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Urgent Deployment: 23 Dead as Tornado Rips through the South

By March 4, 2019Ministry updates
alabama_deployment_disaster_relief

10,000 people are without power. Countless are unaccounted for and 23 are dead after a tornado ripped through the southern US.

Multiple tornadoes ripped through the Southern United States leaving major damage in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia killing at least 23 people in their wake. Countless people are still not accounted for according to local news reports and it’s being called the deadliest U.S. tornado outbreak in 6 years. 10,000 people are still without power.

Teams of Crisis Response International responders are deploying with basic needs and chaplaincy services to those experiencing loss, trauma, and grief as a result of the destructive tornadoes. The Alabama Deployment doesn’t change the current Take The Land Deployment or any of the upcoming training.

Based on the urgent needs in Alabama and the surrounding areas, CRI leadership made the decision to help those affected by this crisis. The deployment for CRI comes on the heels of taking over a new 85 acre missions base and has teams of responders currently assisting in the renovations of the base as the ministry prepares for a number of upcoming spring responder and mercy missions trainings.

“In the midst of closing on our new missions base, hosting dozens of volunteers, and taking care of our own needs as a ministry, our hearts are breaking for those in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia experiencing this devastating loss,” stated Malone. “Assessing the situation in the aftermath of the tornado, with 23 dead, 10,000 without power, and countless people unaccounted for, we made the decision that we have to be there to assist,” Malone continued.

The Alabama Deployment will likely be a couple of days to a week. CRI will be providing urgent services including food service, personal belonging recovery, chaplaincy, distribution of resources to those in need. In addition to meeting practical needs, the ministry focuses on bringing the love of God into crisis and disasters around the world. Since 2007, they’ve trained nearly 10,000 responders and last year alone shared the gospel with 8,000 individuals.

“In the midst of the need and loss, we believe God wants to reveal his power, love and help people and cities rebuild their lives on the kingdom of God. We believe something good can come out of even this type of crisis, so we want to share this hope with Alabama.”

To donate food, supplies, and help responders meet those hurting with the love of God, please donate here.

If you’re interested in becoming a trained responder for future deployments, please consider an upcoming disaster relief training. 

Trained responders certified by CRI can apply to deploy here.