Urgent Appeal for Hurricane Relief Donations

Urgent Appeal for Hurricane Relief Donations

In the wake of the devastating Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Lott Carey is urgently appealing for donations to support disaster relief efforts. These powerful storms have left a trail of destruction across the southeastern United States, affecting countless lives and communities.

Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 26, in Florida’s Big Bend region as a Category 4 storm with winds reaching 140 mph. The storm surge and heavy rains caused catastrophic flooding and widespread damage from Florida to North Carolina. Tampa Bay experienced a massive storm surge, while Atlanta recorded more than 11 inches of rain, the highest in its history. The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left more than 300 people dead and countless others displaced. Entire communities are cut off by floods, and critical infrastructure, including hospitals and dams, are severely damaged.

Hurricane Milton followed closely, exacerbating the already dire situation. Formed in the western Caribbean Sea, Milton intensified rapidly, becoming a Category 5 hurricane with winds of 180 mph before making landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, on October 9. This storm is noted as the second-most intense Atlantic hurricane ever recorded over the Gulf of Mexico. Milton’s impact was severe, causing loss of life, widespread flooding, a deadly tornado outbreak, and significant damage to infrastructure.

The combined impact of these hurricanes has overwhelmed local resources and left many in urgent need of assistance. Immediate needs include water filters, solar lanterns, hygiene kits, and shelter.

Rev. Emmett Dunn, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of Lott Carey, emphasizes the critical need for support: “I appeal to our churches, brothers, and sisters in the Lott Carey family to remember those who suffer because of these recent disasters. We ask that you be generous with your donations and gifts as we seek to meet these urgent needs.”

Lott Carey has a long history of providing disaster relief, from Hurricane Katrina to Hurricane Ida and beyond. We are committed to expressing the love and compassion of Christ by supporting those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Your donations will directly aid in providing essential supplies and support to those in need.

You can help by donating online through Lott Carey’s secure donation page at lottcarey.org/donate, or by sending a check to Lott Carey, 8201 Corporate Drive, Suite 1245, Landover, MD 20785.

Additionally, your prayers are a source of strength and hope for those affected. Pray for the families who have lost loved ones, those who have been displaced, and the first responders working tirelessly to provide aid and support.

Together, we can make a difference. Your generosity and compassion can help rebuild lives and restore hope in the aftermath of these devastating hurricanes. Thank you for your support.

For additional information, please email us at lottcarey@lottcarey.org.

Lott Carey Appeals for Hurricane Helene Relief Donations

Lott Carey Appeals for Hurricane Helene Relief Donations

Lott Carey is urgently appealing to its partners, affiliates, and individuals of goodwill to make generous donations for Hurricane Helene relief. This devastating hurricane has wreaked havoc across the southeastern United States, leaving a trail of destruction from Florida to North Carolina.

Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 26, 2024, in Florida’s Big Bend region as a Category 4 storm with winds reaching 140 mph. The storm surge and heavy rains caused catastrophic flooding and widespread damage. Tampa Bay experienced a massive storm surge, while Atlanta recorded more than 11 inches of rain, the highest in its history. The storm’s impact extended far inland, affecting communities in Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas.

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left more than 100 people dead and countless others displaced. Entire communities are cut off by floods, and critical infrastructure, including hospitals and dams, are severely damaged. Immediate needs include water filters, solar lanterns, hygiene kits, and shelter.

“I appeal to our churches, brothers, and sisters in the Lott Carey family to remember those who suffer because of this recent disaster,” said Lott Carey Executive Secretary-Treasurer Rev. Emmett Dunn. “We ask that you be generous with your donations and gifts as we seek to meet these urgent needs.”

Rev. Dunn asks for prayers for those affected by Hurricane Helene. “Let us lift up in prayer the families who have lost loved ones, those who have been displaced, and the first responders working tirelessly to provide aid and support. Your prayers are a source of strength and hope in these challenging times.”

Lott Carey has a long history of providing disaster relief, from Hurricane Katrina to Hurricane Ida and beyond. We are committed to expressing the love and compassion of Christ by supporting those affected by Hurricane Helene.

To donate, please visit www.lottcarey.org/donate.

Checks may be sent to:

Lott Carey
8201 Corporate Drive, Suite 1245
Landover, MD 20785

For additional information, email us at lottcarey@lottcarey.org.

A week of lasting impact

A week of lasting impact

The 127th Lott Carey Annual Session, held from August 12-15 in Memphis, TN, brought together a diverse group of attendees, with 958 people registered, including 913 in-person and 45 virtual participants.

Mission service projects were a key component of the Annual Session, with strong attendance reported. The Bread of Life Initiative provided meals to the unhoused and those facing housing insecurity. Volunteers engaged in food preparation, setting up serving stations, ministering to individuals, and serving meals with compassion.

Those who went to the Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry packed emergency food boxes, sorted food pallets, and ensured the packing area was clean and organized. They also conducted a distribution event, breaking down pallets, bagging items, greeting families, assisting with paperwork, and placing items in vehicles.

Participants sorted and packed donated food items and repackaged bulk products into smaller, distributable sizes at the Mid-South Food Bank Volunteer Hub.

At the Purdue Center of Hope, volunteers taught Bible study, led children’s activities, supported women’s development programs, engaged in clean-up activities, moderate repairs, and administrative tasks such as file shredding.

During the Sound the Alarm Event, in partnership with the American Red Cross, volunteers installed smoke alarms, created escape plans, and shared fire safety information with homeowners near Christ Missionary Baptist Church, whose senior pastor is Lott Carey’s immediate past president, Rev. Dr. Gina M. Stewart.

Lott Carey also partnered with the Red Cross in its 2024 blood drive, collecting 32 units of blood, potentially saving 92 lives, with 25 whole blood units and seven power red units, achieving 106 percent of the target. The drive highlighted the importance of blood donations for individuals with sickle cell disease, particularly encouraging African American donors to participate.

These mission events made a deep impression and left a lasting impact on the city of Memphis and those who attended or participated.

Lott Carey says thanks

Lott Carey says thanks

Lott Carey extends heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Rev. Dr. Gina M. Stewart, Christ Missionary Baptist Church, and the city of Memphis for the warm welcome and hospitality during the 127th Lott Carey Annual Session held from August 12-15 at the Renasant Convention Center.

Christ Missionary Baptist Church, the host church whose pastor is Dr. Stewart, provided much love and assistance, including scores of volunteers who served as ushers, greeters, registrants, etc., as well as providing transportation services.

The city of Memphis enabled the more than 900 participants from across the United States and overseas to worship, fellowship, learn, and network in a comfortable setting and ambiance.

Dr. Stewart, who was coming to the end of her three-year term as Lott Carey president, was the consummate host. She pulled out all the stops and for this Lott Carey is deeply grateful. Her commitment and dedication to Lott Carey is unquestioned and we are delighted that her goal of millions for missions was realized. In response, many churches gave generous donations in addition to substantial gifts from Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, and Compassion International.

We note that through her initiative, Dr. Stewart raised $50,000 from pastors and churches in the city of Memphis alone. These funds will go directly to Lott Carey global partners to meet specific needs in Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Kenya, and South Africa.

“The event was a resounding success, marked by inspirational worship, rich fellowship, wonderful learning experiences, significant contributions and impactful initiatives,” said Executive Secretary-Treasurer Rev. Emmett Dunn. “Lott Carey is deeply grateful to Dr. Stewart, Christ Missionary Baptist Church, and the city of Memphis for their unwavering support and hospitality during the Annual Session. Their welcome, hospitality and contributions have significantly advanced Lott Carey’s mission and impact globally.”

Lott Carey Receives Donation to Build School in Liberia

Lott Carey Receives Donation to Build School in Liberia

During the 127th Lott Carey Annual Session held in Memphis, TN, from August 12-15, Compassion International made a significant contribution of $300,000 toward the construction of the David and Pamela Goatley High School in a village near Bopolu, Liberia. This generous donation marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to enhance educational opportunities in this region of the West African country.

Lott Carey has a longstanding commitment to education in Liberia, dating back to 1903. The organization operates in two key communities: Brewerville, located approximately six miles from Monrovia, and an outlying village of Bopolu, three hours’ drive from the national capital. The Brewerville campus serves 330 students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, while the Bopolu campus currently caters to about 225 students from kindergarten to ninth grade.

Bopolu, the capital city of Gbarpolu County, is situated 100 kilometers north of Monrovia and has a population of 95,000. The local community where the school is located primarily consists of subsistence farmers and traders, with Islam being the predominant religion. The Lott Carey Mission Bopolu campus serves students from a five-mile radius, but the nearest high school is 15 miles away, making it inaccessible and unaffordable for many students.

As a result, students who complete the ninth grade have limited opportunities to continue their education. The establishment of a high school in Bopolu will provide these students with the chance to complete their secondary education, significantly improving their prospects and those of their community. The new high school will offer both vocational and academic programs, preparing students to become productive members of society.

The original vision of the Lott Carey founders was to provide quality education to the children and residents of Liberia in a wholesome Christian environment. This vision remains strong today, as the combination of quality education and Christian values has proven to be an effective way to nurture young people into becoming productive citizens.

Parents and elders of Bopolu have long desired the elevation of the school to a high school level. The school is already rated as one of the best in Gbarpolu County, and the addition of a high school will further enhance its reputation and impact.

The $300,000 from Compassion International is the second major donation that Lott Carey received during the Annual Session. The Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA, had earlier presented a $1 million check to support the Ghana Baptist Freedom Initiative to rescue and rehabilitate young girls from the Trokosi system, a traditional practice where girls are enslaved to atone for the sins of their relatives. Among other things, the Alfred Street gift will support the operation of eight existing schools and build additional schools in areas where the Trokosi system is practiced.