter despair and we wonder if anyone is noticing. Let me share with you some things that we can do to help our neighbors know they are remembered.
We are people of faith and prayer. Pray for the strength of our neighbors to meet the days ahead. When the storm passes the reminder will be with them for months and years to come. Be steadfast in your prayers for the long haul.
We are people who have known first hand the generosity of others. Give what you can. I’m asking you to give financially by writing checks either to Episcopal Relief & Development (Donate online here) or The Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, ear marked Hurricane Harvey relief. Funds from ERD will go to the most needy. Funds from EDOLA will be given to the bishops for discretionary purposes.
When the time comes for volunteers to travel to the areas affected we will let you know. As you remember, the floodwaters will take time to recede. Until then, there is no need to compound the overloaded triage taking place at this moment.
I’ve been in touch with Bishops Andy Doyle, David Reed, and Jake Owensby. In one of Bishop Doyle’s notes he told his diocese to be a neighbor to those in need. We can be a neighbor because that is what Jesus instructs us to do.
May God bless us all.
In Christ,
The Rt. Rev’d Morris K. Thompson, Jr.
Bishop of Louisiana
Donation information:
Episcopal Relief & Development
To mail donations made by check, marked Hurricane Harvey relief:
Episcopal Relief & Development
P.O. Box 7058
Merrifield, VA 22116-7058
Click here to make an online donation to Episcopal Relief & Development
The Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana
To mail donations made by check, marked Hurricane Harvey relief:
The Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana
1623 Seventh St.
New Orleans, LA 70115