Even after the rain stopped, the waters continued to rise in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Heavy spring storms swelled rivers and streams across the South this past weekend, causing severe and sustained flooding. As of Monday, March 14, over 100 families in Clarksdale alone had been displaced from their homes, many of whom had never before seen flooding in their areas. In some places, the water reached the tops of beds, and several people required evacuation by boat. Residents will not know the true extent of the damage until the waters recede, but many are expecting the worst.
This damaging storm comes just months after the deadly tornado that touched down in Clarksdale two days before Christmas. The sequence of storms is adding additional strain on the community. According to Rev. Zedric Clayton, pastor of Real Faith Christian Church in Clarksdale, many of the local organizations and churches are simply running out of resources. This is a moment when the importance of our relationships becomes clear and the need for our support is evident. The congregation at Real Faith has already decided to redirect their usual Easter outreach projects to flood relief efforts. Week of Compassion is supporting these efforts and has provided grants to five families whose homes were flooded.
Photo: Chris Campos
Though eventually they will need volunteers, at this time the best way to help is through offerings of prayer and monetary donations.
With the people of Clarksdale, we take hope in God's faithfulness, remembering these words from the book of Isaiah: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you."
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