Disaster - 1,500 Members Scattered to 10 States

Hurricane Katrina may go down in history as the worst natural disaster to hit the United States, followed by Hurricane Rita. Many of us have watched in horror at the images of devastation on television and prayed for the millions of lives that were impacted. But we cannot simply say: "Be warmed and comforted" (James 2:16); we must respond to meet the needs of those hurt by these disasters.



No matter what the government or organizations such as the Red Cross may do to help, it won't be enough. And Jesus commanded us to do to others what we would want them to do to us (see Matt. 7:12).

As one who lived through three hurricanes last year, I can personally empathize with those whose lives were affected by Katrina and Rita. What my wife and I experienced was a fraction of what they went through. Still, having to clean up all the debris, going without electricity for days and dealing with insurance claims resulting from roof damage took its toll.

But what about the cities where all the buildings were destroyed for several blocks due to the tidal wave? Or the flooding in New Orleans that forced the evacuation of the city and resulted in many of the 832 deaths reported in that state?

Thankfully, Christians responded. Churches opened their doors and hearts to the evacuees and sent crews to help clean up the damage. Even the usually cynical media sat up and took note. The initial requirement for food, water and clothing was met.

But the work of the church must go on.

Consider the plight of believers in New Orleans. Michael Green, pastor of Faith Church, found that not only was his church under water, but also his 1,500 members were scattered to 10 states. He estimates that up to a third will never move back.

His solution for how to continue is one from the early church—the people will meet in homes in multiple locations. The church will go on! But Faith Church's plight is repeated many times over in the area hit by Katrina.

Flood insurance or money from FEMA isn't going to solve all the problems. Even if the church structures are rebuilt, the government isn't going to help churches rebuild their ministries. That's not the government's job; it's the church's job.

So here's my challenge to every reader of this e-mail: Let the church be the church! Do to those congregations in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Texas what you would have them do to you.

The readers of Charisma magazine have already responded generously, and 100 percent of the money given has gone to help feed and care and 100 percent of the money given has gone to help feed and care for the evacuees. But in the next phase we must help churches and fellow believers rebuild their lives.

Within days of Hurricane Katrina, Christian Life Missions—the non-profit partner of Charisma—rushed clothing, prescription drug vouchers, gas vouchers, and thousands of hot meals to displaced families through our partnership with Christian-operated shelters in the Southeastern U.S. and California. Here are a few pictures from one shelter named Laguna Beach Christian Retreat in Pensacola, Florida. They currently house 425 people who lost their homes to Hurricane Katrina. Donations to Christian Life Missions have helped do this and so much more.

100% of every donation to Christian Life Missions goes straight to the survivors who need it, and no administrative fees are held, as Strang Communications has agreed to pay all overhead costs for this project.

Giving hope to a family who has weathered a storm is easy. Your financial gift will go to help families rebuild their lives and churches rebuild their ministries. You'll be immediately providing housing, food, clothing, and more.

Give Online: www.christianlifemissions.org/giving
Give by Phone: (407) 333-0600 ext. 1103
Give by Mail: Christian Life Missions, ATTN: Hurricane Katrina Aid
(or ATTN: Hurricane Rita Aid), P.O. Box 952248, Lake Mary, FL 32795-2248
Please make checks payable to Christian Life Missions.