September 20, 1999

Many areas along the East Coast of the USA were devastated by Hurricane Floyd, and the flood waters continue to rise!

Dear Pastor,

At 2:30 this afternoon, Superintendent T. Elwood Long contacted Disaster Relief USA, requesting that the General Superintendent declare the North Carolina Conference a disaster area. At 4:15, I approved the request and authorized immediate assistance to the most heavily damaged areas.

Hurricane Floyd saturated North Carolina with up to 20 inches of rain. And even more rain is expected. The state authorities say it will be several days before they can give an accurate estimate on the damage.

In Greenville, North Carolina alone an estimated 6,400 people are in shelters, and 30 people are confirmed dead throughout the state. About 300 roads, including parts of I-95 and I-40 remain closed. Tar River is expected to crest today, threatening Greenville, a city of 44,000 people. Many more rivers are extending beyond their banks as the waters accumulate.

So far, thirty-three Pentecostal Holiness families have completely lost their homes. Seven of our churches were flooded; most are still under water. The New Vision Church in Hobucken was destroyed by a tornado spawned from the disastrous hurricane.

This is only a partial report. The conference leadership has not been able to gain access in most of the target areas. The South Carolina Mobile Feeding Kitchen is on alert and will move once a site is selected.

Our churches and families in North Carolina need your help. The people of their communities desperately need to see the Christian community reach out to them in their time of loss.

They need your earnest prayers. God invites us to "cast all our cares on Him." Pray for those who have lost loved ones, homes and businesses. Many people are facing continued threat of danger.

They need your help financially. Many will have to rebuild their homes and their lives. Churches are heavily damaged or destroyed. There is a continued and serious threat from flooding, downed electrical and gas lines, and contaminated drinking water. Thousands of people in North Carolina are dependent upon temporary shelter and food. Your gift will send immediate aid to the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Floyd.

The following supplies are needed immediately:

• Bottled water
• Fruit juices
• Baby food
• Diapers
• Paper products (cups, plates, etc.)
• Plastic bags
• Rubber gloves
• Rakes, brooms, shovels, tools, etc.

If you wish to contribute some of these items, please contact Danny Nelson, N.C.C. DRUSA Coordinator, (910) 980-1481 or Colonel Jack Kelley, Men’s Ministries Director, (910) 323-4777.

Pastor, I know you and your people are willing to do all that you can to help. This is an opportunity for the International Pentecostal Holiness Church to be a practical example of Christ’s love and compassion.

Please ask your people today to pray and to give. Your gift should be made payable to People to People Ministries, designated "DRUSA" (Disaster Relief USA). For your convenience, we’ve enclosed a return envelope.

Sincerely, in His harvest,

James D. Leggett
General Superintendent

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