My church took up a collection for Katrina relief at both services on Sunday. Our auditorium holds about 600 people, but because it was a holiday weekend, neither service was full. I estimate that we had maybe 900-1000 people in attendance between both services.

Our pastor made an appeal for giving for Katrina relief - we’re partnering with a camp property that is affiliated with our “denomination"* (we’re non-denominational but affiliated with the Church of God) that is in Alexandria, LA. The camp asked for supplies and so our pastor announced that we would be taking a truckload of stuff to the camp at the end of the week and asked for people to consider bringing those supplies to the church this week for that effort as well.

I was at the church last night for worship team practice and I saw huge stacks of diapers, toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, picnicware, feminine hygiene products, toiletries, etc. Also, in a back closet they were collecting toys, books, clothes, bottled water, and food items. I dropped off our contributions and headed to practice.

We talked about the amazing generosity of our church family for a bit - people gave just under $27,000**. When our pastor called to tell the camp director he thought the number quoted was $2500. There was a lengthy silence when the actual amount sunk in.

It’s great to know that our little part of the Body of Christ has stepped into the gap to help. What’s even greater is that we plan to stand with these folks for the long haul by sending mission teams down there a few times in the next year to help rebuild and minister to those who are displaced from their homes. And it’s grea to know that there are countless other churches around the country who will do the same.

* The camp is offering shelter for those who have been evacuated or can’t get back to their homes or need a place to stay on their journey to other destinations.

** Roughly $1800 will be used to pay for the truck rental and fuel to get there. The truck will be left in the region because we were told they desperately need them. The guys driving the truck will be flying back home.

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1. What a blessing! The Body of Christ is really showing off!!

   Posted by  on  09/08/05  at  10:50 AM

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