Covenant News

Volunteers Needed for Tornado Cleanup Effort

OKLAHOMA CITY (May, 1999) - OKLAHOMA CITY – Volunteers are needed to assist in cleanup efforts, according to Covenant Mission Connection, which is organizing a volunteer cleanup effort.

Storms earlier in May destroyed 18 homes belonging to Covenant families, with many other houses owned by Covenanters suffering significant damage. Three Covenant churches in the area, including Westmoore Community Covenant, Life Covenant, and Cornerstone Covenant, reported no damage.

"Cleanup efforts in rural and smaller communities will take months, since most volunteers are going to the cities," said Barbara Johnson, Mission Connection coordinator. Covenant Mission Connection is organizing volunteer groups willing to donate one or two weeks of time cleaning up areas damaged by the storm. "These groups are needed as soon as possible," Johnson said.

Room and board will be provided - the only cost to volunteers will be transportation-related expenses, Johnson said, noting that it would be helpful if volunteers can bring basic tools such as rakes, shovels, axes, crowbars, and gloves.

Interested individuals may contact Johnson at Covenant Mission Connection, 1-800-903-0262, or by e-mail at BarbaraWM@covoffice.org.

The Westmoore church is serving as a center for the distribution of assistance, including cash resources made available through Covenant World Relief (CWR). An Oklahoma City Tornado Relief fund has been established by CWR to assist the churches in responding to the needs of the people living in affected areas. Donations may be sent to Covenant World Relief Tornado Relief, 5101 N. Francisco Ave., Chicago, IL, 60625.

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