During the last few days of November 2016, a wildfire fueled by high winds and severe drought conditions burned nearly 18,000 acres in East Tennessee (in Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, and Sevier County). As a result of this fire, 14 lives were lost, about 180 people injured, and over 2,400 buildings damaged (including homes and businesses). The fire has also caused power outages and hundreds of people who have been displaced from their homes are staying in shelters.
In the wake of this disaster here are a few ways you can respond.
- Pray for the families who have been affected by this disaster and the recovery effort to follow.
- Go with a mission team from Immanuel on January 12 through 15 to serve in East Tennessee. Contact Ed Mell at emell72@bellsouth.net as soon as possible for details.
- Donate money for the relief effort.