Dennis Rainey on Hurricane Katrina
Dear Friend of FamilyLife,
Whose heart has not been touched by the stories coming to us out of the Gulf Coast region of our country? As we’ve seen images of utter destruction from Hurricane Katrina, if you’re like me, you’ve engaged in prayer and in supporting the relief and recovery efforts that are being carried out across the country as people have been dispersed throughout America. When tragedy like this occurs, our lives are touched at the very core, and we remember those things most important to us. Our families. Unfortunately, Hurricane Katrina will not be the last one of these moments in our lifetimes. The question is, Will we allow these circumstances to grow our faith? Will we learn to trust God and respond with a helping hand? Will our children see Jesus in our response to human tragedy and grow closer to God? I think this could be one of the finest hours for Christians in our nation’s history. I think God is pleased with what He sees - churches moving in to meet the needs in the Gulf area as well as adopting evacuees nationwide. Here at FamilyLife, we’ve encouraged local churches throughout the nation to partner with churches in the Gulf Coast region. We are supporting as many partnerships as possible: church-to-church, church-to-relief agency, and church-to-government agency. The aid for this kind of disaster comes in three phases. Phase one is rescue and relief – the immediate, urgent effort to save lives and minimize loss. Phase two is recovery – the process of assessing the damage and providing the resources to begin the rebuilding process. Phase three is the actual rebuilding. FamilyLife is committed to involvement in a significant way with the rebuilding that will take place in the Gulf Coast region in the weeks and months ahead. While most organizations will focus on the rebuilding of infrastructure and buildings, our commitment is to the emotional and spiritual rebuilding of the families of the Gulf region. FamilyLife will be working with a number of Christian organizations across the country to develop long-term ministry strategies that will help the families affected by Hurricane Katrina. Meanwhile, our hearts and prayers go out to those affected by this tragedy. And let me encourage you to get involved. Please pray, please give, and please consider ways to engage your church in responding in a way that brings glory to God. FamilyLife has made several articles available for you, which you might find helpful as you discuss the stories of loss and hope with your family, and reach out to help those who have been affected. We invite you to visit www.familylife.com to view those resources. One Home at a Time, Dennis Rainey |