Preparation Is Key

The U.S. National Weather Service warns of a very active hurricane season, which begins June 1. Also, recent headlines about the record number of deadly tornadoes in America's heartland confirm hurricanes are not the only threat to Alliance churches and ministries. As this picture of the lone surviving house for the fires last August on Maui demonstrates, prevention is key. The owners replaced the roof with nonflammable material and cleared brush away from the house.
While we cannot prevent a tornado, hurricane, or flood, we can limit its impact, ensure a quicker recovery, and identify opportunities for ministry to victims and first responders.

One of my responsibilities as the U.S. Disaster Relief Coordinator for Church Ministries is helping Alliance districts and churches prepare for potential natural or man-made disasters (i.e., active shooters) as well as the coordination of relief from the greater Alliance family through Church Ministries and the district office.

I encourage district leaders and pastors to review the attached proposal form districts requesting supplemental financial help and requests for volunteers to help with recovery efforts. I am always available to answer questions and share insights gained from my U.S. Army disaster response missions.

It is an honor to serve those who are bringing all of Jesus, who even the wind and waves obey, to all the world in the midst of every season. -

Chaplain (Lieutenant Colonel) Doug Prentice, U.S. Army, retired U.S. Disaster Relief Coordinator for Church Ministries prenticed@cmalliance.org

Rev. Douglas Prentice was born in Akron, Ohio, and in October 2022, he became the U.S. Disaster Relief Coordinator for Church Ministries after retiring with 29 years of active-duty military service as an Alliance U.S. Army chaplain. His service with The Alliance includes over 35 years of licensed ministry that began in the New England district. Rev. Prentice is a graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (MDiv) in South Hamilton, Massachusetts and of Nyack College (BA) in Nyack, New York. He lives in San Antonio, Texas. He is the proud father of four children and grandparent to two beautiful grandchildren.