The word from my sister this morning is that Jersey is surreal. After
having no power after Hurricane Sandy for over a week, they have five inches of
snow this morning. Sadly what is surreal is very real. And for those of us
just watching on TV, in the warmth of our homes, we mutter how sad, then change
the channel. Add in temps in the 20-30's, this ain't fun. And when adding the
scope of it, is almost unbelievable. Sadly it must be seen to be believed, and
then the pictures don't tell the whole story. Keep these people in prayer, this
is going to take a while.
Marie Antoinette has been famously quoted as saying "let them eat cake,"
after hearing the people had no bread. She didn't know they had no bread
because of poverty, and had no cake for dessert, she was so far removed from
society. And we are not much better, as some of the advice I hear bantered
about is stupid at best, cruel at worst. I think of those warm hearted who
while bundled up warm, pass by those who are cold. "Get a job, take care of
yourself," they think, not knowing the situation they are in, and really not
caring. And after watching the news for the past week, I find my heart is back
in Joplin.
When the tornado hit Joplin last year, Andrew and I went back to
volunteer. We had no idea what to do, but had contacted a church, who welcomed
us, but was way overwhelmed. No one teaches you how to deal with disasters like
this, they just tried to do too much. We found that the organizations trained
and experienced in this were the best equipped, best organized, and most
successful. So just background if you wish to help-
Although it sounds righteous to just dig in, you are dealing with wounded
people, on their property, so get the ok first. In this age of litigation,
either party could be sued if you got hurt. Plus, would you want just anyone
going through your stuff, some personal? One day we split off from Operation
Blessing, and cruised what was left of a neighborhood. We asked a group if we
could help, and they wanted us. Our actions with a shovel and rake showed more
love than this church had, they meant well, but got bogged down in legalism, and
religious dogma. Remember that the best definition of teamwork is "if it needs
to be done, do it," and so many did. Where do we start? Whatever is in front
of you! A shovel or rake can be faith in action.
Another thing was we unloaded a 45' trailer of various food and survival
items from a church. Much could not be used. Best advice, give money to
Samaritan's Purse, Operation Blessing, or the Red Cross, they have the
infrastructure to get 'er done. A few cases of water were nice, but trailer
loads by the pallet were needed-every day! Many small gifts of items became
more work as they had to be sorted, and much of it not used. Things spoil in
the heat, and cannot be cooked or warmed with no power. I also met some who
were there to preach the word, but with little or no success. Representing
churches, or denominations, they found a very small audience, proving what Jesus
said, "if hungry feed them, if thirsty, give them drink." We found just being
there, and helping was a much better way to spread the gospel. We listened,
they spoke. God knew the whole time. Our concealed weapon was love, shown when
needed, not used to threaten or influence.
It has been said that you are either in the way, or in "the way," God's
will. Sometimes it is better to keep your Bible in your pocket, but put your
love out for show. The tell comes later. One family stands out, as they were
not part of the OB list of properties to help. When we showed up, they had been
away, and were not contacted. As I went over to visit, they all had stories to
tell. I was shown the 2x4's that came through the walls. The empty space where
a bedroom wall had been. A hole in the roof where an industrial electrical part
had come through the roof, from miles away. I watched, as they went through
stuff, papers and photos all over their yard, and listened more. When I finally
asked if I could help, they were thankful, and when I asked if I could pray
first, they broke out in tears. I quoted no scripture, but the husband rounded
up his family, excitedly. "This guy from California is going to pray with us!"
And I did, and then helped a little more. Then left, knowing what I had done
was what God wanted me to do. Tears, hugs, and love-based on Jesus, a weapon so
easily concealed, but readily available. Found in the handle of a shovel. I
still pray for them, and will never forget that house on Chris Lane. They
needed two ears as well as two arms that day, I hope I was able to provide
both.
So to those who wish to help in the aftermath of Sandy, pray first. Then
pray some more. These are people's lives, homes, and memories you are dealing
with. Listen, then respond. Become a first responder in love. Ask what you
can do, then do it. The little things are the most important, and the healing
of the heart and emotions go well beyond any psychiatric help. It takes love,
it takes Jesus. Keep your concealed weapon ready, and watch as God meets the
need. True ministry meets the needs of others via Jesus Christ. Evangelism is
not inviting someone to church, but introducing them to a savior. A provider,
physician, and friend in time of need. So...as you go, preach the gospel
daily. And when needed, use words. Give food to the hungry, drink to the
thirsty, and shelter to the lonely. Get out and visit...Jesus taught in the
temple, yet ministered on the street. A lesson to keep in mind next time you
feel the need to go out witnessing. Let your life be the witness of Jesus in
your life, add words when needed. A hug can go farther to show you care than
any memory verse. Take out your concealed weapon today, and show His love.
Don't let it take a disaster to see God's love in action. Except for the grace
of God go I.. or you!
And little did we know a year later my son would be seriously hurt in a MX
crash, or that I would have open heart surgery. Today is a great day to turn to
God, and then show His love to others.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogpsot.com