KATRINA - Day of Prayer ... Now Share

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C H R I S T I A N E M E R G E N C Y N E T W O R K™
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After Day of Prayer, Time to Prepare to Share

Christians urged to take join together to share the hope found in Jesus

(CEN, Sept. 7, 2005) – Christian Emergency Network (CEN) CEO Mary Marr is encouraging Christians to join with millions of Christians around the United States to share the hope found in Jesus to victims of Hurricane Katrina.

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Marr explained, “The most important steps Christians can take at this time is to share the hope found only in Christ through a balanced message of prayer-care-share for the victims of Katrina and those assisting them.”

She noted, “At noon yesterday, Christians all over America, as individuals, in churches and with the assistance of Christian media, joined in a concert of prayer. A critical next step for Christians is to monitor events and stay connected with Christian ministries and media such as CEN (http://www.christianemergencynetwork.org), so that will know how to respond appropriately, effectively and in a manner that shares the hope of Jesus.”

Care
Marr continued, “CEN is endorsing the concept of churches ‘adopting’ families, but caution Christians to be patient as those Christian organizations who are seasoned in the field of relief and long term response are currently setting into place a responsible, safe, and effective structure under secure authority.” CEN encourages organizations to work together with Christian organizations such as the Salvation Army and other faith-based groups with a history of relief response and are designated by federal authorities. “While we all want to help, sometimes waiting upon the Lord for clear direction, and coming alongside proven Christian organizations is the best stewardship of our time and resources,” said Marr. She continued, “We caution Christians to be very discerning regarding sheltering requests, as it is easy to be drawn in emotionally by organizations that, perhaps well-meaning, are not equipped or experienced in the rescue, relief and redevelopment efforts needed now and in the future.” She added, “And, of course, there is always the danger of swindlers exploiting people by misrepresenting themselves in wake of such a disaster. CEN has carefully reviewed the groups listed on our website meeting the strictest criteria to allow us to provide dependable timely and accurate information.”

Noting that cash remains the most critical need at this time, Marr recommended that Christians prioritize their giving. “We first encourage Christians to give through their local church, so long as they can verify with confidence that their denomination is equipped and experienced to respond, and is doing so. Next, we recommend donations be made to first responders, like the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army is uniquely equipped to asses and address the immediate needs of individuals and families, such as providing food, shelter, clothing and Christian counseling,” said Marr. Also, CEN partners providing support for immediate and long term needs are Operation Blessing, Convoy of Hope, Lutheran Disaster Services, Hope Force, BGEA Rapid Response Team, Baptist Men, Nazarene Disaster Relief and many others listed on our CEN website. All are in need of your assistance.

“CEN also relies upon the generous support of donors to help carry forth a united Christian message and response of prayer-care-share,” noted Marr. She continued, “Those, who after prayerful consideration, are willing to assist financially, can help carry forth CEN’s coordinated, careful and collaborative effort to keep Christians apprised of ongoing responses by Christians in times such as these.” Marr pointed out that donations made through CEN go to organizations committed to sharing the Gospel as they deliver aid. “Ninety percent of a person’s donation is distributed directly to CEN organizations providing direct high impact assistance to the most critical point of need for Hurricane Katrina victims. CEN supports organizations that are committed to combining prayer, caring relief efforts while sharing the hope of Jesus Christ through this crisis.”

Prayer
On Tuesday, Marr joined with other Christian leaders in calling upon Christians to pray at noon EDT, and to a massive day-long prayer conference call. Simultaneously, many media outlets led in prayer. CEN supports the efforts of the National Prayer Committee. Marr said, “Christians need to take the lead in petitioning our Lord Jesus Christ for his undeserved favor to become the beacons of hope to the hopeless.”

Other resources:
To read the latest CEN reports coming into the Command Center, visit, http://www.centoday.com/.

Pastors:
CEN is providing a courtesy copy of the sermon series “While It Happens” on the Sermon Central website. The complete sermon series, along with a four-part series entitled “Before It Happens” and another four-part series entitled “After It Happens” can be purchased in full directly from CEN at: http://www.cen-survival-kits.com/products.php?id=402.

Pray-Care-Share Inspiration:
Scripture:
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]” Psalm 91:1.
Outlook:
We look to You, Lord God Almighty; we seek You Above All
Song:
“Above All” by Michael W. Smith

Christian Emergency Network leads Christians to intelligently pray for, sensitively care for, and strategically share the gospel with victims involved in a national emergency.