On a dark night in early December 2021, entirely out of season, tornadoes tore across eight states, killing more than 80 people and devastating many communities. Just eight months later, on a warm Saturday in July, two Disciples churches and several community organizations made sure that dozens of children impacted by those winter storms in western Kentucky spent time outside with friends and caregivers, reveling in a bright and sunny day. ​

Sunday December 11 marks the start of the third week of Advent, traditionally the week of JOY. For many in western Kentucky, the joy is hard-won and tinged with grief, as this weekend (December 10) also marked one year since the deadly and devastating tornado outbreak in western Kentucky. The most damaging reach of the outbreak was a long-track tornado that tore through 11 counties, destroying thousands of homes, with especially severe impacts in Mayfield and Dawson Springs. Communities across the area are in the early phases of long-term recovery, with years of rebuilding still ahead.

Disciples have a strong presence; many congregations in the area responded quickly to the needs of their neighbors, and remain in close collaboration with Week of Compassion.

On Sunday, Week of Compassion learned from our partners in the Philippines that Typhoon Vongfong had made landfall in Luzon. Evacuations were complicated on this highly populated island because of COVID-19. Meanwhile, Cyclone Amphan is rapidly gaining strength in the South Pacific and threatens many extremely vulnerable areas-- including Cox’s Bazaar, the refugee camp in Bangladesh where more than 1 million Rohingya people live. Last week, the first case of COVID-19 was reported in the camp. Clearly, this is a dangerous confluence of events in parts of the world where people are already struggling from the effects of poverty and violence. We are grateful for our partners who continue to work for the health and safety of vulnerable people, even in the most challenging circumstances. Please join us in prayer for those affected by, and in the path of, these storms. We will share more as we learn more. 
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I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. (Ephesians 1:15-16)

On May 28 of 2019, a series of severe tornadoes caused widespread damage throughout Ohio, especially in and around the city of Dayton.