Over $100,000.00!

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.