Disaster Relief

A Paradise California resident woke up on Nov 8th to violent knocking on her front door. A frantic neighbor was yelling “You gotta get out!” The air was filled with smoke and neighbors were scrambling to leave. She gathered up family, pets and a few valuables for a quick evacuation. The explosion of propane tanks grew louder as the fire approached. Less than 10 minutes later, her house was gone. 

Category 4 Hurricane Michael made landfall on Mexico Beach, Florida, as the most powerful hurricane in recorded history to strike the Florida Panhandle. Packing sustained winds of 155 miles per hour and a storm surge of up to 14 feet, it devastated communities. Businesses damaged or destroyed by the hurricane shut down or cut staff to stay afloat. People lost homes, family members, and their jobs. Countless numbers became homeless with some forced to live in tents.  

2 years ago South-central Louisiana was battered with unprecedented rainfall–some areas receiving more than 2 feet of rain. The storms killed several people and caused widespread damage. Very few residents had flood insurance–after all, they weren’t in a flood zone. Today there are STILL people in East Baton Rouge Parish who are living in FEMA trailers because they don’t have the ability to repair their homes. 

Natural disasters such as these are nothing short of tragic. Unless you are directly affected by a fire, or flood or hurricane/tornado, it is almost impossible to imagine the feeling of loss and hopelessness victims experience. One day you have a home, a bed, a dog, a family…and in the blink of an eye it is all gone. But, in the midst of tragedy GOD gives us the opportunity to share His love with those in need…to be his hands and feet to someone who is down and out. That is what a Disaster Response ministry is all about…being hope to the hopeless. I personally have never felt so close to my Lord as when I answer His call to show up at a disaster site to assist families who have experienced loss. It has been my experience that when I answer the call to be a blessing to someone in need, I am the one who is blessed.  

Do you feel called to minister to brothers and sisters who have been victims of natural disasters?  Would you like to be part of a team going out to show God’s love to those who feel hopeless?  If you would like to be contacted when we have a disaster relief opportunity, please contact Tee Meeks at teemeeks21@gmail.com.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. - Ephesians 2:10