Emergency Blog .com

Christian Headlines (.com) Carrying Emergency Coverage

2008-09-01T15:47:00.000-07:00

Get the latest headlines from all over during emergencies...

...or ANY day.

ChristianHeadlines.com

Mary Marr... helping us help our neighbors

2006-12-06T03:05:00.000-08:00

Mary Marr, Radio Host, Author, Speaker
Christian Emergency Network

As an author and speaker, Mary has been the guest on numerous TV and radio programs related to evangelism. Her life's passion is to see Christian's effectively and lovingly share their faith in Jesus Christ. Mary has written articles for Decision and On Mission national magazines.

Mary has written Lighting the Way a 90 Day journey in Sharing Your Faith designed for individuals and church groups to build an accountable lifestyle applying prayer, care and share principles on a daily basis.

[continued at ChristianEmergencyNetwork.org]

Avian Flu Update

2006-05-25T03:24:00.000-07:00

"The World Health Organization (WHO) is reporting that several deaths from the Avian flu in a region of Indonesia may be the result of human-to-human contact. If so, it would be the first such confirmed transmission, the first in a serious of steps identified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as precursors..." [full story at Christian Emergency Network]

[Various other articles at Google News]

Ready or Not?

2006-05-02T18:02:00.000-07:00

"Recent surveys conducted by The Office for Government Public Affairs and distributed to state emergency management officials conclude Americans are not as prepared for potential emergencies as they were in previous generations and are resisting the attempts by authorities to ready themselves. Just last year, the greater church was called upon to respond to unprecedented hurricanes in the Gulf stretching resources, both human and material, beyond their ability. CEN cited story after story where the greater church responded in ways that were remarkable and God-honoring. Yet, 85% still say no disaster of any kind will happen near them...." [continued]

Emergency RV...

2006-04-29T04:26:00.000-07:00

CARMEL, Ind. -- A $600,000 "mobile command center" -- a 42-foot vehicle stocked with communication equipment and satellite technology -- is ready to roll...

[continued at Indianapolis Star]

Katrina Family Trip Blogging

2006-04-04T07:34:00.000-07:00

[Follow this Katrina team from Indy... with stories & pics. Hat-tip, IndyChristian.com.]

"This is the story of an adventure being lived out by twenty nine people who have come together intentionally for a week. Each of us has given up our spring vacations to travel sixteen hours away to live in marginal conditions to serve those less fortunate in some ways than ourselves. Last summer, Hurricane Katrina devastated the coasts of Louisiana and Mississippi. Thousands lost their homes. All that remains of some houses are foundations. Others are severely damaged, many beyond repair. Some people have left forever, while others live in temporary trailers.

We have come in the spirit of the early Christian church..."

[continued at Katrina Family Trip blog]

Reinventing 911

2006-02-26T17:32:00.000-08:00

Interesting, thought-provoking article.

Another interesting read.

Thoughts anyone?

Atlanta's "Unite Us"...

2006-01-19T08:40:00.000-08:00

On today's Mission America teleconference call, Jan Kennedy introduced us all to the Atlanta metro's site and efforts to help with Katrina relief efforts, etc...

[UniteUs.org]

Dr. Dolphus Weary... guest on national cityreaching call

2006-01-18T07:57:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow's guest on the national CityReaching teleconference call, will be Dr. Dolphus Weary, president of Mission Mississippi. [For teleconferencing info, contact info@cityreaching.com]

Also visit the city-reaching connecting site at Mississippi Christians Network.

Other disaster-relief communications headlines around the country?

Testing the emergency-blogging system...

2006-01-11T07:05:00.000-08:00

Hey we're testing a new mechanism by which several of us can easily & effectively set off an alert-graphic at any of a potentially-large number of sites at the same time.

For example.... you MAY see a special warning graphic like this, in the upper-LH corner of this page. Or you may not. It depends on whether we've fired-off an alert.... or are testing today... or not.

Stay tuned, to see how YOU and YOUR website can be constructively involved...

Glenn moves to Blogger...

2005-12-23T13:09:00.000-08:00

Another key leader moves his journal to Blogger... as he heads out to yet other destinations to chronicle. [continued]

Update From Glenn's Journal...

2005-11-22T04:45:00.000-08:00

"Neddie Winters and I arrived at the Abundant Life Evangelistic Center in Biloxi where we met with 22 pastors and ministry leaders from along the Gulf Coast. After Neddie shared about Mission Mississippi's role in hurricane relief and recovery, he introduced Laura Humbles of World Vision. We often find that when there is money involved, people come out. This may sound cynical, but it's not. It is a realization that pastors on the Gulf Coast are facing incredible needs in rebuilding their churches and their communities. It will take time and money...." [continued at Glenn's Journal - Hurrican Relief]

Also visit MississipiChristians.Net.

Potential Flu Pandemic Requires Immediate Preparation

2005-11-02T13:55:00.000-08:00

As president calls for immediate action for preparation and collaboration among government and private sector, Christians must prepare physically and spiritually

(CEN, Nov. 2) PHOENIX, Ariz. – Speaking from the National Institute of Health in Washington recently, President Bush outlined the national strategy in the event of an avian flu pandemic or other strains of influenza spreading across the nation.

To learn more, visit www.pandemicflu.gov and check for updates on the CEN website, www.christianemergencynetwork.org.

Medical experts report that vaccines currently available for seasonal flu are not responsive to the avian flu, which could lead to a pandemic, the likes of which have not been seen in nearly a century. “There is not a pandemic now,” said President Bush. But he added, “If we wait for the pandemic to occur, it will be too late to help.”

President Bush outlined a comprehensive strategy, asking Congress for .1 billion in emergency funding, for protection and prevention of an avian flu penetration in the U.S. as well as a global strategy to detect and report potential strains of bird flu which may mutate into human viral strains capable of taking thousands of lives worldwide.

President Bush called upon every American to act responsibly and take immediate steps should an outbreak occur, citing the fact that one human with an infection could affect thousands more, leading to countless deaths.

Citing historical pandemics, the President recalled the 1918 epidemic which killed 500,000 Americans and millions around the world, and flu epidemics in the U.S. in 1957 and 1968 which killed thousands.

While currently the avian flu is a bird-transmitted disease, the World Health Organization and U.S. health experts claim the U.S. is particularly vulnerable because our health infrastructure is not as updated as necessary.

Health experts point out that the flu could happen anywhere in the U.S. and could continue to infect people for a long as two years; as a result, Bush has called for the stockpiling of a variety of flu vaccines and has called for all 50 states to immediately submit their local and state readiness plans.

In response, Christian Emergency Network (CEN) CEO Mary Marr said, “Just as the president is calling Americans and communities to prepare for this potentially catastrophic event, CEN calls upon individual Christians, churches, ministries and denominations to ensure that they are ready – physically and spiritually. In this way, Christians will be positioned to demonstrate the basic biblical response of prayer-care-share.”

She continued, “These mounting challenges to our safety and security are why CEN has been calling for Christians nationwide to prepare personally for disasters. Christians need to plan now in case authorities call for voluntary or mandatory quarantines for several weeks. Whether or not a pandemic or epidemic impacts us, it is always responsible to prepare. As we see in the lives of Nehemiah, Joseph and other biblical personalities, good stewardship of our lives and resources includes preparation. If Christians, who are called to read and adhere to biblical principles, do not do so, we certainly are not setting an example that is pleasing to God. Hence, when others panic, we lose the chance to care for others, for we ourselves are not prepared. In that case, we are missing a critical opportunity to share the hope of Christ. For that reason alone, Christians must prepare.”

Marr continued, “I remember Larry Burkett in 1999 suggesting that having two months of supplies on hand before the year 2000 was a responsible, routine preparation because we were unsure what was going to take place with Y2K.”

She continued, “Previous generations learned the importance of being prepared. It used to be routine to keep extra supplies on hand. Today, we live much differently with supplies ostensibly as near as the closest store. We do not think of shortages or the possibility of hoarding as an irresponsible response. But we should. When people don’t prepare, they respond irresponsibly in times of disaster by hoarding. The Bible addresses this.”

“We learn from studying the life of Joseph that there is a clear difference between preparing and hoarding. Preparing is an accumulation of supplies when they are available; hoarding is getting more than your share when supplies are scarce.”

Marr added, “In addition to taking care of our own families, Jesus would have us prepare for others like Noah, so that when the time comes they ask us why we are in a position to give them aid. That is when people will be most receptive to hearing about Jesus as our motive.”

Regarding the potential of a medical crisis brought on by an influenza pandemic, Marr noted that the elderly, infirmed and young were most susceptible to disease. All people, she said, should check with their family physician or local health department to monitor recommendations of health care professionals. She added, “If you are a medical professional, contact your local health authorities to have your name posted on a local roster in the event of an outbreak.”

Marr pointed also to remarks made by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff to the Associated Press. Chertoff told the AP, “For those people who say, ‘Well, I can take care of myself no matter what, I don’t have to prepare,’ there is an altruistic element — that to the extent that they are a burden on government services, that takes away from what’s available to help those who can’t help themselves,” Chertoff said. “That is a matter of civic virtue.”

She concluded, “Remember God is in the warning, as we have seen from those given all throughout the Bible and even the hurricanes of 2005 and other disasters around the world. If Noah had not heeded warnings where would we be? We need to be ready to seize the opportunity to share our faith effectively through prayer, caring for those in need, and sensitively offering Christ.”

Related reading
To read the article, “When Storms Come, Should We Depend on Immediate Government Help: To rely upon government with scope of recent disasters is setting one’s self up for disappointment if not peril,” click here.

To learn more about the biblical response to disaster, click here.

To learn how to prepare a 72-hour emergency supply kit, visit www.cenkits.com.

Prayer
Because CEN’s ministry is focused on conveying the hope of Christ through a prayer-care-share message, Marr asked that Christians consider each of these prayer requests and following information.

* Pray for the president as he makes the U.S. pandemic strategy known so that others respond responsibly.
* Pray that Christians will take personal preparedness responsibility and also prepare for others so that they may win the hearts of seekers.
* Pray that Christians will remain calm and resolute in living out Christ, not only during preparation times such as now, but in the event of an outbreak.

To learn of additional ways to demonstrate the love of Christ by praying, click here.

Care
To learn of additional ways to demonstrate the love of Christ by showing care, click here.

Share
To learn of additional ways to demonstrate the love of Christ by sharing your time, talents and treasure for the long run, click here.

Pray-Care-Share Inspiration
SCRIPTURE:“And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
OUTLOOK:We look to You, Jehovah Jireh, for in You alone do we find protection and complete restoration and healing.
SONG: “I Am the God that Healeth Thee,” by Don Moen

© CEN, 2005 Permission?

For interviews with CEN Founder/Chairman Mary Marr, contact Judy Hannestad at 701-484-5028 judy.hannestad@cen911.com

Christian Emergency Network leads Christians to intelligently pray for, sensitively care for, and strategically share the gospel with victims involved in a national emergency.

If you are receiving this message because you've asked to get periodic correspondence from the Christian Emergency Network. If you desire to be removed from our email list, click here to unsubscribe yourself. Christian Emergency Network, 3434 Anthem Way, Suite 118, PMB 184, Anthem, Arizona 85086

FLU VICTIMS MAY BE LOCKED UP...

2005-10-24T12:48:00.000-07:00

Flu victims may be locked up

AUTHORITIES have sweeping powers to confine people in their homes and fine them $20,000 for breaching orders if a deadly flu pandemic strikes.
Home front: Extra flu funds not needed, says PM
Panic buying: Patients rush to GPs for flu tablets
In-depth: Full coverage of the fight against bird flu »

Glenn Barth reporting from the Gulf Coast

2005-10-23T13:37:00.000-07:00

[The following is from Glenn's new role -- some might call it the role of the 'embedded reporter' -- keeping us abreast of great testimonies and great needs in disaster-relief work.]

Glenn Barth

"Dick asked me to share the genesis of the trip I am embarking on tomorrow with the team. In truth, this journey started at the age of 17 when I surrendered my life to Christ at Jim Pressler's home in Bay Village, Ohio. From that day forward, Pete Weaver and Tom Hammond, two Young Life leaders began to disciple me in a vision for becoming change agents in a city and in the culture we live in."

"I stopped by the Tentmakers Office for a visit with Dick Amundson (CEO) and Sean Nelson (See photo). We discussed the importance of this trip to Mississippi and Louisiana (listen to a 5 minute interview on the attached wav file). This trip has come about as a result of an invitation from Dolphus Weary and Neddie Winters of Mission Mississippi, Ronnie Cruddyup of The Jackson Faith-Based Coalition and Jarvis Ward of Mission America. As with all Tentmakers activities I will be seeking to strengthen and build the people of these ministries so that recovery can lead to real Christ-centered Kingdom growth. There are six goals for this trip...."

[continued via Glenn's blog at Tentmakers Training]

Pray Now . . .

2005-10-02T17:34:00.000-07:00

Pray for an end to the wildfires raging out of control over thousands of acres in Southern California. Pray for Governor Schwarzenegger to be led by God as he considers how to manage the affairs of Governor and especially the emergency needs of the State.

IS YOUR CITY READY ?

2005-09-28T00:15:00.000-07:00

Christians should be at forefront of preparedness and response

(CEN, Sept. 28) PHOENIX, Ariz. – As residents slowly return to the communities hardest hit by hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and towns hundreds of miles away and all points in between adjust to the influx of evacuees created by the storms, Christian Emergency Network (CEN) Founder and CEO Mary Marr said these circumstances point to the importance of each community being responsibly prepared for calamities, and for Christians to have individual, church, denominational, and congregational preparedness plans, as well as being primed in all ways to demonstrate calm and effective leadership in times of crisis. [ Story is continued on Emergency Blog p. 2 ]

A Time To Share.... Higher Ground

2005-09-22T08:04:00.000-07:00

Have you wondered how your church, ministry or organization could share Hope with the Hopeless in this hour?

"Higher Ground" reaches the heart of the seeker affected by Hurricane Katrina, in the Gulf states and those relocated across our nation.

Higher Ground is similar to the Fallen But Not Forgotten magazine of 9/11. It also offers words of comfort and a message of hope in Jesus. It is a resource you can use while you are serving the afflicted in praying, caring and sharing ways.

You can customize the magazine by including your local address on a back-cover imprint area. In addition, a 24/7 salvation counseling hotline is also provided through the 1-888-NeedHim phone line or the Web site...http://www.thelife.com/disaster.

[Click to continue reading... or to order 'Higher Ground' booklet.]

165 mph... 5th strongest on record

2005-09-21T15:45:00.000-07:00

[click for National Hurricane Center reports & maps]

The center is reporting Rita has now reached 165 mph winds, making it the 5th most powerful hurricane on record.

The Christian Emergency Network reminds Christians...

"With mandatory evacuation taking place, please remind anyone who may be affected to honor all evacuation orders NOW! (Romans 13:4)"

The Gulf States wait . . . and people pray . . .

2005-09-20T22:33:00.000-07:00

Heavenly Father-

We come to you together in thanksgiving for all your mercies and loving kindness towards us. We know that we can turn to you and You will lift us up and shelter us in the storms. We ask that you hide us in the palm of Your hand and that you will command the storm to be still - to be at peace.

Lord we love you and believe that even now you are working on our behalf. For that, we thank You!

In Jesus' precious name we pray. Hallelujah and Amen!

Sept.16... National Day of Prayer & Remembrance

2005-09-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

JOIN CEN and Others in the Presidential Call to Prayer

2005-09-15T12:54:00.000-07:00

September 16, 2005
National Day of Prayer and Rememberance.mp3 (60secs)

To sign up to be a prayer room host go to: www.greatercalling.org

Join in a day-long Prayer Teleconference....dial 1-605-990-0033 and enter the passcode 7729

Mary Marr... Guest on national telecon... CityReaching.com

2005-09-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

Christian Emergency Network (CENToday)

[Mission America Coalition's CityReaching Division hosts a monthly teleconference call among Christian leaders from cities all over the U.S.... Join us online... visit CityReaching's Blog for the info.]

DON'T FORGET MISSISSIPPI / ALABAMA !

2005-09-10T12:50:00.000-07:00

The major agencies (FEMA, and others) have not yet begun to work in that area and most of the churches have suffered severe damage. So far, there is almost no where for volunteers to stay, although they desperately need them – I promised her I would begin working on that with San Diego churches and others, and that I would do my best to sent people to her and get them tents and other shelters, 100 tables, etc.. Teresa is working out of a pod which a pastor managed to locate. Click here to read MUCH more. ACT-NOW!

KatrinaOutreach.org

2005-09-07T17:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Our ministry created a portal website to offer information and linkage between people in need, especially believers and people who are assisting people in need. We are also concerned about churches and congregations that are not supported by large organizations.

http://www.katrinaoutreach.org/ is now available. Please visit the site. It has many useful information items, links and discussion boards forinteraction among concerned persons. Offer your comments and share the site URL with others. Many people affected by Katrina do not have Internet access, but will gain access in time. If you know of affected churches/pastors or have helpful information to share with affected people send us their information.

FOR WEBMASTERS: Below is a graphic and HTML text that can be placed on your website the connects to www.katrinaoutreach.org

Rev. Bryan Hudson
Pastor of New Covenant Church & Ministries
Indianapolis, Indiana USA(317) 205-6000

Sampling from AmericaUnited.com

2005-09-06T18:29:00.000-07:00

[As a sample from AmericaUnited.com -- Connecting & Housing Hurricane Victims... I've selected some examples from my own state, to show you some of the fine examples of Hoosier Hospitality. You'll see why I agree with King David, who said... "The boundary lines for me have fallen in pleasant places. Surely I have a delightful inheritance." ]

How heart-warming is this? The following are just a few excerpts from the many many Indianapolis Christians here who have signed up already to host hurricane families...

"Persons with autisum welcome. If you have more than 5 people in your family, contact me."

"3 Bedroom home avail."

"Every time I visited New Orleans, the people were wonderful & my house is open to you in this time of need."

"We can house up to one female, or one female with child. We will do our best to make you feel as comfortable as possible."

"We have a large finished bonus room above the garage that would be perfect for a small family."

"can take single mom with one or two girls. Prefer girls as we have clothing of different sizes that they can have. Will help find a job in our area."

"I am offering my home to a katrina survivor. "

"have 3 bedrooms available"

"I will come and pick you up if needed. I live walking distance to many places of business. I know a..."

"My family (myself, husband, 13 yr old son, 12 yr old & 6 mo. daughters, and cody our dog) are willing ..."

[continued at AmericaUnited.com]

Greetings and blessings! ... from Jarvis Ward, Mississippi

2005-09-06T15:01:00.000-07:00

From: Jarvis Ward, CityReaching, Mission America Coalition

I just wanted you all to know that Jarvis is now “back on the clock”.

Rick Warren and his team from Saddleback came to help mobilize the pastors to better coordinate efforts each congregation was doing and to also engage other congregations. Simply, he was lending his name for influence.

We have a distribution center both in Jackson and on the coast and are ready to receive properly wrapped and shipped supplies.

Self-sustaining volunteers are needed on the coast (those who come with all they need to live such as tent, bedding, gas, food, etc.)

Through Mission America City Community Ministry, we will send out a detailed email with needs, how to help, and long term follow up things.

Jarvis C. Ward
National Facilitator City/Community Ministry
Mission America Coalition
815 Boston Road
Pearl MS 39208-9116
601/ 932-4522
601/ 942-2990 cell
601/ 932-1437 fax
jarvis@missionamerica.org
jarvis@cityreaching.com
www.cityreaching.com

AmericaUnited.com -- Connecting & Housing

2005-09-06T08:21:00.000-07:00

After Franklin Graham called for Churches to step up and help the homeless from hurricane Katrina last Thursday, some partners (all Christians) started a website Friday ( www.AmericaUnited.com ) to help connect the millions of homeless with faithful families around the country that out of the goodness of their hearts are willing to take in someone in need. We weren't sure it would actually take off, but it has picked up some media coverage on CNN, FOX news, The Washington Times, etc.

Most of the links we have been able to get to this point are from our fellow Christian websites and we would like as many of the people registering to get a family to be Christian homes.
We already have over 2,000 families registered (growing by up to 100 per hour).

There are a couple other websites out there trying to do similar things, but they are not Christian.

Please pass this on to your newsletters if possible, and let me know if you have any questions. The more Christians we can get to the site, the more people we can have an opportunity to minister to in this time of need.

Now go to... AmericaUnited.com and check out the Christian homes in your area... or BE ONE.

Shots for workers...

2005-09-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

[excerpted from Sunday's update at CEN.]

“Healthcare workers remind us that anyone considering going into the critical area should not do so without having had inoculations for Tetanus, Diphtheria or Hepatitis B. Furthermore, people should stay connected to (link) to learn whether protection relief workers should consider Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Cholera, Meningococcal and Rabies vaccines; at this time, these are not indicated.” [continued]

CEN Call for Christians to Unite for National Day of Prayer

2005-09-05T10:38:00.000-07:00

(CEN Command Center, Sept. 5) – “As our Nation braces itself to hear the death toll of what could be the worst disaster in the history of the United States, Christian Emergency Network, on behalf of its 5,000 Christian organizations with many on the frontlines, urgently call upon Christians across our nation to unite in Praise and Prayer on...

Tuesday, Sept 6., at noon EDT,”

... said CEN Founder and CEO Mary Marr. She called upon Christian media “to take the lead in petitioning Our Lord Jesus Christ for His undeserved favor to become the beacons of Hope to the Hopeless.”

She added, “Our nation was founded to be ‘a HOLY city on a hill,’ under-girded by His promises to a righteous people. As we gave stepped away from righteous obedience to Him, we now must seek His face afresh united as one body of believers.”

Marr noted, “Christian media has been given an unprecedented gift of the airwaves, print technology and visual footage of this disaster into the hearts of His children, not for sensationalism or earthly reward, but Kingdom expansion. We must surrender this unifying gift unto the Lord for such a time as this, and pray together, so that we are prepared to pray-care-and share with one voice the good news of Our Lord.”

She remarked, “If Christians, including secular print, radio, TV and the web, all humble and surrender themselves in prayer, Our Lord would be faithful to hear.

I ask all media to immediately distribute this news and I would ask everyone to use the web effectively to get the word out quickly.

The National Prayer Committee has already established a day long conference phone call and will be hosting 15 hours from 8:00 AM Central Time to 11:00 PM central Time. For information, go to: www.greatercalling.org.

********************
Christian Emergency Network leads Christians to intelligently pray for, sensitively care for, and strategically share the gospel with victims involved in a national emergency.

CEN update...

2005-09-02T12:13:00.000-07:00

The Christian Emergency Network continues to provide a focus of Prayer-Care-Share via its website and many partners.

CEN’s Mary Marr...

“Now is the time for Christians to reach out with contributions, assistance to those providing services – including those who are housing relatives and friends across this nation for many weeks to come, and prayer. We applaud the churches and listeners who are getting involved. Let’s not forget to pray specifically for those being called on to provide the services from around the country, yet have their own tragedies and ties to Hurricane Katrina.”

September is National Preparedness Month (are you prepared with a 72-hour survival kit for emergencies typical in your area?)
Convoys of help from many ministry partners are occurring.
Billy Graham’s Rapid Response Team plans to provide some housing and is deploying chaplains throughout the next 3 months.
Salvation Army is providing several service kitchens, staff in the hundreds, hygiene trucks, and direction alongside the American Red Cross.
Christian Radio Station KSBJ listeners in Houston are pitching in at the Houston Astrodome.
Campus Crusade for Christ International is planning to provide college students as volunteers…and has encouragement materials for download and distribution more>>
Southern Baptists have more than 1,000 relief volunteers on site already, and are working in cooperation with the American Red Cross at several temporary shelters across many states.
New Orleans Gospel Rescue Mission staff and guests rode out the storm and are now being cared for by other Gospel Rescue Mission locations
Convoy of Hope (Inspiration Networks) trucks with water, ice and food were on the scene before Katrina hit…22 more trucks arriving this week.
Churches are addressing the subject of “crisis” in upcoming sermons.
Donations to CEN are disbursed to effective Prayer-Care-Share ministries
Flash Emails to its thousands of individual-media-church-corporate members to keep them informed and instructed on how to Pray-Care-Share to loved ones, fellow church members, and others affected by Hurricane Katrina. You can register here for these free notices.

NRB President, Dr. Frank Wright: “I rejoice that when NRB-member organizations respond to human need, they also bring with them the Gospel of Life. As important as it is to meet tangible human needs, the ultimate tragedy would be to be rescued from mortal ills only to perish everlastingly without Christ.”

CEN Media Relations: Judy Hannestad, 701-484-5028, judy.hannestad@cen911.com

Somebody Cares, Tampa Bay... and Houston

2005-09-02T11:19:00.000-07:00

Somebody Cares, America/International.

Tampa Bay has one of the most organized Christian city-networks in the country. Here's a link to their site regarding their efforts to help find foster-families for Katrina victims.

And they're affiliated with Somebody Cares, Houston -- the founding city for Somebody Cares... and now helping deal with the flood of evacuees coming to Houston.

List of Church Evacuation Shelters

2005-09-02T04:12:00.000-07:00

This is a partial list of churches offering temporary housing or serving as evacuation shelters and is based on limited news reports and blog posts. Your church is encouraged to collect supplies and offer financial support to help these evacuation shelters.
Kingwood United Methodist Church has a list of needed items. These same items will be needed at other shelters.

If you have information on additional church shelters, please leave a comment with the name of the church, city and state

where it is located and contact information or website.

Alabama

Moffett Road Baptist Church Mobile
Trinity Presbyterian Church Montgomery

Florida

Wildwood Presbyterian Church Tallahassee

Georgia

Intown Community Church Atlanta

Ivy Creek Presbyterian Church Lawrenceville

Louisiana

Bethany World Prayer Center Baker

Faith Baptist Church Baker

Miracle Place Church Baker - approximately 400 evacuees

First Baptist Church Baton Rouge

Goodwood Boulevard Church of Christ Baton Rouge

Istrouma Baptist Church Baton Rouge

First Baptist Church Houma

The Family Church Lafayette

Our Lady Of Prompt Succor Church White Castle

Plains Presbyterian Church Zachary

Mississippi

First Baptist Church Jackson

Texas

Memorial Baptist Church Baytown (full capacity 135)

St. Mary's Catholic Church Brenham(Full capacity 200)

First United Methodist Church Conroe (12 /capacity 200)

Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church Galveston (full capacity 300)

Christ Baptist Church Houston

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Houston (150 /capacity 250)

First Baptist Church Huntsville (Full /capacity 400)

First Baptist Church Katy

Kingwood United Methodist Church Kingwood

Bayshore Baptist LaPorte

Fairmont Park Baptist Church LaPorte (128 /capacity 200)

New Life Central LaPorte (100 /capacity 300)

Sources and Notes:

"Churches rally to aid refugees" - Baton Rouge Advocate

Help wanted: Temporary housing for Hurricane Katrina victims Dignan's 75 Year Plan
Houston Red Cross

Instapundit... secular source of great links....

2005-09-01T16:32:00.000-07:00

Word on the street is that Instapundit Glenn Reynolds is the key blog source at the moment. Check out his great links... secular and faith-based.

Texas Christians Network

2005-09-01T12:25:00.000-07:00

TexasChristians.net -- links to a number of Christian city-networks... especially including Somebody Cares Houston.

"Imbedded Reporters Needed"

2005-09-01T11:37:00.000-07:00

Christians who could serve their city's relief efforts by being a communicator (blogger/cellphone), should leave a comment here with your contact information.

We're already doing it in Indianapolis and California... and anxious to hear from Christians in other cities...

Even here at EmergencyBlog.com -- we'll be quickly authorizing new bloggers to help effectively communicate/link to collaborative efforts all over the country in the name of Christ.

So let us hear from you. Leave a comment.

Christian Emergency Networking...

2005-09-01T06:55:00.000-07:00

Nationally, Christian coalitions are networking via ChristianEmergencyNetwork.org, which is also closely affiliated with the Salvation Army.

All the latest Christian news stories are being aggregated immediately via ChristianHeadlines.com.

Here in the Indy/Indiana area...
"Faith, Hope & Love" coordinating pastor, Merlin Gonzales, can be reached at 372-7222. More information can be seen at Indiana Christian News.com.
The Indiana Office of Faith-based Initiatives is working with 'Hope Crisis Response Network'.
California Efforts...

Faith-based Organizations Providing Relief

2005-09-01T06:39:00.000-07:00

(Check the Cityreaching San Diego website at www.4SD.net for regular updates and additions)

The following information is provided by Cityreaching San Diego and lists organizations for your consideration when making a donation for Hurricane Katrina relief or when volunteering to help.

You are encouraged to consider only those organizations with which you are already familiar or which you have personally researched thoroughly. Most included here are listed with Charity Watch (www.charitywatch.org) and/or are recommended by The Center for Faith-based and Community Initiatives (www.hhs.gov/fbci), and/or are members of ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability)(www.ecfa.org) or a similar accountability organization. Other information is available at Network for Good (www.networkforgood.org). Please let us know of other organizations you would like added to this list or request additional information with an email to hurricane@4SD.net. Updates will be provided regularly on the Cityreaching San Diego website (www.4SD.net)

In general, it can be expected that the response for the next few weeks and months will develop in three phases: immediate relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction. CLICK HERE for more details.

Katrina comes ashore... Christians pray and...

2005-08-29T12:14:00.000-07:00

Get the latest reports, analyses, and ways you can help most...

[continued at Christian Emergency Network]

Christians uniquely positioned to offer hope in aftermath of Hurricane Dennis

2005-07-11T10:44:00.000-07:00

(CEN, July 11, 2005) – Christian Emergency Network (CEN) Founder and Chairman Mary Marr reminds Christians today, “Even if you are not directly affected by Hurricane Dennis, the best thing you can do to help now is to prayerfully consider assisting Christian organizations, even though public appeals generally overlook Christian organizations such as the Salvation Army and instead refer people to secular relief organizations.” [continued at ChristianEmergencyNetwork.com]

Bird flu experts warn of pandemic

2005-07-04T19:42:00.000-07:00

[ An Executive Order has been signed by the President of the United States, that if a city in the U.S. has a case of Bird Flu, it will be quarantined ]

Scientists meeting in Malaysia have warned the world has reached a tipping point in the fight against bird flu. They are calling on rich nations to put resources into countries fighting the disease, or risk a global flu pandemic.

But some delegates say the fight against bird flu is being hampered by secrecy in some affected countries. They say they are worried by a lack of information from Laos and Burma, while others called on China to be more open about the situation there. FULL Story

Officials say rare tsunami warning exposed flaws

2005-06-21T03:09:00.000-07:00

photo, Wikipedia

[SACRAMENTO] -- California officials said they were working to shore up the state's emergency notification system -- including a proposed hot line to link state ... [continued at Boston Globe]

Bloggers... Pull the CEN logo from their server...

2005-06-10T06:38:00.000-07:00

Bloggers....

Let me specially encourage you NOT to necessarily put their CEN logo onto YOUR server, but instead, pull it from THEIR server.

Reason? In the case of an emergency, they could simply displace their logo on their server with a different version, such as this...

...and automatically your site would be alerting people to the situation... perhaps before you even realized it yourself.

...and adding great value to your grateful surfers.

Blews.net Issues Call For Bloggers To Join CEN

2005-06-09T10:34:00.000-07:00

Christian Emergency Network (CEN) was established after September 11, 2001, by several Mission America Coalition partners (a coalition of 500 leaders and 80+ denominations) to respond effectively in a national crisis, giving the hope of Jesus Christ. CEN now has over 1,000 ministry and media partners. CEN provides focus/coordination/mobilization for...

[continued at ChristianEmergencyNetwork.org]

*****************************

"Bloggers... Why Team-up with Christian Emergency Network?"
Commentary by Neil Cox, Co-Editor, Blews.net

Calling all Christian bloggers... The goals of the Christian Emergency Network are well-aligned with Great Commission and the Great Commandment. And their mission can be expedited through the Blogs+News=Blews.net Network here, as we seek to lay a pervasive set of communications tracks, national-to-neighborhood... to accelerate the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.

So we urge all of you to also add the CEN logo prominently to your sites. And stay in touch with the EmergencyBlog.com interaction about how to best build-out & equip our increasingly-well-networked folks to be able to handle emergencies the way Jesus would want us to.

We will endeavor to encourage our grassroots, neighborhood groups to plan to take advantage of the available training and kits available through CEN. Show your neighbors you care enough to prepare.

Your thoughts, ideas... and of course, your prayers... will be greatly welcomed.

CIA overseeing 3-day war game on internet...

2005-05-25T17:06:00.000-07:00

The CIA is conducting a war game this week to simulate an unprecedented, Sept. 11-like electronic assault against the United States. The three-day exercise, known as "Silent Horizon," is meant to test the ability of government and industry to respond to escalating Internet disruptions over many months, according to participants.
They spoke on condition of anonymity... " [continued at IndyStar.com]

Update... This week is Alert-testing week...

2005-04-06T10:45:00.000-07:00

April 4 -- April 7th is emergency testing week.

We want to prosper the CEN (Christian Emergency Network) system, especially out here on the internet where information trades hands so quickly.

Having a Christian network... national... city... and neighborhood by neighborhood... is a great new opportunity for the Church of Jesus Christ. So we want to be good stewards of this new-paradigm capability. And in fact, we believe it is always our obligation to in fact be the unified, harmonious Church in every practical way. This is one good way to appear before our neighbors as ONE, as Jesus called us to be one... as He and the Father are one.

Further, the newest of the new-paradigm capabilities is 'blogging'.... a free, easy way to put up a site filled with fresh information. Example: Use blogs as a great way to build a team-blog 'city portal' for YOUR community. Eg... IndyChristian.com and the Transform Indiana ministry network which, as a result, facilitate greater prayer, care and share.

And lastly, we want to encourage CEN to use the blogosphere to get the message out about the Christian Emergency Network and their growing capabilities, as Christian organizations work together, community by community across the country. Thus EmergencyBlog.com is available to help as needed. EmergencyBlog is part of the new "Blews.net" -- Christian City News & Blogs -- a national to neighborhood network for Christian communications.

At this point, our primary suggestion is for CEN to deploy an 'emergency.gif' alert mechanism for webmasters to use at their sites... invisibly until needed... and then the .gif could be changed by CEN to a (clickable) alert logo as demonstrated at left. It's simple, yet effective... and at no cost. To roll it out among the blogosphere could be highly effective in getting CEN known and used in cases of emergencies.

We'll be discussing this and more about 'City Blogging', in St. Louis. See you there.

Get Ready! Your Emergency Is Coming!

2005-01-13T09:53:00.000-08:00

The Christian Emergency Network (CEN) has come out with some outstanding survival products that all of us need to take advantage of. They are very affordable and great for your car, home or office. CEN is rapdily becoming a "look-to" emergency network that other agencies are relying upon. Check out CEN for yourself and sign-up today!

Keeping a balanced Perspective on Life

2005-01-13T09:47:00.000-08:00

Click here to gain a perspective: peace - faith - love - hope

January - helpers going to Tsunami area - need prayer for Simmons & Gould

2005-01-09T06:44:00.000-08:00

John S. Gould, JD, of http://www.gouldbusinessgroup.com/ , and Bob Simmons of http://www.nds-solutions.com/, along with Jim Applegate of Applegate Construction, are all going to the Tsunami stricken area of India this month. Simmons and Applegate leave January 9, for two weeks. John & Joanna Gould leave Jan. 23 for two weeks. These two trips are from different congregations in Sacramento who have compassion for those in need. Please pray for their protection, provision, direction and favor.

Town Hall...

2005-01-05T10:02:00.000-08:00

Several writers effectively speak about a 'generous America', today at TownHall.com.

Rudy Carrasco pressed into service for CT...

2005-01-04T18:03:00.000-08:00

Our good friend of inner cities everywhere -- Rudy Carrasco (UrbanOnramps.com) -- is helping Christianity Today magazine put up their new Tsunami Blog.

Great article-links and insights.

Tsunami Generosity... and the Lack Thereof...

2005-01-04T09:14:00.000-08:00

Matt Friedeman, PhD.
Guest Commentary, Agape Press
Also visit Matt's "In The Fight" blog.

"Americans are generous... and in ways the media elite misses."

President(s) To Help Raise Funds...

2005-01-03T10:20:00.000-08:00

Good news.

Christianity Today's Tsunami News Page...

2005-01-03T09:54:00.000-08:00

Here's a great Tsunami-emergency page by Christianity Today.

Emergency Relief Myths...

2005-01-03T09:27:00.000-08:00

According to World Vision, here are the top 10 myths regarding emergency relief efforts. We would all do well to read & understand them, and help get the word out... correctly.

Remember, one way you can do that is to simply send them to http://EmergencyBlog.com for updated links to great (Christian-driven) emergency info.

Got suggested links for us? Email us.

Proposing a Christian-led Emergency Blogsite...

2005-01-03T08:06:00.000-08:00

See proposal at http://LovingChange.com .