Aligning Our Responses with the Mind of Christ
CEN Founder calls on pastors, Christian leaders to promote a Katrina response that is biblical, not impulsive
(CEN, Sept. 10) PHOENIX, Ariz. – Christian Emergency Network (CEN) CEO Mary Marr called on pastors and other Christian leaders to deliver an important message to their congregants and communities this weekend. Marr said, “With the Federal Bureau of Investigation reporting that as many as 2,500 fraudulent scams have already developed in response to Hurricane Katrina, is it absolutely essential that Christians respond biblically, and not impulsively, to the needs of the victims of the storm.”
She continued, “Scripture counsels that Christians should ‘…take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ’ (2 Corinthians 10:5b NIV). That includes how to demonstrate the love of Jesus to the victims of Katrina.” Marr added, “In the Sept. 9 study from Oswald Chambers’ ‘My Utmost for His Highest,’ Chambers observed, ‘How much Christian work there is today which has never been disciplined, but has simply sprung into being by impulse.’ Those words are even more apt today than they were when he penned them decades ago. While we are thrilled with the outpouring of support being demonstrated by Christians we are concerned also that some are reacting impulsively. That is why we believe it is so critical that Christians remember to approach this and other disasters with a message of prayer-care-share.”
She explained, “We should not spring into action by impulse, but prayerfully, and by surrendering ourselves completely. Then, we can care properly and earn the right to share the Gospel.”
National Commitment Sunday
To help ensure that Christians are collaborating, as CEN is with Franklin Graham and other Christian leaders to deliver a prayer-care-share message, CEN is joining with Christian churches, ministries and leaders in calling for National Commitment Sunday on September 18, 2005.
Marr observed, “All Christians, churches, and ministries can and must do something to support the hurricane victims. If each person will seek the Lord’s direction and prompting, and then obediently follow through and respond, we will see an unprecedented outpouring of God’s love and grace.”
She continued, “Each person, church or ministry is capable of participating. Some will want to help out financially by sending funds or supplies, others will be involved in actively sharing the Gospel, and others prompted to specifically pray for the situation and the relief workers.”
Hence, CEN is asking for pastors and other Christians to make a commitment by Sunday September 18 and e-mail a one paragraph summary of the commitment to commitment@cen911.com. Marr explained, “Scripture relates “…faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17 NIV).
Marr added, “Each Christian, each church, every ministry has the opportunity to create action by committing to prayer, caring, and sharing the Gospel at such a time as this. Send your commitment outlining what you have done, or will commit to do and join the church in helping turning sorrow into joy with God’s power.”
Prayer
Noting the importance of prayer, Marr said, “We praise the Lord for the president’s declaration of a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance on September 16. As Scripture counsels, it is imperative that we pray continuously. As Christian relief ministries and denominations begin implementing their many programs, it is appropriate to pray for unity,” noted Marr. Other prayer considerations include:
That Christians would respond to appeals for help compassionately, yet wisely.
That those giving would be protected from falling prey to fraudulent scams, and that those perpetrating them would be exposed and policed.
Pray for church and ministry leaders to demonstrate unity and courage as they give assistance as they minister in this crisis. And, the Christian community will present a visible united front and clear mission in modeling the love of Jesus Christ to the world in these troubled times.
Pray for state and national leaders to outwardly support the National Day of Prayer.
To learn how you can pray for those in need and demonstrate the love of Christ, visit, http://www.centoday.com/ministry_corps/prayer/prayer_main.php
Care
Marr noted, “CEN is aware of the wonderful work of so many Christian ministries and denominations partnering with CEN. With so many pitching it, it is clear that Christians are responding with compassion.”
To learn how you can care for those in need and demonstrate the love of Christ, visit, http://www.centoday.com/ministry_corps/care/care_main.php.
Share
Marr pointed out CEN supports organizations that are committed to combining prayer, caring relief efforts while sharing the hope of Jesus Christ through this crisis.
To learn how you can share with those in need and demonstrate the love of Christ, visit, http://www.centoday.com/ministry_corps/share/share_main.php.
Concert to Benefit Salvation Army
Meanwhile all major broadcast networks joined together Friday night to raise funds for The Salvation Army and other relief agencies. Programming included a primetime special, “SHELTER FROM THE STORM: A CONCERT FOR THE GULF COAST,” from 8-9 p.m. EDT. The Salvation Army’s website donation information can be found at www.salvationarmyusa.org.
Other resources:
Media
To read the latest CEN reports coming into the Command Center, visit, http://www.centoday.com/.
For a collection of interviews from Marr and other Christian leaders, click here
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:
“But I urge and entreat you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in perfect harmony and full agreement in what you say, and that there be no dissensions or factions or divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in your common understanding and in your opinions and judgments.” I Corinthians 1: 10
Outlook:
We depend on Your direction Lord Jesus to bring Your children into full agreement as we harmonize with One Voice to pray for, care for and share hope for today found only in You.
Song:
“Make Us One” by Carol Cymbala
Christian Emergency Network leads Christians to intelligently pray for,
sensitively care for, and strategically share the gospel with victims
involved in a national emergency.
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