By Aaron Earls
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Natural disasters impact homes, schools and businesses, but they also damage church buildings and parsonages. During these times of recovery, Lifeway Christian Resources has established multiple ways to walk beside pastors and congregations.
As churches in Kentucky look to emerge from the recent deadly flooding in their state, Lifeway is aiming to help those impacted.
Since 2008, Lifeway has established a disaster assistance program that helps churches recover resources lost during natural disasters. “When disaster strikes, we want pastors and churches to know we’re here for them and want to come alongside them in their time of need,” said Ben Mandrell, president and CEO of Lifeway. “Replacing some of the resources they’ve lost is a tangible way for Lifeway to show we care about them and their ministries.”
Southern Baptist pastors affected by the flood can receive core resources for their library, including a “CSB Study Bible” and study tools. Churches can also apply for replacement of one quarter’s worth of Lifeway-published ongoing curriculum materials. In addition, specific discounts on pew Bibles, hymnals, books and other Lifeway resources are available for affected churches.
In 2022, Lifeway has helped several churches and one state convention during recovery from disasters such as fires, flooding and tornados. One congregation that received assistance was First Baptist Cedar Valley near Salado, Texas. An EF-3 tornado ripped through the area between Waco and Austin damaging or destroying more than 70 buildings, including First Baptist’s building.
“The tornado wiped out everything,” Cedar Valley pastor Donnie Jackson told the Southern Baptist Texan. “It’s a difficult time for us. A lifetime of memories. What held those memories is now gone.”
While the church is in the process of rebuilding their facility, Lifeway has already provided Jackson with some replacement resources for what was lost in the tornado. “Lifeway supplied a very nice Bible for the pastor’s library and several other books,” said Linda Jackson, Donnie’s wife. “We appreciate all [Lifeway] did.”
Pastors and churches recovering from a natural disaster can email [email protected]. After collecting names and contact information, Lifeway will coordinate with the pastors to find the best way to provide them and their congregations with the needed resources.
Additionally, Lifeway is encouraging employees to volunteer for disaster relief efforts with Send Relief and Southern Baptist disaster relief teams in their state. Lifeway is offering paid time off for those seeking relevant training or serving with Send Relief in affected areas.
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Aaron Earls is a writer for Lifeway Christian Resources.
About Lifeway Christian Resources
In operation since 1891, Lifeway Christian Resources is one of the leading providers of Christian resources, including Bibles, books, Bible studies, Christian music and movies, Vacation Bible School and church supplies, as well as camps and events for all ages. Lifeway is the world’s largest provider of Spanish Bibles. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Lifeway operates as a self-supporting nonprofit. For more information, visit Lifeway.com.
