To: Friends of Southern Baptist Disaster Relief
From: Mickey Caison, Disaster Relief Operations Center Director
Re: Immediate Financial Needs for Hurricane Ike Victims

A little more than a week ago, the people of the American Gulf Coast experienced another horrific hurricane. Already we are being asked to draw comparisons between the damage inflicted by Hurricane Ike and that of Katrina and Rita. This is where it gets tricky.

First, it is early in the process. Second, the nature of Ike—encompassing a 500-mile stretch of Louisiana and Texas coastline—impacted a far wider range of cities, homes and communities including America’s 4th largest city, Houston. One could consider one early measure of damage in insurance losses. In that regard, Monday’s estimates of Ike were over $10 billion in damages compared with $40 billion of Katrina.

The volunteers who respond through Southern Baptist Disaster Relief don’t wait for damage assessments. As soon as the storm cleared, we had “boots on the ground.” Already, we have assembled the capacity for 500,000 hot meals per day in cooperation with the American Red Cross and Salvation Army through 46 Feeding Units (mobile kitchens). More than 92 other units are in place providing power, hot showers, laundry, communications and other practical services.

The Hurricane Ike response is on the heels of Hurricane Gustav in Louisiana where Southern Baptists deployed more than 204 units and still have 95 units working today. We expect to continue to provide feeding, chainsaw and mud-out work for many weeks to come. However, our purpose is the same as it always is: to lend practical assistance to people in need, while pointing to the One Who we serve.

There is one practical, tangible comparison I invite you to prayerfully consider. As of the close of business on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 the North American Mission Board had received less than $20,000 in financial gifts in response to Hurricane Ike.

Will you make this a matter of prayer? Will you carry this message to your mid-week prayer meetings, Sunday School class and other groups you fellowship with? 100% of financial contributions to Disaster Relief go straight to the field—helping meet the needs of people affected by the storm while sharing the saving message of Jesus Christ.

Your most efficient option for responding is online through www.namb.net and clicking on "Donate Now", or go directly to this link. You may also mail your donation, payable to the North American Mission Board, to PO Box 116543, Atlanta, GA 30368-6543. Thank you for giving this your prayerful consideration.