Woman's Missionary Union of Virginia issued the following statement Sept. 12:
“As the advisory and trustee boards of Woman's Missionary Union of Virginia gather at CrossRoads Camp and Conference Center, Sept. 9-10, 2005, we issue this prayer of support to churches and denominational camps hosting the Katrina evacuees.
“We are mindful of the necessity for families to be close to resources that meet their transitional needs. Therefore, our CrossRoads purpose is to educate and mobilize the faith community, providing a holistic response.
“Woman's Missionary Union of Virginia will work collaboratively with their partners through the BGAV to assist individuals and families displaced by Katrina. Through the ‘One Church, One Family' model of the Dorcas Project, we will help believers translate compassion into action by responding to the physical and spiritual needs of our displaced brothers and sisters.
“The Dorcas Project is funded through the Alma Hunt Offering of Virginia Missions. This project, along with others such as disaster relief, Hope Builders, parish nursing, and parish social work that also are supported by the Alma Hunt Offering, will equip congregations to help individuals transition to self sufficiency and health and wellness.
“The theme of the Alma Hunt Offering this year is ‘Imagine,' but we never imagined the devastation which we are witnessing. As with Sept. 11 and Isabel, we are amazed again at the timing of another disaster which occurs during this season of prayer as Virginia Baptists find their connection to do missions in Virginia and around the world.
“During this focus time of the Alma Hunt emphasis when we offer our prayers and gifts, we thank God for the opportunity to respond. May we give sacrificially, donating matching gifts to the Katrina Disaster Relief.
“ ‘Now to him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than all we ask for or imagine according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever!' (Ephesians 3:20-21).
“We claim this Scripture for ourselves and our new friends who will come to Virginia via Fort Pickett and other venues to find their place of healing and strength through the Virginia Baptist family at work together.”
Special to the Herald