God's people at Bible Center have provided over $100,000.00 for Katrina Disaster Relief. The monies are being sent to the disaster relief fund of the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. The disaster relief arm of this evangelical organization is the third largest disaster relief agency in the U.S. They use %100 of every dollar received into the fund to buy food, shelter, etc. for disaster victims. Currently, all donations to the fund are being designated for Hurricane Katrina Relief.
We have estimated that another $75,000 to $100,000 worth of food and supplies were donated to be sent to Mississippi on three delivery trucks and one tractor trailer. People in Pike County, Mississippi have been relieved of some of their suffering because of the kindness of God's people. Truly, the name of the Lord has been exalted among those hurting as a result of the storm.
I think it is important that we learn from our own response to this terrible disaster. Everyday there are people around each of us that are facing great tragedy in their personal lives. Some have suffered the loss of jobs, others have faced sobering medical diagnoses, and still others have experienced incredible marital or family struggles. They too need an encouraging word, a kind deed, or a simple gift. May we as a the followers of Christ take the compassion we have shown to people half way across the nation and minister to the needs of people we see and meet each day.
Let us not lose what we have gained, but let us use what we have learned through our efforts. Let us be the visible, bodily representatives of Jesus' love and compassion.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Thursday, September 08, 2005
A Three Day Blitz
BIBLE CENTER CHURCH RELIEF UPDATE ~ September 8, 2005
THE KATRINA RELIEF OFFERING
We have sent two checks totaling $82,568.77 to the disaster relief fund of the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. As the third largest relief organization in the U.S., they work with the two largest, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army, to coordinate the provision of and distribution of food and relief supplies to those devastated by Hurricane Katrina. We thank God for using the entire Bible Center Family and Friends for His glory!
RELIEF ITEMS FOR PIKE COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI
The three truckloads of relief items we gathered for Mississippi have arrived and have been distributed. As you read this update, victims of the hurricane are using those supplies. Their response to our help has been emotional and overwhelming.
We will continue to collect more items in a tractor-trailer that has arrived at Bible Center and is parked in our front parking lot along Corridor G. We will continue to collect non-perishable food, diapers (smaller and larger sizes are especially needed), and baby formula. Some personal toiletries are needed, but THE MAIN NEED IS NON-PERISHABLE FOOD. Items can be dropped off Thursday between noon and 8:00 PM and Friday and Saturday from 9:00 AM until 8:00 PM.
The supplies are needed in Mississippi now—tell others in the community that they, too, can join in our effort.
Your continued help is greatly appreciated
THE KATRINA RELIEF OFFERING
We have sent two checks totaling $82,568.77 to the disaster relief fund of the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. As the third largest relief organization in the U.S., they work with the two largest, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army, to coordinate the provision of and distribution of food and relief supplies to those devastated by Hurricane Katrina. We thank God for using the entire Bible Center Family and Friends for His glory!
RELIEF ITEMS FOR PIKE COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI
The three truckloads of relief items we gathered for Mississippi have arrived and have been distributed. As you read this update, victims of the hurricane are using those supplies. Their response to our help has been emotional and overwhelming.
We will continue to collect more items in a tractor-trailer that has arrived at Bible Center and is parked in our front parking lot along Corridor G. We will continue to collect non-perishable food, diapers (smaller and larger sizes are especially needed), and baby formula. Some personal toiletries are needed, but THE MAIN NEED IS NON-PERISHABLE FOOD. Items can be dropped off Thursday between noon and 8:00 PM and Friday and Saturday from 9:00 AM until 8:00 PM.
The supplies are needed in Mississippi now—tell others in the community that they, too, can join in our effort.
Your continued help is greatly appreciated
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Updates and Opportunities
I praise the Lord for how He is using the Bible Center family to touch lives with the love of Jesus. Some have incredible stories in helping the Red Cross welcome displaced residents of New Orleans to West Virginia. Some have given generously to our special offering and to the collection of food items for Pike County, Mississippi. These have been tremendous days for the Body of Christ to represent Jesus visibly in a time of need. Here is the latest news from our efforts at Bible Center:
THE KATRINA RELIEF OFFERING
We sent a check Tuesday for over $75,000.00 for gospel-centered Disaster Relief. We will continue to take gifts to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina indefinitely. If you have not given or would like to give again, simply make your check payable to Bible Center Church and put “disaster relief” in the memo. All of the monies we receive will go directly to the disaster relief fund of the North American Mission Board (NAMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention. NAMB uses 100% of what they receive for direct disaster relief in coordination with the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and FEMA as they seek to show and share Christ’s love.
RELIEF ITEMS FOR PIKE COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI
Two of the truckloads of relief items we gathered for Mississippi have arrived and have been distributed and one arrives tonight. As you read this note, victims of the hurricane are using those supplies. Their response to our help has been emotional and overwhelming. They have heard the name of Jesus!
We will collect more items in a tractor-trailer that will arrive at Bible Center Thursday morning (September 8th). We will collect Non-perishable Food, Diapers (smaller and larger sizes are especially needed), and Baby Formula. Some personal toiletries are needed, but THE MAIN
ITEM IS NON-PERISHABLE FOOD. Items can be dropped off anytime Thursday or Friday from 9:00 AM until dark (NOTE: the supplies are needed in Mississippi now and the truck will leave as soon as it is loaded). Tell others in the community that they too can join in our effort.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED THURSDAY AND FRIDAY
We need volunteers to pack the relief items as they arrive on Thursday and Friday into manageable boxes and load the truck both days. PLEASE SIGN UP for a three-hour block at the Katrina Relief Information Table in the Center Lobby near the Vision Wall.
WORK CREWS NEEDED TO GO AND HELP WITH CLEAN-UP
Pastor Roberson will be coordinating our efforts over the next several months to gather adult work teams to go and help clean up fallen trees, remove debris, and clean up mud in homes. We will seek to coordinate most of our efforts with the Disaster Relief Teams of the Southern Baptists (since they are trained and experienced). Pastor Roberson will meet with those interested in going on a work team tonight in the auditorium at 8:40 for about 10 minutes.
Whatever you can do to help with our efforts to show and share the goodness of God to people who are suffering from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina will be greatly appreciated by those in need and will honor our Lord!
Check out these and other opportunities at the Katrina Relief Information Table. We will keep you updated on our efforts at BibleCenterChurch.com.
THE KATRINA RELIEF OFFERING
We sent a check Tuesday for over $75,000.00 for gospel-centered Disaster Relief. We will continue to take gifts to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina indefinitely. If you have not given or would like to give again, simply make your check payable to Bible Center Church and put “disaster relief” in the memo. All of the monies we receive will go directly to the disaster relief fund of the North American Mission Board (NAMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention. NAMB uses 100% of what they receive for direct disaster relief in coordination with the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and FEMA as they seek to show and share Christ’s love.
RELIEF ITEMS FOR PIKE COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI
Two of the truckloads of relief items we gathered for Mississippi have arrived and have been distributed and one arrives tonight. As you read this note, victims of the hurricane are using those supplies. Their response to our help has been emotional and overwhelming. They have heard the name of Jesus!
We will collect more items in a tractor-trailer that will arrive at Bible Center Thursday morning (September 8th). We will collect Non-perishable Food, Diapers (smaller and larger sizes are especially needed), and Baby Formula. Some personal toiletries are needed, but THE MAIN
ITEM IS NON-PERISHABLE FOOD. Items can be dropped off anytime Thursday or Friday from 9:00 AM until dark (NOTE: the supplies are needed in Mississippi now and the truck will leave as soon as it is loaded). Tell others in the community that they too can join in our effort.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED THURSDAY AND FRIDAY
We need volunteers to pack the relief items as they arrive on Thursday and Friday into manageable boxes and load the truck both days. PLEASE SIGN UP for a three-hour block at the Katrina Relief Information Table in the Center Lobby near the Vision Wall.
WORK CREWS NEEDED TO GO AND HELP WITH CLEAN-UP
Pastor Roberson will be coordinating our efforts over the next several months to gather adult work teams to go and help clean up fallen trees, remove debris, and clean up mud in homes. We will seek to coordinate most of our efforts with the Disaster Relief Teams of the Southern Baptists (since they are trained and experienced). Pastor Roberson will meet with those interested in going on a work team tonight in the auditorium at 8:40 for about 10 minutes.
Whatever you can do to help with our efforts to show and share the goodness of God to people who are suffering from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina will be greatly appreciated by those in need and will honor our Lord!
Check out these and other opportunities at the Katrina Relief Information Table. We will keep you updated on our efforts at BibleCenterChurch.com.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
More help is needed today!
I praise the Lord for how He is using the Bible Center family to touch lives with the love of Jesus. Our offering for Disaster Relief so far is over $70,000.
We will continue to take gifts to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina indefinitely. If you have not given or would like to give again, simply make your check payable to Bible Center Church and put “disaster relief” in the memo. All of the monies we receive will go directly to the disaster relief fund of the North American Mission Board (NAMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention. NAMB uses 100% of what they receive for direct disaster relief in coordination with the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and FEMA as they seek to show and share Christ’s love.
The two truckloads of relief items we gathered Sunday for Mississippi have arrived and have been distributed. As you read this posting, victims of the hurricane are using those supplies. Lee Waler, our Church Administrator, is in McComb, Mississippi today and reports that their response to our help has been emotional and overwhelming. They need more now!
We are asking that items be brought today – Tuesday September 6th - to Bible Center from 4:00 this afternoon to 8:00 tonight. The truck will then leave as soon as it is loaded.
Specifically they have asked for NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS AND DIAPERS. Let me stress that again: They have need now for NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS AND DIAPERS.
Whether or not you brought items Sunday, here is another opportunity for you and your family to get directly involved in the relief effort. We will keep you updated on our efforts at BibleCenterChurch.com.
Thank you for your part in helping hurting people in Jesus’ name!
We will continue to take gifts to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina indefinitely. If you have not given or would like to give again, simply make your check payable to Bible Center Church and put “disaster relief” in the memo. All of the monies we receive will go directly to the disaster relief fund of the North American Mission Board (NAMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention. NAMB uses 100% of what they receive for direct disaster relief in coordination with the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and FEMA as they seek to show and share Christ’s love.
The two truckloads of relief items we gathered Sunday for Mississippi have arrived and have been distributed. As you read this posting, victims of the hurricane are using those supplies. Lee Waler, our Church Administrator, is in McComb, Mississippi today and reports that their response to our help has been emotional and overwhelming. They need more now!
We are asking that items be brought today – Tuesday September 6th - to Bible Center from 4:00 this afternoon to 8:00 tonight. The truck will then leave as soon as it is loaded.
Specifically they have asked for NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS AND DIAPERS. Let me stress that again: They have need now for NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS AND DIAPERS.
Whether or not you brought items Sunday, here is another opportunity for you and your family to get directly involved in the relief effort. We will keep you updated on our efforts at BibleCenterChurch.com.
Thank you for your part in helping hurting people in Jesus’ name!
Sunday, September 04, 2005
We Were Overwhelmed
The tears I saw in people's eyes as they left all four services today spoke volumes to me. God's people are deeply moved by the tragedy in the Gulf Coast States and at the same time they see an opportunity to show Jesus' love.
Our special disaster relief offering (as of Sunday evening) totals more than $70,000.00! Yes, that's right - seventy thousand. Praise the Lord! I found myself emotional as I was told of the generosity of God's people at Bible Center. It is such a joy to be a part of a loving and giving church family. I am humbled to serve as the pastor of this wonderful flock of God.
This special offering fund will remain open for weeks. All that is given to Bible Center and is marked either on the envelope or check "disaster relief" will go to the disaster relief fund of the North American Mission Board (NAMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention. They will use 100% of these funds to aid the relief effort. None of these monies are used for their overhead costs.
Food, water, cleaning supplies, toiletries, diapers and even pet food flowed in all day. We began with the idea that we would fill one trailer of the necessary items and send them to the hurting folks of North McComb Baptist Church in McComb, Mississippi. Before the actual time of collection began, we had to get a second trailer. Then, several hours later we had to secure a large box truck, and by evening we had to secure yet another large box truck.
We frankly were overwhelmed! We had not planned for such a kind-hearted response. People came with whole SUV's filled with things they had purchased. Folks who have been at Bible Center for decades, folks new to us this morning, and even folks from the community who saw us loading the trucks showed up to give items for the relief. It seems that the entire Bible Center family responded quickly and compassionately.
In the afternoon, the pastor of the church in McComb was alerted that we had a huge amount of stuff and that his church may be overwhelmed too. He contacted the woman in charge of the Red Cross in McComb who began to cry and say that they can use it all and that she was touched by the efforts of our church. She explained that they have been overlooked a bit for more critical areas of the affected region, but that their needs were mounting. She provided every possible phone number and asked us to bring whatever we could. We made it clear that this is coming to them in the name of Jesus! She was truly moved. I too was moved by the growing collection of relief items and the growing opportunity to lovingly and compassionately touch the lives of hurting people.
Brothers Mark and Brian Plants headed out around 9:30 tonight for the 15 hour drive to McComb with the first truck loaded with supplies. Pray for their safety. Brian is taking Tuesday off from his medical office to go and Mark is taking the day off from his legal practice. I am so thankful for the many who have worked so hard today to organize all this and for those who have given. Wow!
We will also keep the collection of relief items open indefinitely. The real need right now is food. Bulk foods in large cans would be best. Water in no longer a premium item for them, but food really is. We may hear that they no longer need our direct help, but until then, about every two days we intend to send a truck of food and toiletries. If other items are needed, I will post that information. If for some reason, we are told the need has been met and we have food and supplies at the church, we will give those remaining items to Union Mission - right here in Charleston. In times of crisis like this, local charities such as Union Mission often suffer. If you have food and toiletry items to donate, please drop them off at the church on Tuesday.
Well, that's enough for now. Tomorrow morning I plan to update you on opportunities over the next several weeks and months to organize cleanup crews to go to the region for 3 to 7 days to help folks try to put their lives together.
Last week I saw images of the worst in people who take advantage of crisis, but today I have seen the best in God's people who see the opportunity to practically show and graciously share the love of Jesus with people who are suffering.
Praise God for His work in and through us!
Pray that people will come to Jesus through all this.
May God get all the glory!!
Our special disaster relief offering (as of Sunday evening) totals more than $70,000.00! Yes, that's right - seventy thousand. Praise the Lord! I found myself emotional as I was told of the generosity of God's people at Bible Center. It is such a joy to be a part of a loving and giving church family. I am humbled to serve as the pastor of this wonderful flock of God.
This special offering fund will remain open for weeks. All that is given to Bible Center and is marked either on the envelope or check "disaster relief" will go to the disaster relief fund of the North American Mission Board (NAMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention. They will use 100% of these funds to aid the relief effort. None of these monies are used for their overhead costs.
Food, water, cleaning supplies, toiletries, diapers and even pet food flowed in all day. We began with the idea that we would fill one trailer of the necessary items and send them to the hurting folks of North McComb Baptist Church in McComb, Mississippi. Before the actual time of collection began, we had to get a second trailer. Then, several hours later we had to secure a large box truck, and by evening we had to secure yet another large box truck.
We frankly were overwhelmed! We had not planned for such a kind-hearted response. People came with whole SUV's filled with things they had purchased. Folks who have been at Bible Center for decades, folks new to us this morning, and even folks from the community who saw us loading the trucks showed up to give items for the relief. It seems that the entire Bible Center family responded quickly and compassionately.
In the afternoon, the pastor of the church in McComb was alerted that we had a huge amount of stuff and that his church may be overwhelmed too. He contacted the woman in charge of the Red Cross in McComb who began to cry and say that they can use it all and that she was touched by the efforts of our church. She explained that they have been overlooked a bit for more critical areas of the affected region, but that their needs were mounting. She provided every possible phone number and asked us to bring whatever we could. We made it clear that this is coming to them in the name of Jesus! She was truly moved. I too was moved by the growing collection of relief items and the growing opportunity to lovingly and compassionately touch the lives of hurting people.
Brothers Mark and Brian Plants headed out around 9:30 tonight for the 15 hour drive to McComb with the first truck loaded with supplies. Pray for their safety. Brian is taking Tuesday off from his medical office to go and Mark is taking the day off from his legal practice. I am so thankful for the many who have worked so hard today to organize all this and for those who have given. Wow!
We will also keep the collection of relief items open indefinitely. The real need right now is food. Bulk foods in large cans would be best. Water in no longer a premium item for them, but food really is. We may hear that they no longer need our direct help, but until then, about every two days we intend to send a truck of food and toiletries. If other items are needed, I will post that information. If for some reason, we are told the need has been met and we have food and supplies at the church, we will give those remaining items to Union Mission - right here in Charleston. In times of crisis like this, local charities such as Union Mission often suffer. If you have food and toiletry items to donate, please drop them off at the church on Tuesday.
Well, that's enough for now. Tomorrow morning I plan to update you on opportunities over the next several weeks and months to organize cleanup crews to go to the region for 3 to 7 days to help folks try to put their lives together.
Last week I saw images of the worst in people who take advantage of crisis, but today I have seen the best in God's people who see the opportunity to practically show and graciously share the love of Jesus with people who are suffering.
Praise God for His work in and through us!
Pray that people will come to Jesus through all this.
May God get all the glory!!
Helping the Hurricane Victims
Today, my Sunday morning message stressed how important it is for us as the Body of Christ to respond to those in need. Some of our neighbors in the Gulf Coast States are obviously in need.
While all of us want to go and to help, the most important thing we can do from this distance is to give financially. As of Saturday, the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and the Southern Baptists were urging folks not just to come to New Orleans. Too many well-intentioned people can end up adding to the confusion rather than assisting with the disaster relief. So, it is time right now for us to give out of love and compassion.As early as possible, we will collect whatever is needed to help. That may be bottled water, non-perishable food, clothing, cleaning supplies, etc.
My plan is to keep you posted on what we know and what we plan to do to help. This blog will be the best way for us to communicate. So, check back often.
We need to be praying for our brothers and sisters in Christ who have been hurting and for those who do not know the Lord that they will come to know Him.
Pray for local, state and national leaders who are seeking to coordinate these efforts.Let us be Good Samaritans and respond with compassion to the misery being experienced by Americans in the Gulf Coast States.
Let us respond through generous giving now and be ready to respond in any way that we can in the coming days and weeks.
I will keep you posted!
While all of us want to go and to help, the most important thing we can do from this distance is to give financially. As of Saturday, the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and the Southern Baptists were urging folks not just to come to New Orleans. Too many well-intentioned people can end up adding to the confusion rather than assisting with the disaster relief. So, it is time right now for us to give out of love and compassion.As early as possible, we will collect whatever is needed to help. That may be bottled water, non-perishable food, clothing, cleaning supplies, etc.
My plan is to keep you posted on what we know and what we plan to do to help. This blog will be the best way for us to communicate. So, check back often.
We need to be praying for our brothers and sisters in Christ who have been hurting and for those who do not know the Lord that they will come to know Him.
Pray for local, state and national leaders who are seeking to coordinate these efforts.Let us be Good Samaritans and respond with compassion to the misery being experienced by Americans in the Gulf Coast States.
Let us respond through generous giving now and be ready to respond in any way that we can in the coming days and weeks.
I will keep you posted!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
