Help for Today and Tomorrow
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this
way you will fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2
The local Emergency Management Agency was adamant. Do
Not Go. Just don’t. At least, not without a plan. Register in advance and know
where you are going and what you will be doing.
Everyone wants to help Hurricane Michael victims.
There’s just so much devastation in such a large area. Do you go to Panama
City? Do you head to Marianna or Gordon or any of the other inland towns that
are devastated?
And what do people really need at this stage? Many don’t
have toilets that flush, lights that work, nonperishable food, diapers and
toiletries and, oh yes, water to drink.
The trouble comes when the influx of volunteers who
don’t have a plan interferes with the recovery efforts of groups and agencies
that are trying to set up a smooth, efficient organization to help people with
the greatest needs.
Don’t get me wrong. They want help. They want
donations. They want financial assistance to help pay for supplies and housing
and other necessities for people who are desperate. But it needs to be done
safely and efficiently.
Our church has been delivering supplies to devastated
areas every day. Our associate pastor is from a town just inland from Mexico
Beach, which took the hardest hit. He owns a home there and has family
scattered throughout the area. He is also a trained medic and volunteer with a
local fire department. Another church member is with EMA. We also have many
others who have specialized training for just such a time as this.
The needs are specific. At first, the need was water,
food, hand sanitizer, diapers, and such. Another day the need was chainsaws and
files and chains. Those who go each day to deliver the supplies and work know
exactly where they are going and what they will do that day.
As our senior pastor noted, there will be many
opportunities in the coming months and years to volunteer in these areas. There
won’t be a quick fix. We can’t just rush in and cut a few trees, pile up some
debris and call it good. Everything is gone. There are many hurting people who will
need help for a very long time. Remember: They have lost their homes, all of
their possessions and, in most cases, their jobs.
The time will soon come when Hurricane Michael is just
something that happened to someone else. We’ll all move on with our lives and
focus on something else. But for the people who are suffering, well, the journey
has only just begun. They’re going to need us all when the rest of the country
has forgotten what they’ve been through and what they are still going through.
So, give and do what you can right now. Work with a
reputable agency or group. If you volunteer, make sure you go through the
appropriate groups, register and have a plan. Pray without ceasing for guidance
as you help.
And remember that they will need you later too. One
day the debris will be gone and the rebuilding will begin. They’ll need help.
Homes must be built and furnished. Schools must be rebuilt and filled with
desks and chairs and lockers and musical instruments and sports equipment.
Something as simple as rebuilding a playground can do so much for morale.
It’s going to be a long journey. Will you be there for
the long haul?
No comments:
Post a Comment