Although tornadic weather was warned as a potential in Louisiana Friday night, it was Mississippi that received the brunt of the storm. By now many people who never before had heard of small towns like Rolling Fork, Silver City, and Amory have seen those names and the tremendous destruction suffered by the people there.
I was born at Mercy Hospital in Vicksburg, Mississippi. I’ve spent most of my life in Mississippi and Louisiana, and I consider them both my ‘home’. Mississippi was home first. Because I attended a small Bible College in mid-Mississippi that catered to commuter students, I know people all over the state.
My family endured the destruction of Hurricane Katrina when we lived on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Because of that experience, I am not only sorry for the loss of life and possessions of my Mississippi friends, but I’m also aware of the coming storms. The misallocation of funds. The “contractors” who will descend into those places taking advantage of people who are in a daze. The long journey back to ‘home’, that often involves long waits while supplies come in. The dependence on Government help, and how frustrating that can become. This is not just one storm, it is one storm after another getting back to life as it was. And in reality, it scars your heart some and life isn’t ever the same.
There are also helpers. And what great human spirit is demonstrated by those who come to the rescue. I’m still friends with many people who came to our rescue in Pascagoula. It is amazing to see people with skills and abilities freely giving of themselves to bring about some kind of relief and restoration. The pictures coming out of Mississippi are devastating. The warmth and love of those who respond either in person or by giving goods/funds brings hope. Christians will be involved in this recovery because mercy is our calling.
In that spirit, I’d just like to remind you that as an individual there are ways to help. If you are in the area, skilled with a chainsaw, a medic, good with your hands, and experienced in working with local agencies in disaster settings - you are probably already there. The rest of us…
In these initial days, supplies can run low. Essentials such as food and water and personal cleanliness supplies can be hard to come by. But that is going to be remedied quickly. Long-term recovery is going to require long-term action by those who have the mechanisms in place to make it happen. I’d encourage you to give to these efforts, as you are able. Certainly, pray. Given my experience, a few efforts come to mind pretty quickly.
Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort. They will bring cleaning supplies, appliances, replacement items, and food and water into affected areas.
Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team. In addition to relief, teams of skilled workers and excellent organization in disaster areas are key to this effort.
Disaster Assistance Church of Christ. Mike Baumgartner has great connections, organizational skills, and the ability to feed enormous amounts of people in these situations.
One Kingdom Disaster Relief. This is a ministry of Whites Ferry Road Church. They have long been involved in stepping into disasters to bring hope and help.
International Disaster Emergency Services.
I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these. Maybe you know of others. Perhaps there are people gathering supplies to take into the disaster zones and you can help there. The only way to go wrong is to abstain from helping in some way. God’s help is needed in this time of pain and loss. And so is ours.
Help comes in many forms. I'm planning to meet folks in Bastrop tomorrow and Crossett to load up a pickup with water and non-perishable food. It's times like these when we need to give, we never know when we need it. It's beautiful to be the Hands and Feet of Christ.
Prayers, John.