BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — National Woman’s Missionary Union is responding with help and the hope of the gospel in the midst of the water crisis in Jackson, Miss. While drinking water has been compromised in the area for years, the recent crisis was precipitated by floods and failing water systems.
The WMU endowment committee approved emergency grants from its Pure Water, Pure Love ministry to provide three tractor-trailer loads of bottled water and the WMU Foundation executive committee approved a grant of $25,000 from the HEART Fund to help First Baptist Church, Jackson, with providing meals to seniors, food distribution, and other crisis response efforts.
“We are so grateful to national WMU and the WMU Foundation for responding so quickly to join with First Baptist, Jackson, by providing semi-trucks of water and monetary gifts for our ministry partners to purchase food and more water to effectively minister in the city,” said Chip Stevens, senior pastor of First Baptist. “You have helped us be the hands and feet of Jesus to our neighbors and community.”
Tammy Anderson, executive director-treasurer of Mississippi Women’s Ministries/WMU, applied for the WMU HEART Fund grant on behalf of her state.
“We don’t want to miss the moment of great need because it is a sacred opportunity to share the love of Christ,” Anderson said. “People are receptive in the moment of their need and they are open to hearing about Christ then.” B&R