Baptist World Aid (BWAid), the relief and development arm of the Baptist World Alliance, is appealing for funds to assist in the European Flood Relief effort. Russian Baptists have already received $5,000 and Hungarian Baptist Aid has also been sent $5,000.
Floods throughout central Europe have caused devastation and suffering to many. A number of Baptist churches and the homes of members have been flooded in both the Czech Republic and Germany; while parts of Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Russia have been badly affected.
The International Baptist Theological Seminary (IBTS) in Prague was not affected, and students and staff assisted in the rescue work. IBTS distributed dry clothing to evacuees, while graduate students, some staff members and other volunteers handed out groceries and filled sandbags around the city.
According to the European Baptist Press Service, approximately 100 people may have died as a result of the floods in Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary and Russia.
Russia heads the death count with 59 reported. Many of these were vacationers on the Black Sea coast who were caught off-guard by the torrential floods
Damage estimates are expected to surpass EUR20 billion for all affected areas, with Germany expected to have the most damage at EUR12–15 billion.
Three Baptist churches in Germany have been flooded: Eilenburg, Pirna and Doblen.
“We want to help our brothers and sisters who have been struck by this disaster,” said Siegfried Grossman, president of the German Baptist Union.
The International Mission Board (IMB) asks for prayer for the millions of people affected by the floods and for God’s comfort and provision for the survivors and for those involved in the cleanup and rescue operations.
Another prayer concern is the alleviation of health problems, such as the spread of disease and escaped sewage water and chemicals, after the floodwaters recede.”
An emergency fund has been established by the European Union, and bank accounts have been established by some Baptist Unions to directly accept funds.
Those wishing to donate to BWAid’s European Flood Relief can contact Paul Montacute or Lee Hickman at 703-790-8980. (compiled from wire services)
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