BIRMINGHAM — Their parents are half a world away, and many of them are left with nothing. On Feb. 5, a tornado ripped through Union University in Jackson, Tenn., destroying 13 dorms and leaving more than 100 students stunned and bruised — including the children of missionaries, whose parents are thousands of miles away on the missions field.
National Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) and the WMU Foundation immediately responded by dispersing a $10,000 grant through its HEART Fund to aid the Missionary Kids (MKs) affected by this disaster. Candy Phillips, executive director of Tennessee WMU, said, “They are all accounted for and are in safe, warm places with food to eat; but some have just the clothes on their backs.”
The grant will assist MK students in meeting basic needs, such as food and clothing. It will also be used to repair cars and replace books and computers.
Through the grant, WMU hopes to help these students and their missionary families begin to rebuild their lives as swiftly as possible.
WMU Foundation President David George stated, “We are making our grant through Tennessee WMU, and they will be working with Carl White (MK volunteer sponsor at Union) to make sure it is used effectively and quickly.”
The HEART (Humanitarian Emergency Aid for Rebuilding Tomorrow) Fund was established in 2002 in response to the events of Sept. 11 to help with disaster relief and emergency needs where Christians are involved. George anticipates that additional grants will be made to the relief efforts at Union as new needs are identified and additional funds become available. Groups and individuals are welcome to be involved.
Gifts to the HEART Fund may be sent to WMU Foundation, 100 Missionary Ridge, Birmingham, AL 35242.
Share with others: