[1]LOS ALAMOS, N.M. (BP)–The Baptist Convention of New Mexico continues to receive money from across the nation that will be used to assist churches in fire disaster areas in the state to minister to victims in coming months. As of June 7, $26,526.44 had been received from individuals, churches and another state convention.
The Missouri Baptist Convention sent a check for $5,000 in early June, and gifts have been received from individuals and churches in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas and South Carolina. Donations continue to come in at a rate of half a dozen a day.
“The compassion shown to New Mexico fire victims by Missouri Baptists and other Baptists of the nation is deeply appreciated,” said Claude Cone, the BCNM’s executive director. “This is certainly an act of Christ-like love.”
While the funds will be used by New Mexico Baptist churches in fire-affected areas statewide, the greatest need is in the Los Alamos area, which suffered the loss of hundreds of homes in the recent Cerro Grande Fire. Approximately $10,000 of the contributions has been specifically designated for use in Los Alamos.
Chuck McCullough, pastor of White Rock Baptist Church, Los Alamos, told the Baptist New Mexican June 5 that his church and First Baptist Church will use funds to meet needs that remain unmet after affected individuals and families settle with insurance companies and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “There will be a lot” of those needs, McCullough said.
The churches are already busy ministering in a variety of ways to those whose lives have been touched by the tragedy, McCullough added.
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