Arkansas Tornado Relief

Asbury Family,

We all continue to be in prayer for the loss of those afflicted by the tornadoes Sunday night, April 27th, especially our beloved, Revs. Nathan and Lynn Kilbourne, Vilonia UMC’s congregation and the other United Methodist churches.  The Arkansas Conference Disaster Coordinators are already organizing our United Methodist response with resources from UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) and the resources from the United Methodists of Arkansas.  And on Thursday, May 1, Asbury UMC’s Care Team went to the Christ UMC Cabot drop off point with supplies from our Good Samaritan Closet.

Right now, the direct needs for relief are primarily financial, and there are several ways to respond to this need:

• You can donate through Asbury UMC online (https://www.asbury-lr.org/members/donate/).  Click on the yellow “Donate” button, fill in your information then click on “Review and Continue”.  On this screen click on “Instructions to Seller” and this is where you type “AR Tornado Relief”.  Note, you do not need a Paypal account to donate.
• You can also write a check to Asbury UMC with the memo “AR Tornado Relief”, and your gift will go to this fund, which will help with our disaster response, and our response through our partners, such as local affected United Methodist churches and UMCOR.
• You can also give directly to the United Methodist Committee on Relief through the text-to-give program.  Text “RESPONSE” to the number 80888 and a $10 donation goes to national response disaster relief through UMCOR.

Statewide disaster response officials continue to ask that we give early response teams such as police, fire, and medical personnel the time and space to do their work.  Please do not go into damage areas without authorization.  Below is a list of Supplies and Drop off Points for the UMC Response:

Collection centers set up to accept supplies:

• FUMC Maumelle, 1201 Edgewood Drive, Maumelle, AR. Open Tuesday, 9 am to 5 pm and Wednesday, 9 am to 8 pm.
• Arkansas Rice Depot, 3801 W. 65th Street, Little Rock. Open Monday – Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.
• Grace UMC Conway, 1075 Hogan Lane, Conway. Open 9 am to 3 pm, Today through Thursday.
• Christ UMC Cabot, 15361 Highway 5, Cabot (next to Greystone Sonic) 9 am to 6 pm.
• FairviewCamden, 2603 Mount Holly Rd, Camden. Open 9am to 4 pm, Monday to Thursday, 870-231-4383

Needed Supplies:

•  Tarps
•  Plastic totes
•  Duct tape
•  Heavy sturdy boxes
• Tornado Tubs with Health Kits. The content list for these tubs is at http://www.arumc.org/arkansas_disaster_response (click on the ‘Lists of Items Needed’ tab).

Bishop Gary Mueller has shared a video message for the United Methodists of Arkansas following Sunday night’s devastating tornado.  To view the message, follow this LINK, and click on the tab labeled ‘Bishop Gary Mueller’.

It is a difficult and sad time for the people of Arkansas.  Many are experiencing overwhelming tragedy.  The people of Asbury UMC are here to serve and to be bearers of God’s grace and compassion to those in need.  We thank you for your generosity, your prayers, and your caring response. 

Rev. Mary Hilliard                              Rev. David Moore
Senior Pastor                                     Pastor of Congregational Care & Missions