It was a lesson in vulnerability, and a lesson in just how connected we are as the body of Christ. In late spring 2014, in a single weekend, First Christian Church, Tupelo, Mississippi, and First Christian Church, Washington, North Carolina, were both destroyed. A tornado ripped through Tupelo, destroying residences, businesses, and of course, First Christian Church. Members of
First Christian Washington were also impacted by a tornado, and then lost their historic
sanctuary to fire just days later. Two communities impacted; two historic congregations lost. But
that isn’t the end of the story.
Through Week of Compassion, Disciples from across North America responded quickly.
Week of Compassion sent grants from its Compassion in Action fund immediately to help
affected families at both churches, and on top of solidarity grants sent to each church from the
Compassion in Action fund,
Week of Compassion helped direct designated gifts to both Washington and Tupelo, providing
resources for their interim needs and rebuilding.Through Week of Compassion, Disciples work
to make sure there is a fair balance—through our prayers, our hopes, and our resources. The Week of Compassion will be received on February 15th and 22nd at Pine Valley. Remember to bring your coin boxes!