…growing up in the Midwest
tornados are a part of life. I remember eating in our basement each night one
week because the sirens went off as we sat at the table. The second night we
had place setting pre-set on a table in the basement so that we could pick up
our plate and drink and go downstairs and finish our meal. My heart is heavy
for those who lost loved ones especially the families of the two infants killed.
Yes, the death toll was less than the Joplin, MO. tornado two years ago (151
dead) but tell that to one of those families who lost a child or a Father or
Mother. Thirteen thousand homes damaged or destroyed is massive carnage and
clean-up almost beyond our ability to comprehend. But in the worst of tragedies there is
triumph.
Wednesday in an interview with CBS News, the head of
the Salvation Army in that region thanked Southern Baptists for preparing over
30,000 meals each day in Oklahoma. That is our disaster recovery ministry
partnering with other agencies. I read of a church in OK who is going Saturday
to help. They stopped collecting supplies and are simply asking people to go
who will help clear debris. It’s not a large church but one moved to help. A
number of sources have established that the greatest need is money. You can
donate through www.gabaptist.org
directly to disaster relief in OK. The best thing is 100% of those funds go to
help people. Administrative and other costs are provided through cooperative
program funds by cooperating churches in Georgia. It doesn’t end there.
Tragedy comes home in the death of brothers and
sisters, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters unexpectedly or following a
long difficult illness. We are never really very far from tragedy. Distance is
what we need to help make sense of a tragedy if that is possible. Time and the separation
it brings help us not get over it but learn to live with the loss and the
change to our lives. The presence of God brings us peace. When we call out to
God he is there.
Praise the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our affliction,[a] so that we may be able to comfort those who
are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from
God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 HCSB
An update regarding our building project:
The structure is assembled and “dry” at the site on
Honeyridge. We are having some difficulties getting some drawings from the original
manufacturer and or having the structure “de-engineered” and then drawn with
our intended modification but this week we have new hope from and unexpected
connection. Nothing worthwhile is problem free just sometimes it would be nice
for there to be “less” problems. It can be frustrating to the point of
quitting. Perseverance is a prized fruit of the Spirit in the Kingdom of God.
Perseverance is what sees us to the end and beyond.
Jesus persevered to the cross and beyond. What appeared to be a tragedy proved
to be the greatest triumph in history because God had a plan.
He calls us to join him.
In HIS Service and Yours,
BroG
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