During a special segment of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s 62nd General Conference Session on July 7, Erton Köhler, president of the General Conference, welcomed St. Louis mayor Cara Spencer to address delegates gathered in the Dome at America’s Center.

Spencer extended her gratitude to the global Adventist family. “Your church has taken bold steps to meet the needs of communities around the world,” she said. “We thank you.”

Her words carried special significance in light of the EF3 tornado that struck St. Louis just 52 days earlier—only weeks before the start of the church’s worldwide gathering in the city. In response to the disaster, the Seventh-day Adventist Church presented a US$100,000 donation to support ongoing relief and rebuilding efforts across the city.

“When we heard the news, our hearts were heavy and burdened,” said Paul Douglas, treasurer of the General Conference. “Therefore, church leaders collectively concluded to do something about it.”

The donation was made on behalf of the global church, with leaders from the Mid-America Union Conference and the North American Division (NAD). President Köhler, along with Mid-America Union president Gary Thurber and NAD president G. Alexander Bryant, joined Douglas in presenting the check to Spencer.

“We pray God’s encouragement and healing as St. Louis rebuilds,” Douglas said during the presentation.

Receiving the donation, Spencer responded, “On behalf of the city of St. Louis, thank you. This investment is one in the future of our community. This means so much to our city.”

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