Pastoral Message from Bishop Russell - Preparing for Hurricane Isaias

Dear people of God who are the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast,

May the grace and peace of God be with you as we prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Isaias. As we wait and watch, I find myself buoyed by these words from Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; struck down, but not destroyed.”(2 Corinthians 4:8–9)

Paul reminds us that we carry a treasure in fragile vessels of flesh. We are not spared the storms of life, but even in their midst, the life of Jesus is at work in us and through us. Even now, I see that life at work in our diocese.

Yesterday morning, our clergy and wardens gathered by Zoom to check in, share information, and pray together. While these meetings have their limitations, I am always strengthened by the sight of a screen filled with colleagues and friends. Even at a distance, we are reminded that we do not face this storm alone.

Our diocesan staff is meeting each morning, and we are working with leaders from other dioceses and the staff of Episcopal Relief and Development to share information and prepare for the days ahead. Their guidance and the willingness of other dioceses to assist us are reminders of the wider community of care that surrounds us. We are also reaching out to clergy and wardens in areas expected to be most affected, checking on their well-being and learning how we can best support them.

We do not yet know the full extent of the storm’s impact or the suffering it may bring. For now, our first responsibility is to care for ourselves, our families, and those entrusted to our pastoral care. Please take the necessary precautions, follow guidance from local emergency officials, look out for your neighbors, and pay particular attention to those who may be vulnerable, isolated, or without a safe place to shelter.

I ask you to be patient with yourselves and one another in the days ahead. Communication may be interrupted, roads may be impassable, and our usual ways of staying connected may not be available. It may take time to understand the full extent of the damage and what help will be needed. Please know that we will do our best to keep you informed and connected as circumstances allow.

Above all, let us pray. Pray for the safety of our communities, for those who must evacuate, for first responders and emergency personnel, and for all who may lose homes or livelihoods. Pray for our clergy and lay leaders as they care for others, and for wisdom to discern how best to respond when the storm has passed.

We will face whatever comes as the Body of Christ, bearing one another’s burdens and trusting that the light of Christ shines even in the darkness. In the days ahead, may we be patient in uncertainty, generous in our care, and ready to respond to those in need.

May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

+ Russell