News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Flooding-nov-2016-Millbrook-in-Tameside-main_article_image.jpg
Danny Lawson/PA Wire
UK News

Churches urged to 'get hands dirty' after storms

The Environment Agency kept 23 flood warnings and 137 flood alerts in place on Tuesday, following several days of heavy rain, strong winds and flash flooding.

Jonny Gios, a community worker at Sandylands Methodist Church in Kendal which was flooded by Storm Desmond, told Premier's News Hour: "As churches, we need to get our hands dirty and be involved in the community and that goes for flooding or any disaster in the community for us to provide a hand around the shoulder, a listening ear and to proclaim God's love in that practical way."

A 39 year old woman died after being spotted in the water off Folkestone harbour in Kent, while South Wales police have been searching for a 69 year old who went missing yesterday amid the severe weather.

Jonny Gios added: "They can share God's love in a practical way, in word and action.

They can come alongside people, listen to people, refer people to other agencies.

It doesn't matter whether they're a small church or a big church, they can make a huge difference."

Village roads in Tameside, Greater Manchester, were submerged in floodwater, trapping people inside their homes while firefighters in West Yorkshire received more than 70 calls about flooding on Monday evening.

Network Rail warned of "major disruption" on certain routes, with lines between Exeter St Davids and Taunton, Shrewsbury to Hereford, and Newcastle and Berwick-upon-Tweed among those facing closure, partial closure or delays.

Listen to Premier's Alex Williams speaking to Jonny Gios on the News Hour:

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate