In her article How Hurricanes Damage the Economy, Kimberly Amadeo outlines specifically how hurricanes negatively affect the economy. They can increase unemployment, lower U.S. production, raise prices, and depress the stock market. And, since one-third of the U.S. gross domestic product comes from states along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, America is very vulnerable to the impact of hurricane damage. And of course, hurricanes have high costs in terms of lost human life and property damage.
Here in the Southern Province of the Moravian Church in America, we are currently experiencing the impact of Hurricane Florence.
Yet, courage in the face of adversity is a notable part of our Moravian heritage. We are reminded of the impact early Moravians had on John Wesley during their voyage to America. Wesley described his witness:
“In the midst of the psalm wherewith their service began, the sea broke over, split the main-sail in pieces, covered the ship, and poured in between the decks, as if the great deep had already swallowed us up. A terrible screaming began among the English. The Germans calmly sung on.”
As you know, John Wesley’s conversion soon followed this event. And we are here today to once again sing on through the storm. Please pray for the protection of our brothers and sisters who are in harm’s way. And, please support the Moravian Disaster Relief effort in any way you can. If you are able to provide financial support, you can give online through the Board of World Mission (click here).
