Dear Neighbors,
Few states in America know more about disaster than Oklahoma. It is not a contest we wish to win, but a reality we have come to accept.
While the 40th anniversary of BGCO Disaster Relief was being celebrated at our annual meeting last week, on the other side of the world a horrific typhoon—the worst in recorded history—was pounding the Philippine Islands. The magnitude of loss in life and property will not be known for many weeks and perhaps months. Needless to say, it was huge.
Southern Baptists have had a long and fruitful mission effort in the Philippines for decades. So almost before the wind stop blowing, International Mission Board (IMB) missionaries were in action helping and serving, working alongside the Philippine Convention. International disaster relief is carried out through Baptist Global Response in conjunction with IMB missionaries. Sam Porter, BGCO Disaster Relief leader, has been on conference calls regarding the relief effort in the Philippines and will remain tied to the effort there.
Last week, in consultation with President Nick Garland and Sam Porter, I instructed $50,000 from our general disaster relief funds, money given by Oklahoma Baptists, to be used in the Baptist relief effort in the Philippines. Oklahoma Baptists may want to give more money, and we have set up a fund specifically for disaster relief in the Philippines. You may give through your church and the money will be sent to the BGCO, or you may give directly to the BGCO. Checks should be made payable to BGCO with a notation for Philippine Relief. You can also give online here.
All the money given through this fund will go to the Baptist efforts in the Philippines. In every disaster, there is a great opportunity for the Gospel to be shared. I am thankful for your generosity.
In Christ,
Dr. Anthony L. Jordan
BGCO Executive Director-Treasurer