ABHMS issues appeal for donations following deadly tornadoes in Central U.S.
VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 05/20/2025)—American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) has issued a call for prayers and financial support for residents of Kentucky and Missouri devastated by tornadoes May 16-17. The storms left upward of two dozen dead and many critically injured, according to local and state authorities. Kentucky was especially hard hit, with more than 19 fatalities.
National weather service officials have described these violent outbreaks as part of a larger weather system that has been impacting a swath of the Central United States, from Texas to Illinois. Dangerous weather conditions consisting of torrential rain, thunderstorms, and tornadic activity are expected to continue throughout the week.
“The loss of life and widespread devastation across Kentucky, Missouri, and other affected areas is deeply sobering,” said Rev. Dr. Jennifer Stewart, director of Healing & Transforming Communities at ABHMS. “Homes, churches, and neighborhoods have been torn apart, and many families are now facing unimaginable challenges.”
Rev. Dr. Patty King Bilyeu, executive minister of the Great River Region of American Baptist Churches, described the effects of the May 16 tornadoes across Missouri and Southwest Illinois: “There has been a significant loss of life, multiple homes were destroyed, and several churches have extensive damage.” She went on to say that she is already “working with local authorities on ways to assist people who have been affected directly.“
Stewart reminds that as American Baptists, “we are called to respond with presence, prayer, and tangible support for those most affected. We invite our network to stand with these communities by giving generously, preparing to serve, and being vessels of God’s healing in the midst of crisis.”
Through One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS), your donations are directed to the designated disaster within weeks and often for years following the event as neglected needs emerge. All your gifts will make a difference in the lives of people we may or may not know and show the love of God where and when it is needed most.
How you can help:
Please join American Baptists in supporting the relief efforts directed toward those affected by the recent tornadoes and their aftermath. One hundred percent of designated OGHS gifts are allocated to domestic disaster relief.
You can donate via your church or directly online.
Checks designated to OGHS – Central Tornadoes should be mailed to ABHMS’ Office of Development, care of Kim Wilkins, 1075 First Avenue, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406. If intended, they should also include the name of the donor’s church to ensure that it receives credit for the gift.
The World Relief Committee of the Board of General Ministries of American Baptist Churches USA administers OGHS. The committee facilitates American Baptist emergency relief, disaster rehabilitation, refugee work and development assistance by establishing policy guidelines and overseeing distribution of the annual OGHS offering received by churches.
To learn more, visit abhms.org.
American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.
