By Stan Friedman
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (May 20, 2013) – Several Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) congregations and homes of many members are located in the path of the tornado that struck Oklahoma City this afternoon, and the denomination has pledged its support to help in relief efforts.
Westmoore Community Church in Oklahoma City was reported to be undamaged, and JourneyChurch.tv in Norman, Oklahoma, is serving as a shelter for those displaced by the storm. Information on other Covenant congregations is not yet available.
Estimates late this afternoon put the death toll at 37, with that number expected to increase as relief workers work through the rubble. According to reports, the tornado reached as wide as two miles. Forecasters predict more tornadoes are likely.
The tornado missed by just two blocks the home of Paul Cunningham, pastor of Westmoore Covenant Church in Oklahoma City, said ECC President Gary Walter. Cunningham told Walter that the church was not damaged.
“Please pray for our friends in Oklahoma,” said Walter. “The needs will be immense. We will stand with our churches as they respond to their own members and the community.”
David Husby, director of Covenant World Relief, said, “Because of the magnitude of this disaster, we will certainly be responding through local Covenant churches, but it is too early to say how that will be accomplished.” However, Covenanters can begin donating to the relief work now – click here to make an online donation.
Covenant News Service will report additional information as it becomes available.
