As the United States and the rest of the world deal with the death and devastation wrought by the coronavirus, on behalf of American Baptist Churches USA, the American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) and International Ministries (IM) seek One Great Hour of Sharing COVID-19 emergency support to help families, churches and community find relief and recovery.

This is a two-part appeal.  Part one will provide relief across the United States and Puerto Rico.  Donations to OGHS-COVID Response: US & PR will assist with immediate needs such as unemployment or loss of income, housing, hunger and access to healthcare.  Donations will also fund programs supporting the well-being and mental health of faith leaders, congregations and communities.  As churches seek to connect with members in the context of social distancing, the need for enhanced technology has emerged in many churches.

Part two of this appeal will provide international relief.  Donations to OGHS-COVID Response: International will be used to respond to requests by international partners for emergency grants.  Gifts will meet immediate needs for feeding, housing and providing healthcare for persons impacted by COVID-19, with particular support for emergent and unmet needs of refugees, asylum seekers and immigrant populations.  These funds will also support global partners at risk of having to suspend vital services to vulnerable members of their communities.

American Baptist Churches, USA, “stands with you in prayer for the many needs within your own congregations and communities in the coming months.  As you prayerfully evaluate your household resources and the needs of your local church and communities, they welcome donations to support One Great Hour of Sharing COVID-19 Response.”  One hundred percent of donations go to relief efforts; no dollars are retained for administrative costs.

To give support within the US and Puerto Rico, in the memo of your check write: OGHS-COVID Response: US & PR

To give to International relief efforts, in the memo of your check write: OGHS-COVID Response: International

If you prefer to give online, simply click here, and there will be a list of funds on the right. Both the US/Puerto Rico and International appeals are listed.