Bishops Update on Fires in Central Washington Dear Friends, For over two weeks we have been facing widespread, devastating fires in the Diocese of Spokane, the greatest damage and immediate threats to life occurring in Central Washington. Late yesterday I was able to speak with leaders in Brewster, Leavenworth, and Omak who confirmed that while fires are increasingly contained, they still threaten, and immediate response continues as longer term recovery efforts increase. Having been in the northern part of the valley just after the fires began, and in the southern area this past weekend, I remain in regular contact with people throughout the region and can attest to the extraordinary response from our church leaders in offering use of buildings, and the basics of food, water, shelter, and child care where most needed. The ferocity of the fires and the enormity of the destruction have taken an immense toll in loss of houses, land, cattle and means of livelihood. Many now suffer from physical exhaustion, emotional trauma and distress. We continue to give thanks for the response of community agencies and organizations throughout the area, and for the immediate response of Episcopal Relief and Development representatives who have provided assistance, and will be on site today in the Omak area. We are awaiting further response from FEMA and from Washington State disaster relief. In addition to my posting periodic statements on the situation, last week I appointed the Rev. Canon Karen Schomburg, Canon to the Ordinary, as the primary staff contact person for questions and coordination of efforts with ERD and other agencies. She has already advanced our response, working closely with Communications Director, Cate Wetherald. Karen can be reached at [email protected], (509) 998-6114 (cell), or our office number 509-624-3191. A Disaster Relief Fund for the 2014 fires has been set up at the diocesan office. If you would like to contribute to the immediate relief and ongoing rebuilding of the communities suffering from the fires please mail your donations to our office with a note stating they go to the Disaster Relief Fund. Our address is 245 E 13TH Ave., Spokane, WA 99202. Credit/debit card donations can be made by calling (509) 624-3191. Please continue to hold all in your prayers as a long and difficult recovery is increasingly underway, and know that your prayers and other forms of support strengthen the spirit and inspire a holy hope. Faithfully yours in Christ, +Jim James E. Waggoner, Jr., Bishop The Episcopal Diocese of Spokane O: 509-624-3191 | C: 509-999-7172 spokanediocese.org
Posted on: Fri, 25 Jul 2014 16:15:00 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015