Families affected by devastating floods in the north of England are being helped by Alliance member Samaritan's Purse, the international aid and development charity.

Working alongside Sandylands Methodist Church in Kendal, Samaritan's Purse, who support local churches around the world to speak and demonstrate God's love, are supporting community groups, emergency services and local authorities.

Going door to door, they have been able to provide practical assistance to families who homes have been damaged.

Samaritan's Purse head of UK disaster relief, Ian Macleod, said: "We are here to serve the community in any way we can to be there for people who've lost everything. 

"We recently helped a lady move from her hostel to temporary housing with the rain pouring down. Her new home is completely empty, which means she has to find basic furnishings included a cooker. 

"This brings home the reality of this situation and the disruption it causes for thousands of families in this area."

Christian Life Church in Shipley have also invited Samaritan's Purse to support their work with a team of volunteers expected to arrive this week.

Pastor Adam Carver from Christian Life Church said: "We are passionate about raising and releasing people to help others both in our local community and wider afield. The church family have already been active in practical support to those impacted in and around Shipley.

"As a church we are delighted to be partnering with the UK Disaster Relief Team to enhance the support that we can offer through Chaplains trained in crisis response and practical assistance using their volunteer base."

Samaritan's Purse UK executive director Simon Barrington is urging prayer and support for this challenging situation: "We appreciate your prayers as our teams continue to support families as they continue to get their lives back together. 

"Any donations to our disaster response in the north of England will be greatly appreciated."

You can find out more about the work of Samaritan's Purse here.