Florida Conference News

CONTACT: Jerrica Thurman, Communication Coordinator, North American Division Adventist Community Services, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904, 301-680-6438, Jerrica.Thurman@nad.adventist.org, www.communityservices.org

Hurricane Katrina: ACS Disaster Response Volunteers Are Ready for Action

In Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, ACS Disaster Response teams are setting up to provide immediate relief to people devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

As New Orleans rescue teams work to retrieve those who are trapped on rooftops because their homes are flooded, ACS Disaster Response volunteers have mobilized to provide the survivors with needed supplies. After medical evaluation, those who’ve been rescued receive blankets, new clothing and personal kits, including toiletries from ACS Disaster Response volunteers before they are transported to nearby shelters. The volunteers are distributing supplies that are prepackaged and stored in large truck units that supply nearly 1,700 people, which the workers continually restock.

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A Community Prayer Service—in conjunction with the National Day of Prayer–will be held tonight for victims of Hurricane Katrina between 7-8 p.m. in the Forest Lake Church. Nonperishable food items will be collected on site for delivery to those impacted on the Gulf Coast.

The North American Division web site now has a page summarizing updates from organizations assisting with recovery. Check this page for regularly updated information.

Hurricane Katrina is poised to cause a catastrophic event to the Gulf States region. The Adventist Community Services team is in the initial stages of mobilization and will begin staging at Camp Kulaqua on Monday. There will be a certain need for many capable volunteers to assist with recovery efforts. If you are able to be part of this team, call (800) 633-7992 or download the Disaster Volunteer Registration Form from the Connection Helpline web site.

Information and photos will be posted as it becomes available.

Larry Ford, an award-winning Irish tenor, and Southern Gospel group, Valor, will perform on Sabbath, August 20, during worship services at the Fort Myers Seventh-day Adventist Church, 3451 Ortiz Avenue.