My brother sometimes tells a joke that goes something like, “If you think all is well with the world, than you haven’t heard the news.” I find it funny and not-so-funny at the same time. In any case, it certainly applies to the news this week.
The world may not have come to an end as one nutcase predicted it would, but the headlines did cry of disaster and all is definitely not right with the world, especially in Joplin, Missouri, where, according to the latest article from the Washington Post, the number of deaths from the tornado has now reached 122.
But does it end there? Do we read the news, shake our heads, maybe say a quick prayer, and then move on with our days as if all is well with the world? Or do we tear our clothes and run out into the streets wailing? Certainly either extreme would be just that: extreme. Neither extreme apathy nor extreme theatrics ever helped anyone.
But what can we do?
First of all, we can pray.
We can pray for the victims and their families: those who have lost loved ones, those who have lost homes, those who are missing or who have loved ones who are missing, those who have repairs to make to their homes, businesses that have suffered loss, churches that have lost their buildings.
We can pray for the rescue and relief workers: those who are providing medical assistance, those who are still searching for survivors who may be trapped and pulling bodies out of rubble, those who are feeding and providing shelter for the victims, and those who will be helping to rebuild.
We can pray that God will somehow use this disaster to bring glory to Him, to draw people to Him and closer to Him, and for hope to be renewed among His people.
I realize that sometimes it can be hard to focus on praying for the general needs of such a huge area. It doesn’t always feel like we’re praying for specific needs and people, so after a minute or so, we just give it up. While God does hear those prayers, and the Spirit does intercede for us, I think we can be a lot more affective in actually being consistent in praying when we know specifically who and what we are praying for.
For that purpose, I have been trying to contact as many churches around the Joplin area and people who know people there, asking for specific requests and praises that we can bring before God. Answers are slowly coming back, and as they continue, I will be posting them on a separate page (titled “PRAY FOR MO”) on this blog. Please, check back frequently for updates and be in prayer for these people.
Also, if anyone has any requests or praises to add, please, comment or e-mail me at: aeb@student.luzerne.edu
God cares and wants to hear from us! Never underestimate the power of prayer!
Second, we can give.
There are several major organizations that are providing disaster relief to the tornado victims in Joplin. Here’s the info on how you can donate to these efforts:
Samaritan’s Purse
According to its website, Samaritan’s Purse’s disaster relief programs “provide desperately needed assistance to victims of natural disaster, war, disease, and famine. As we offer food, water, and temporary shelter, we meet critical needs and give people a chance to rebuild their lives,” all in the name of Jesus.
Samaritan’s Purse announced on its website that it is putting together a team based at Forest Park Baptist Church in Joplin and will be “working in storm-damaged neighborhoods by helping storm victims salvage valuable possessions, remove fallen trees and debris, and make emergency repairs.”
Visit http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/articles/mb/pray_for_missouri/ to donate money and get more information!
Also, for anyone interested in going to Joplin to help out hands on, visit: http://spvolunteernetwork.org/getting-started.aspx
World Vision
World Vision announced in a press release on Monday that it “raised its tornado fundraising appeal from its original $3 million goal, set in April after tornadoes ripped through parts of Alabama, to $5 million to help survivors impacted now in Joplin as well.”
"We are going to be assessing the most urgent needs among children and families who have lost so much,” said Phyllis Freeman, World Vision's domestic emergency response director, in the press release. “But we also know that very quickly needs will turn to clean up essentials like rakes, work gloves and hard hats, and World Vision intends to stand by these families as they move into the recovery phase."
Donations can be made at www.worldvision.org or by texting “TORNADO” to 20222.
The American Red Cross
The American Red Cross announced in a press release on Monday that it “opened a shelter in hard-hit Joplin, Missouri, shortly after the tornado struck on Sunday. That shelter, located at Missouri Southern State University, had approximately 110 people on Sunday night and can hold up to 1,000 people. The Red Cross is working with local officials in Joplin to arrange transportation to help get people to shelters and if necessary, identify additional shelter locations.”
Donations can be made at www.redcross.org, by calling 1800-RED-CROSS, by texting REDCROSS to 90999, or by mail: American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.
The Salvation Army
According to its website, “The Salvation Army has four mobile feeding kitchens serving in Joplin, Missouri, and each is capable of serving thousands of meals per day.”
Donations can be made at: https://secure20.salvationarmy.org/donation.jsp, by calling 1800-SAL-ARMY, or by texting “JOPLIN” to 80888.
Thanks Girl!
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