Here are some wise words from Bob Weeks. Bob is a former pastor now serving Southern Baptist churches in our area as a Regional Church Planting Catalyst (that means he encourages and helps pastors, churches and new church plants). He has preached at our church twice, the first time giving his testimony of how he came to faith in Christ. He is also helping our church leadership digest and understand the results of our recent Transformational Church Assessment Tool. He has been a blessing to our church, and has become a friend as well.
Bob had this to say about the Hurricane Harvey disaster unfolding down in Texas:
“Harvey has wrecked Texas and has stirred our hearts to help but please take care how you respond. I was on the ground in MS after Katrina. I saw with my own eyes Semi Trailers loaded with bags of ice, melting on the sides of the street because they had no way to distribute it. There were ball fields filled with donated clothing that nobody wanted or needed. What a waste of precious resources and energy. DO NOT SEND UNREQUESTED ITEMS TO TEXAS! If you want to help give money so the recovery efforts may be effective and efficient. I am giving through Send Relief because every penny I give goes to the effort. That cannot be said of most of the places that have their hands out for your money, the link is attached. Pray. Give. Wait.”
And here is the article posted on the Send Relief website Bob mentioned:
“Care for those displaced by Hurricane Harvey
Send Relief and Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) teams began responding before Hurricane Harvey made landfall, deploying hundreds of crisis buckets and sending other supplies that would be needed in the immediate aftermath of the storm. Now we have been asked to assist in the care of up to 60,000 displaced Texans in addition to preparing thousands of hot meals and performing mud-out, chainsaw and cleaning services to restore survivors’ homes.
SBDR teams will be on the ground for months to come. Will you join us in supporting our volunteers as they work tirelessly to care for strangers, neighbors, families and friends?
Any donation will equip our volunteers to operate units and provide hot showers, fresh laundry, homemade meals and a kind face to confide in. It’s only possible through your generosity.
Be part of Christ’s love in action, today. And please pray for those affected by Hurricane Harvey’s destruction. Thank you.
Send Hope. Send Help. Send Relief.”
May God give us wisdom to know what to do, individually and as a church.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Pastor David