Since the beginning, the Church has taken on human needs, run into the face of disaster, and brought hope to the hurting. Throughout the ages, hospitals, schools, and housing all have been built in the name of Jesus. In times of plagues, when others fled, Christians rushed in to care for the sick.
We live in a fallen world, and disasters still strike. Those in need of a helping hand have never been greater. When a flood or hurricane or other disaster strikes, they hit hard and fast. Lives are turned upside down in an instant.
At Ward, we’re no stranger to this call. For many years, we have sought to be a church that brings hope to the hurting, both near and far. With prayer. With money. With volunteers with strong backs and open hearts. Sometimes, with just offering a listening ear.
Over the past two years, we have given over $70,000 in aid through our Disaster Relief Fund. We’ve sent money to help places ranging from Ukraine, Gaza, and Turkey to Syria, Afghanistan and more.
In addition, dozens of people make up our Ward Disaster Relief Team. They are sent to help across the United States when disaster strikes. In just the past three years, they have been on over 25 recovery responses from tornados in Tennessee and hurricanes in Florida and Texas, to floods right in our own backyard in Dearborn and Midland.
They’ve helped clean up debris. They’ve helped restore homes. They’ve walked alongside those that are hurting; letting them know they’re not alone. They’ve prayed with people when their world was crashing down.
Here at Ward, we want to continue being a church that is known for being the hands and feet of Jesus. This year, our Easter offering will bring hope to the hurting, both near and far. By having a team of volunteers and finances ready and waiting, we can respond immediately, when aid is most needed. There are four ways that you can be a part of the work. We invite you to get involved with any - or all - of the options below.
Give a financial gift to the Disaster Relief fund with an online gift, or by check, or cash in person.
Whether it’s a flood, tornado, hurricane, earthquake or some other form of natural disaster, the needs become enormous - often overwhelming - overnight. Money won’t fix all the broken homes and broken hearts but it’s still needed to repair and rebuild. Help keep the mission fueled and ready to go with a monetary donation.
Bring a new stuffed animal from March 3-17 that will be distributed to local first responders to give away when responding to local disasters.
Calamities and disasters are hard on everyone involved. Lives are turned upside down in an instant. Every bit as much or more so for the children involved. First responders have found a small but effective gesture is to offer a stuffed animal to young children in times of crisis. Help Ward keep the Stuffed Animal cupboard overflowing at our local police and fire stations.
Write a Thank You note after church on March 17 for our local first responders.
These are the folks – police, fire, and ambulance crews – that are on the front lines and are often under-appreciated. They’re the folks that show up at two in the morning when someone is having perhaps the worst day of their life, or sometimes their last day. They’re the modern-day cavalry coming to the rescue. A thoughtful hand-written ‘Thank you’ will go a long way towards encouraging them.
Learn how you can join Ward’s Disaster Relief Team by emailing outreach@ward.church.
When we were young, we all wanted to make ‘the team.’ Maybe it was baseball or football, cheerleading or tennis. Or something else, but we can all relate. We can all join this team. There’s no ‘cuts’ and the only ‘tryout’ is that you have a heart for Jesus.
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ward.church/live
SUNDAY SERVICES
Traditional: 9 a.m. + 2 p.m.
Contemporary: 10:30 a.m.
+ 4 p.m.
40000 Six Mile Rd
Northville, MI 48168
Phone: 248-374-7400
Fax: 248-374-3322
SUNDAY SERVICES
Traditional: 9 a.m.
Contemporary: 10:30 a.m.
27996 Halsted Rd
Farmington Hills, MI 48331
Phone: 248-482-7500
SUNDAY SERVICES
Contemporary: 10:30 a.m.
