Within 72 hours of the tornado that destroyed sections of Oklahoma City suburbs, American Bible Society (ABS) and partner organization Operation Compassion (OC) provided Scripture Portions, food and water to victims of the disaster.

ABS contributed more than 30,000 Scripture Portions, including a crisis edition of God is Our Shelter and Strength, for distribution to areas affected by the tornado. God is Our Shelter and Strength is a Scripture resource designed specifically for people experiencing crisis and disaster situations.

Delores Burnett, Manager of ABS’ Embodying Hope Ministries, explained that it’s important to use resources that resonate with victims of crisis situations. ABS has distributed God is Our Shelter and Strength in the aftermath of numerous tragedies, including September 11 and Hurricane Sandy.

“Our presence gives them hope”, Delores says. “Seeing these people, so vulnerable, their faces just light up when we arrive.”

What’s most important, according to Delores, is that people know that even strangers care for them. ABS and OC ensure that victims of these terrible disasters are cared for physically and spiritually.

She continues, “God is Our Shelter and Strength provides Scriptures of hope plus practical tips for what to do in the first 72 hours after a disaster. And let me tell you, there have been times where my line for Scripture is longer than the line for food!”

American Bible Society has partnered with Operation Compassion to respond to multiple natural and manmade disasters, including Hurricane Katrina and the tornado in Joplin, Missouri. Together, the organizations have provided spiritual and physical relief through local church networks in disaster areas.

ABS distributed an additional 4,500 English editions and 500 Spanish editions of God is Our Shelter and Strength through a local branch of the Salvation Army.