Over the last week we have seen many people in Queensland and New South Wales were hit by severe storms and devastating flooding. The effects of this crisis are still developing. Thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes. There has been extreme and widespread damage to property. Sadly, lives have been lost.

In response to this unfolding emergency, Global Mission Partners Extend, our entity for emergency responses in Australia, has launched an appeal to assist people in recovering from the impact of the severe weather and flooding in New South Wales and Queensland.

Donated funds will be distributed through local churches and Churches of Christ agencies and/or other bodies with the capacity to identify, support and meet the needs of those affected by the floods. Through giving, we know that we can make a difference to those most in need.

This appeal will distribute funds to assist local churches and Churches of Christ agencies and/or other bodies to give immediate care for those effected by the floods. This includes evacuation and other urgent needs such as food, shelter and hygiene items for evacuees. As the situation unfolds, we will also look to distribute funds to help support longer term recovery efforts. We will update you with the specific areas these long-term efforts target, as the needs become clear.

Jessie Skelly, former GMP staff member, now ministers in northern NSW. He has been on the frontlines as the floodwaters moved south from Queensland and gave us an insight into what it’s like on the ground. Jessie is actively involved with local churches to support those who have been forced to relocate.

“In two days, we’ve had a year’s worth of rain. All the levies and walls that were put in place just broke and within 24 hours, people were being rushed out of their homes and into evacuation centres.

“A lot of people haven’t had power for days – most of the people in the evacuation centres are at the point of last resort. In Lismore, the river hit 14 metres; it’s incomprehensible.

“It’s the worst flood in over a hundred years, and the other night there were boats going through the night getting people off their roofs. It’s catastrophic.”

Please give to support those devastated by these floods. Donations of more than $2 are tax-deductible.

Give online at www.extend.org.au/floodsappeal.

We have value the many expressions of concern and support for those suffering the impact of the storms and flooding.

Thank you for your compassion and care for those in need. We greatly appreciate your partnership in these challenging times.