It’s summertime, the storms have been intense, and it’s not unusual for the lights to flicker or even go out for a little while during weather like we’ve had this year. But for thousands of our neighbors across the country, in communities very much like ours, the power has been out for weeks. In Gary, Indiana, nearly 5,000 households were facing a third week with no access to electricity. Local news outlets reported people gathering at church, praying the lights would come back on and “praying there’s a plan.” The situation was similar in Memphis, Tennessee, where thousands of residents were still waiting for power after five days in the sweltering heat The situations in Gary and Memphis are not isolated. Nationally, the power is going out more often and for longer, and it’s getting more expensive to get the power back on. Utility crews work in heroic circumstances to restore service, but the increasing frequency and intensity of storms, wildfires, floods, and other hazards is making it harder. While it will take time and more than a trillion dollars of investment to strengthen our grid to meet rising demand and respond to the impacts of a changing climate, local communities are taking action to keep each other safe – and neighborhood churches are in the lead. It makes sense. Many churches provide food, clothing, school supplies, and other ministries that help people when they need a hand. Add some solar panels and a battery, and that same church can keep the lights – and…
*This content (including text, artwork, graphics, photography, and video) was provided by the third party(ies) as referenced above. Any rights or other content questions or inquiries should be directed to such third-party provider(s).
