The Seventh-day Adventist Church has presented a $US100,000 cheque for disaster relief to the mayor of the city of St Louis, Missouri, United States, after the region was struck by a tornado on May 16.
Mayor Cara Spencer thanked the Church for holding the 62nd GC Session in St Louis.
“On behalf of the city of St Louis, I would like to extend a warm welcome to the GC of the Seventh-day Adventist Church here in St Louis,” Ms Spencer said on Monday, July 7. “We hope you’ve had a successful conference so far, and continue to enjoy a productive time in St Louis.”
The church has been conducting outreach and service projects in St Louis, including Pathway to Health, a mega health clinic, book distribution and park clean-up, as well as supporting local shelters, under an initiative called Impact St Louis.
“The Seventh-day Adventist Church and service to cities mirrors the work that many cities around the world are familiar with,” said Ms Spencer. “Mayors and governments know that we cannot do the monumental and complex work required in today’s city alone. It will take all of us working together.”
In her two-minute speech, the mayor also reflected on the recent tornado that caused $US1.7 billion in damages, took five lives and damaged more than 5000 structures.
“It will be a joint effort for neighbours, churches, small businesses and many people from around the world to rebuild our community,” she said.
“We know you’re a part of this effort, and we’re truly grateful.”
At the completion of her speech, Ms Spencer was joined on stage by GC treasurer Dr Paul Douglas, who announced the presentation of the cheque.
“When we heard the terrible news of the May 16 tornado that damaged the city of St Louis, our hearts were heavy and burdened with pain,” he said.
“So collectively church leaders contributed to do something about it.”
The large ceremonial cheque was brought on stage by GC president Pastor Erton Köhler, who had previously introduced the mayor and read her biography; North American Division president Dr Alexander Bryant; and Mid-America Union Conference president Pastor Gary Thurber, in whose territory St Louis falls.
“We would like to present to you a cheque for $100,000 on behalf of the Seventh-day Adventist Church as a token of appreciation for you and this city, and our hearts being touched by the pain that was experienced here,” said Dr Douglas.
“We pray God’s encouragement and healing for all of those who have suffered. Our churches and our leadership in this area also stand ready with this city to help rebuild.”
The mayor responded with a short thank you. “This is not just a token of your appreciation. This is a real investment in the future of our community. And we hope that you continue to come back to St Louis and continue to make your personal investments here.
“This means so much to our city. We’re grateful that you’re here, and we’re truly grateful for this investment in our future. Thank you,” she said.
The mayor was joined by Brad Dean, president and CEO of Explore St Louis and of the America’s Center Convention Complex, and Jennifer Poindexter, director of Meet St Louis, who have helped facilitate the organisation of the GC Session.
“They have worked tirelessly with GC Session management and area vendors and services to make this a highly successful event for both the Church and the city,” said Pastor Köhler in his introduction. Ms Spencer has been serving in the role of mayor only since April 15 and is the city’s third consecutive female mayor.
