Over the past few weeks, we have all been impacted by hurricane Katrina that ripped through Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Of course, none have been affected more than the residents there who have had their world turned upside down. And now we dreadfully await Rita's assault on Texas.
Living in dry central California (where we haven't even seen rain in four months) it's hard to fathom what is going on in the Gulf Coast states. TV images and newspaper reports seem so inadequate, even as they shock us with the devastation. And, for those of us not living in the area, it's hard to know what to do to assist people living many miles away.
Unfortunately, the evacuation and relief efforts have been marred by bureacratic bunglings and ineptness. Compounding the situation is the divisive climiate in our nation, resulting in those on both sides who are getting caught up in political posturing. On the positive side, however, is the rallying together of people in the U.S. and around the world to support the relief efforts through financial contributions and volunteer assistance.
So, what has been the involvement of the Church of God in this catastrophe?
From all accounts, it appears that we have responded with action. Congregations in the ara are doing the best they can with whatever resources available to them. Some church camps have been housing evacuees. Church of God Ministries has been coordinating efforts at a national level. And, individuals and congregations (e.g. read the story of Winton Road First Church of God, Fairfield, OH at dodgeparkcog) have been doing extraordinary things in an effort to help.
I cannot be critical of our response, mainly because I am not fully aware of all the details, and secondly, because my own response is paltry in comparison to what others have done.
My point of interest is the future. These tragedies have reinforced the need for us to become actively involved in human needs around us. Here are some initial thoughts for further consideration:
- Relief and service efforts are best delivered by those closest to the ground (i.e. local congregations in the area, if possible).
- Most local congregations are poorly equipped for mobilizing people for service within the community, especially during times of devastation. Churches that have a missional outlook are probably better able to respond. In other words, if service to the world is already part of our congregational culture it will be more natural for us to respond during times of calamity. (This is an important lesson for me, as I question how my congregation will respond when the "big" earthquake hits California).
- We must avoid the temptation to centralize our relief efforts in Anderson. While Church of God Ministries can assist through communication and coordination, the last thing we need is a new level of bureacracy expected to do what should be happening at the local level.
Our prayers remain for the many people affected by these hurricanes, and now even for those fleeing in Texas. I trust that we can all say that we will continue our service in the name of Jesus.
3 comments:
thoughts from a little closer to the gulf ...
it has been (for lack of a bettter word) exciting to see the mobilization of ministry to need through our churches here in Alabama and from Alabama to Mississippi and Louisiana.
as far as centralizing our efforts through Anderson -- i'm not seeing that at all because the needs are so prevalent among us that we have to respond directly, not through a middle man
one of our churches in the gulf area immediately transformed their church into a shelter and have had 30-40 evacuees continuously since Katrina -- helping some get on their feet and taking new ones in. other churches in that area are taking their supplies and volunteers directly to them
churches in our northern side of the state are sending supplies, volunteers, money, and fund-raising everyday here. the effort of the churches is finally exceeding the effort of non-profits and businesses in the area
the other side is that the strong sense of patriotism has motivated help and missional action where there was previously inaction and apathy. because it is the patriotic, good citizen thing to do -- we've started opening up and working on a house we've owned to support families in transition from the tragedy (and being ready to help with other situations). i had actually been trying to get our leadership to move on this for nearly 3 months before Katrina and met all kinds of protest and excuses. now, its getting done and all the protest and excuses are mute because its special circumstances
God is able to bring glory to Himself even through tragedy -- i'm watching a miraculous transformation of monuments to what God did in the past become missions of God's movement in our present
Thanks for sharing from the front lines! It is good to hear of God's work being done!
I think your right about not being centralized. I've heard of needs through our state office. Our state pastor has had contact with other state's leaders. The people nearest the tradgey can speak to the needs that are all around them, that only makes sense to me. Anderson can funnel any money and volunteers that come forward to the people that need it most, but someone on the ground needs coordinate.
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