Water is Life: Responding to a Chemical Spill in West Virginia

Rev. Thaddaeus B. Allen serves as the Regional Minister and President of the Christian Church in West Virginia.  Late last week, a chemical spill rendered water undrinkable across several counties of the state.  Thad offers this reflection on our partnership and response.

Water is life!  This year as the church has been contemplating the Baptism of Jesus (in the liturgical calendar), we in West Virginia have also been made keenly aware of the precious place water holds in our life.  Late last week the drinking water supply of a major portion of our state's population, including our capital city of Charleston, was tainted with a chemical that is not fit for human consumption.  Suddenly our water was not life giving. As of Monday, it is still unfit to wash dishes with, bathe in, or drink.  As much as one third of our state's population has been affected. 

As Disciples, you need to know that you have been here from the beginning, jumping into action.  Our congregation in the heart of the capital, United Disciples of Christ, was checking on members and neighbors.  The pastor and region were in contact and the region made immediate plans to deliver drinking water, wipes for bathing, and other essentials for our members and neighbors.  Week of Compassion immediately provided funds for this need. Thank you, Disciples.

We have deep ecumenical ties in this region, so we do this work always with our brothers and sisters, particularly the West Virginia Council of Churches.  So when an appeal was made for supplies, congregations from Fairmont to Parkersburg mobilized to take needed items to the ecumenical warehouse for distribution.  Christian Unity is still our polar star and together the church is meeting needs immediately! 

When the call came for vans and drivers to deliver water and check on the disabled and most vulnerable, congregations from Wheeling to Princeton said "Send Me!"  Thank you, Disciples, for being there! 

Last evening after rounds of conference calls and texts and prayers, I became very much aware of my gratefulness for the church, the institution which is Christ's Body.  Because of the body, we are able to move immediately.  We have each other, networks, and relationships to get things done when things need to be done!  We have bones and muscle.  The body is life too!  So thank you brothers and sisters for caring for us.

This morning we think we have adequate supplies.  This could change, but for now supplies remain stable.  Many ask--what can we do?  Well, we appreciate your prayers and solidarity in these days.  Remember the poor, service workers, and businesses who struggle with closings.  Make gifts through Week of Compassion so that the body can continue to be present when disaster strikes.  This is the best and most appropriate vessel for holding our offerings!  Come visit when we get this fixed.  You will love West Virginia: it really is almost heaven!  And we love you for your concern, compassion, and presence in the body.  You make real the very presence of Christ, thank you for being life.

For more information about the chemical spill in West Virginia see this link or to make a donation to Week of Compassion visit our website.

This week's responses: 
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance
Kentucky, Water Damage
Indiana, Winter Storm Damage (2)
Uganda, Refugee Assistance (2)
South Sudan, Conflict
Kenya, Refugee Assistance
Ethiopia, Refugee Assistance
Honduras, Coffee Rust Assistance
Democratic Republic of Congo, Refugee Assistance
Georgia, Winter Storm Damage
Philippines, Typhoon Assistance
West Virginia, Chemical Spill Response
Colorado, Flood Recovery
Development and Long-Term Recovery and Rehabilitation
Liberia, Food Security and Literacy Programs
Mid America Region, Disaster Response Training Program