Bishop Invites Prayers & Generosity for BC in the Wake of Flooding

In the wake of destructive flooding in British Columbia, after unprecendented amounts of torrential rain swept across the province, Bishop Susan Bell offers this prayer:

Lord, we bring before you all our relations in British Columbia
who are suffering from the effects of the storms and extreme flooding in recent days.
We pray for our siblings who are cut off and in need of medication, food, and the necessaries of life. 
We pray for emergency workers who are risking their own security for love of neighbour.
You are the same Lord who stilled the storm,
the same Lord whose healing touch restored health and wholeness to the desperate;
strengthen them in their hour of need.
Watch over them; grant them perseverance and courage. 
And may they draw strength from your love as a firm foundation to build their future.
We ask all this in your strong name, Jesus. Amen.

The Bishops of the Ecclesiastical Province of British Columbia and Yukon released a joint statement, noting that many “are still living in urgent situations following the extreme rainfall these past few days, stranded, evacuated from their homes, living without power”.

The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund is accepting donations towards an emergency response in British Columbia. According to PWRDF,  "the news of the destructive floods, especially after a particularly devastating fire season in the province, are moving Anglicans to reach out to offer support."

The need for funds is expected to grow with time as the flood waters recede and people begin the work of rebuilding, restoring, and healing. “We know from past experience working in the region that the needs are great long after the urgent crisis is over,” says PWRDF’s Humanitarian Relief Coordinator Naba Gurung. 

You can give to PWRDF’s B.C. Flood Emergency Response by clicking here, or going to pwrdf.org/give-today and clicking on B.C Flood. You may also donate by phone at 416-822-9083 or leave a voicemail toll-free at 1-866-308-7973 and PWRDF will return your call, or mail your cheque to PWRDF, 80 Hayden, 3rd floor, Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 3G2. Please mark B.C. Flood in the memo line.

In addition, Primate Linda Nicholls and National Indigenous Anglican Archbishop Mark MacDonald will host A Vigil for British Columbia on Sunday, November 21 at 5:30pm. The vigil will be an online national prayer service to lift up all those who have been impacted by the devastating floods.