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Dear friends and neighbors in the Central Gulf Coast,
“God has put the body together…. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” I Corinthians 12:26
I thought of Paul’s words as I joined in for the monthly meeting of Province IV Bishops this past Tuesday. We meet every month via Zoom for an hour. It is useful to discuss matters that affect all of us, and it is encouraging to spend time with people who share in a similar ministry.
This month we put aside our usual agenda to listen to the bishops dealing with the devastation left by Hurricane Helene. While much of the news is focused on western North Carolina, we also heard about the destruction in north Georgia and Florida. There is so much suffering. And as I listened, I felt again the pain of past storms in our own area. Paul was so right. When one suffers, everyone suffers.
I have received calls and emails from some of you asking about the ways we can help. Thank you for reaching out. I know that your cries to help are driven by your suffering and concern.
We talked about help in our meeting on Tuesday. Here are the answers I heard.
“Don’t forget us.” The news will move on, and the world will go on. Even now the headlines are returning to the presidential election and the hostilities in the Middle East. So, let us vow to not forget them. If you know people in these areas of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, keep reaching out to them. Do so next week and many weeks after that. Keep asking how you can help because right now they may not know, and needs will change during the various phases of recovery. And let us keep praying out loud in our churches on Sunday morning.
“Hold on.” We want to help. We know how much it means for people to show up, send supplies, and give money. Right now, the message I heard is hold on. They are still trying to restore communications; utilities have been obliterated; roads and bridges are gone. Our geographical location might mean that we are better situated to respond to opportunities for groups and supplies to be sent to Georgia or Florida. We will keep listening.
“Give money.” In the days after Hurricane Michael, getting cash into the hands of clergy was what was most needed. So, give. There are many avenues and ways to do so. And we are doing our part, too. Any monies sent to us will be collected and sent to the affected areas' bishops to get that money into the hands of their clergy.
As of today, we have received about $6000. What we collect will be amplified by monies from my discretionary fund which you give during my visitations.
And as we hear of specific projects and needs, we will pass that information on to you. Some of our congregations may look to partner with churches in the affected areas. If you do, please let me know.
Remember. Hold on. Give. Pray and persevere for the long haul. And let us trust that the power and presence of God, which we know as peace, will be with us all.
+Russell
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