I’ve watched a lot of news regarding the hurricane. The more I watched, the worse it seemed. Many, many people still trapped inside the city of New Orleans unable to leave. People wading through water polluted with all kinds of filth at this point. There were constant images on the screen of people walking down streets and expressways. Repeatedly, they said, "We don’t know where we are supposed to go or what we are supposed to do." They just kept walking.
People want to help. Churches want to respond. Of course, the most urgent need right now is cash. Churches all over the country will take up special collections etc. That is good. It will be critical over the next few weeks and months that we be open and ready to respond in other ways as needed.
One thing I know about the Crestview Church in Waco and so many, many other churches in various parts of the country:
Don’t underestimate these people.
A few dollars? No, we will give, by the grace of God, a lot of money.
A few volunteers? No, if needed, we can marshal many, many people to serve in whatever capacity needed in a crisis like this.
A few prayers? No, we will faithfully intercede on behalf of these victims.
I have seen this too many times. When God’s people see a need like this they will respond. Maybe it’s the compassion of God coming from within.
May the grace of God be upon us all.
Thank you for your words of confidence. We will help, we will provide, but most of all, we will pray. Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you….” We will hold them up.
I got choked up this morning watching television as I saw hundreds of people in Houston waiting outside in the dark with signs saying “Welcome friends and neighbors”. What a welcome sight that must have been for weary, hungry, displaced, disoriented evacuees.
I hope that this tragedy will continue to hightlight God’s love and compassion for his devastated people through the large Christian community who wants to wrap their arms around them.