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!!