Dear Province IV Siblings in Christ,

Just a short time ago, Hurricane Helene made a devastating impact across much of the Southeast United States with over half of the dioceses in Province IV having direct effects. And now Hurricane Milton has devastated Florida. These powerful storms have left widespread damage in their wakes, with families displaced, homes and communities destroyed, and countless lives upended. As we watch the effects of these tragedies unfold, we are reminded that our faith calls us to stand together in love, prayer, and action, reaching out to those suffering in their time of need.

Prayers for All Affected

Compassionate God, source of all comfort, we pray for the people whose lives have been devastated this hurricane season. Bring them comfort, we pray. Protect the vulnerable. Strengthen the weak. Keep at bay the spread of disease. Have mercy on all those working to rebuild. And may our response to their suffering be generous and bring you praise. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Adapted from Christian Aid, UK

How You Can Help

As we begin to understand the widespread damage done by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we know that you want to find ways to help. Please listen to those affected and do not self deploy or send unneeded supplies. At this time, these are the best ways to help:

1. Pray. Pray for all those impacted by the storm, for their safety, and for strength in their recovery. We also invite you to gather in your congregations and communities to pray for healing and hope in the days ahead.

2. Donate to Episcopal Relief & Development. Episcopal Relief & Development is actively providing emergency assistance and long-term recovery efforts for those affected. Your generous contributions can help provide food, shelter, medical care, and other vital services. To donate, visit their website at www.episcopalrelief.org, where you can easily contribute online or learn more about specific programs to support.

3. Donate directly to Affected Dioceses:

  • Diocese of Western NC: Select "Partners in Mission" from the drop-down menu, and add "Hurricane Helene" in the memo box.

  • Diocese of East Tennessee: Give to the 2024 Flooding Relief fund as directed on the page.

  • Diocese of Georgia: To direct your funds toward hurricane relief for the Diocese of Georgia, you can give to the Bishop's Fund; the money raised in the Bishop's Fund will go directly to disaster relief in the diocese. Alternatively, you can text "EDOG Relief" to 73256 to give using your mobile device. This number will never send unsolicited texts to you. To cancel further messages, text STOP. If you need assistance with text giving, text HELP. Standard text message and data rates may apply.

  • Diocese of Florida: Click the button to "Make a Gift" and select "Other" from the dropdown menu and include "Hurricane Helene/Milton" in the memo line.

  • Diocese of Central Gulf Coast: Give to the Hurricanes Helene and Milton Response/Recovery/Relief efforts.

  • Diocese of Central Florida: Give to the Disaster Relief Fund

  • Diocese of Southwest Florida: Simply give to the "Hurricane Relief Fund."

A Call to Action

While immediate relief efforts are critical, the long-term work of recovery will require sustained effort and commitment. In the coming months, we will share additional initiatives to organize or participate in local volunteer groups, donation drives, and community restoration initiatives. The work will not be easy, but with God’s guidance and the love of Christ that binds us together, we will rebuild and restore what has been lost. 

As we move forward, let us remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:40: "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." In these moments of crisis, we have an opportunity to be Christ to others, offering love, support, and tangible help.

Thank you for your continued prayers, generosity, and willingness to serve. Together, we will stand in the gap and be a source of hope and healing for those suffering in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

 In Christ’s love,

Andrea McKellar

President, Province IV

The Rt. Rev. Brian Cole

Vice President, Province IV