Mississippi Conference Disaster Response

05/07/2026

Disaster Response Update | May 2026 Storms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 7, 2026

Grace and peace to each of you,

On May 6, 2026, a significant severe weather outbreak impacted communities across Mississippi, producing multiple tornado warnings, damaging winds, large hail and periods of heavy rainfall. According to the Mississippi Emergency Management Association (MEMA), several counties have reported structural damage to homes, businesses, utility infrastructure and transportation routes as fast-moving storms tracked across the region. Emergency personnel are working to conduct damage assessments and restore critical services in affected areas. Clergy in the affected areas can help tremendously by reporting specific needs directly to your district office or to my office at [email protected].

Do not self-deploy into damaged communities. In trying to help, we inadvertently can cause harm.

The Mississippi Conference Disaster Response Team is monitoring this situation to see how the Mississippi Conference can be most effective in helping the impacted communities. We will share this information through multiple sources so that everyone will be informed. Remember, together we are all United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).

In the meantime, here are three important ways you can help:

Pray for disaster survivors, first-responders and those coordinating local responses. Also pray that basic needs will be met and that communities will experience resilience.
Serve others by making a relief supply kit or giving to the purchasing of kit supplies for disaster affected communities. Click here for information on how your local church can assemble kits. Consider serving as an early response team (ERT) member. Special invitations will be going out to ERTs to assist in the relief phase. ERT training for groups is available upon request.
Give donations that enable UMCOR to respond quickly and effectively to disasters as they arise. You can help support the Mississippi Annual Conference Disaster Response by clicking here to donate online or by mailing your donations to:
Miss. Conference of The United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 1603 | Jackson, MS 39215-1603
*If the donation is designated for this event, write “May 2026 Storms” in the memo line.

Please prayerfully consider the options above and respond accordingly. Many thanks for being the Church in ways that matter!

from the desk of
Rev. Dayna Goff
Director of Connectional Ministries and Spiritual Leadership
Mississippi United Methodist Conference
601.354.0515 |[email protected]

03/26/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our NOMADS friend, Mary Coulter. Alongside her husband Gene, Mary led many recovery projects across Mississippi, leaving a lasting and meaningful impact on countless lives.

All of our NOMADS are special, but Mary and Gene hold an extra-special place in our hearts. Their dedication, compassion, and service will never be forgotten.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and all who knew and loved her. May her memory be a blessing.

10/30/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DESjZ1rf5/?mibextid=wwXIfr

In response to the catastrophic destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean so far, UMCOR has awarded solidarity grants to the Jamaica District and the Haiti District of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas. These emergency grants will assist with immediate needs, including food, water, temporary shelter, hygiene kits and over-the-counter medication.

We will remain in communication with the MCCA and other partners in the region as relief efforts continue. We encourage you to continue to pray for those impacted and faithfully support relief and recovery efforts, as food insecurity and the risk of water-borne illnesses will increase in the coming months.

What can you do to respond?
🛐Pray for those impacted.
👐Give to support our international relief and recovery efforts. Select "Hurricane Melissa" when asked to designate your gift: https://bit.ly/umcoridr
📲Share this post to encourage others to pray and give.

(Photo Credit: Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica)

08/29/2025

On this day 20 years ago Hurricane Katrina made landfall on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. In the following days pickups loaded with chainsaws and tarps, church vans with cases of water and sack lunches, college students with rakes and work gloves, were headed south on Hwy 49 joined by hundreds of power company trucks. Our first look at our beloved costal communities was heartbreaking. We said a prayer, rolled up our sleeves, and got to work. In the days, weeks, months, years following that tragic day we slowly saw hope returning. While we’ll never forget the lives lost or the grief of loosing everything that you owned, we are forever grateful for the thousands and thousands of volunteers who made recovery possible.

08/19/2025

We’ve often told our volunteers that the 11th Commandment is “Thou shall be flexible” Rev Terry shares a story about one of those times

https://www.facebook.com/share/19WgnxQ2JL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Mississippi pastor recalls how Hurricane Katrina touched the hearts of both survivors and volunteers.

08/07/2025

It's been 20 years since Hurricane Katrina, but for our District Disaster Response Team, that means 20 years of service, friendship, and fellowship.

The Gulf Pines (formerly Seashore) District Disaster Response Team will be meeting Thursday, August 28, at Camp Faith, and we invite all who have been part of disaster response at any time during the last 20 years to join us.

We would also welcome anyone interested in serving in disaster response.

We start gathering around 4 pm, and then we share a meal (hamburgers and hot dogs) around 6 pm. You are welcome to attend for all or part of the meeting. If you would like to come, please let me know to help with meal planning.

Camp Faith is located at 22378 Turan Road, Saucier, MS 39574.

I hope to see you there Thursday, Aug. 28!

Peace,

David Huffman
Gulf Pines District Disaster Response Coordinator
[email protected]
662-416-5948

05/29/2025

And that’s a wrap for Mennonite Disaster Service/ACTS in the Mississippi Delta.

•1,362 Volunteers
•54,480 Labor Hours
•$1,732,564 Labor Value
•13 Months of Service
•24 New Homes Built
•14 Homes Repaired
•Countless Lives Changed

Our partnership with MDS is one of our most cherished. The impact they have had on the communities of Rolling Fork and Silver City will be felt for many years and we couldn’t be more grateful. Their willingness to share their skills and energy exemplifies the spirit of generosity and community that makes our mission possible. Thank you doesn’t seem like enough but it comes from the deepest place in our heart.

Until we meet again dear friends!

***About the photo, this traditional Amish straw hat now hangs in Service Lumber Company above a photo of the remains of their building the morning after the tornado. A final gift from MDS/ACTS to the community, the hat stands in stark contrast to the despair of that day-symbolizing the enduring power of service, resilience, and hope.

Delta Force Disaster Recovery
UMCOR - United Methodist Committee On Relief
Community Foundation of Washington County

05/28/2025

Mennonite Disaster Service/ACTS has been spending the week finishing up the last of our repair work 💪

Delta Force Disaster Recovery
UMCOR - United Methodist Committee On Relief
Community Foundation of Washington County

05/22/2025

Today we were thrilled to welcome Ms Whitney back to her completely renovated home! Although not totally destroyed, her family home had been severely damaged in the March 2023 tornado. We loved bringing it back to life for her and her family! Welcome Home again Ms Whitney, Welcome Home!

Delta Force Disaster Recovery
UMCOR - United Methodist Committee On Relief
Community Foundation of Washington County

05/21/2025

A little caulk and paint will finish up this window project for Mennonite Disaster Service/ACTS this morning

Delta Force Disaster Recovery
UMCOR - United Methodist Committee On Relief
Community Foundation of Washington County

05/20/2025

Window replacement here for Mennonite Disaster Service/ACTS this morning.

Delta Force Disaster Recovery
UMCOR - United Methodist Committee On Relief
Community Foundation of Washington County