I know that we all are horrified as we see images of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Many have asked what are we doing as a church to respond. Let me outline where we are and how we can respond:
- We can all pray. Consider fasting a meal and spend the time praying for those needing rescued and for strength for those directly involved in the rescue process.
- We probably can’t go…at least not now. Because of the physical limitations involved in getting to the areas that are in need, it is not practical to expect to be on sight immediately.
- We are depending on local churches to assess the needs. We have relationships with several churches in the Baton Rouge and New Orleans area and will be working through them as they get a handle on how we can help.
- We can give to reputable organizations. We are suggesting channeling donations through organizations like the Red Cross rather than giving directly to Seacoast right now. They are geared up for rapid response.
- We can expect God to work for good. Even in tragic situations like this, we know that God promises to work behind the scenes for our good. Let’s begin to watch and pray that we will be able to see Him at work.
If you have ideas on practical ways we can make a difference, feel free to respond in the comment section of this blog.
Greg
Pastor Greg, I agree completely with your thoughts. I think the Church's leadership should begin preparing for what I will call a series of Mission Trips to the effected area. Like you said in your e-mail to me, our sister church in the Miss. should be cordinating what their needs are. They may not need us but if they do, we should be prepared to go. Fresh water, a warm hug and a hot chainsaw can go a long ways in God's Kingdom. When our church finishes 40 days of community, many of us will be ready to step outside of our immediate community to do God's work. When that happens, I know Seacoast Church will be ready. Charlie
Comment by charlie lybrand — August 31, 2005 @ 6:53 am
I am original from New Orleans
My family still lives or lived there.
They all got out safely before the storm.
I know that Lowes and Walmart are matching donations dollar for dollar.
I would love to have a seperate donation for this purpose Sunday.
Please let me know what I can do.
I believe that we can make a difference.
Karen Jones
803-732-0983
Comment by Karen Jones — August 31, 2005 @ 8:30 am
I think the best thing we could do now is PRAY. Then see how God wants us to participate and start gathering supplies and basic items. When the time comes for us to go in we can hopefully have a couple of filled trucks–I'm being very optimistic–no reason we can't do that. And with people power sometimes the best thing we could give is comfort, encouragement–ourselves.
Comment by Lissette Shoemaker — August 31, 2005 @ 10:05 am
Another donation idea: Franklin Graham's organization, Samaritan's Purse, is an excellent Christian organization geared for fast response to crisis areas. They are already responding to people victimized by Katrina. We always choose to donate to this organization because we know everything they do meets a practical need while being done in Jesus' name. You can donate online at their web site http://www.samaritanspurse.org
Comment by Susan Antonelli — August 31, 2005 @ 11:42 am
Greg: Joyce left yesterday morning @ 5AM with a neighbor (Toni Handshoe) whose families (parents, brothers, sisters, and in-laws)live along the Gulf-coast from Gulfport, MS to New Orleans. One brother (and family) chose not to evacuate. Their home was washed away while the family (man, wife, & 6 year old son) clunge to debree from the roof. They eventually floated against a barge that had broken free and were able to climb on it and ride out the storm. When found, they were over 20 miles from where their home had stood. Another family member who works for the Coast Guard reported "hundreds" of bodies floating in the waters. Joyce & Toni had prepared themselves to go the morgue seaching for the brother before he made contact with the family. Despite the loss of their homes they are celebrating life! I spoke with Joyce about 3PM. They were in the area of devestation near the families homes which are/were located within 6 miles of the Gulf. This is not going to be a simple situation of cleaning up and life going on. There is not only devestation, but tremendous potential for disease. The entire infrastructure for life in this area is impacted and in large areas destroyed. If Seacoast members have family in the hardest hit areas opportunities for relocation for 2, 3, or more monthes may be necessary. Relocating children in schools or elderly in medical care facilities will be required. Charleston may not be the logical "refuge" for the evacuees, but it is a PLACE, which is more than thousands of families currently have in Southern MS. & LA.
I know prayers are going out from the entire Christian community. Among the prayers for the families who have lost relatives and those who have lost homes, please pray for Joyce and Toni and their safe return.
Comment by Bob Lloyd — August 31, 2005 @ 1:24 pm
Through text messages and intermittent cell phone calls I have learned that 1,300 patients and staff remain trapped mere blocks from the SuperDome at the University Hospital on Gravier Street (in New Orleans). Most of the staff has been on unit since 6:30pm Saturday night and is totally exhausted.
They’ve got a bit of a web of communications going, handing off cell phones to different people – some messages come from communications via radio. Here’s what they report: No power, sewage, food or water for 48+ hours, all exits are flooded, save one that leads to more water, no supplies have been delivered, 11 doctors shared 2 flashlights last night, many dead are reported in the hospital, the generator in the basement flooded, no helipad exists, no word from the outside world on a rescue or a plan, the stench is said to be unbearable and the collective mood and health standards are going downhill quickly. The whole area is a mess. We are currently evacuating the Superdome area most individuals must go by boat first to the buses (over 300 of them in the area) then to Houston TEXAS. Please pray for the journeys! Please pray some how red cross workers and medical staff at the hospital can get at least a few hours sleep.
Allan Hoffman
Red Cross Volunteer
Comment by Allan Hoffman — August 31, 2005 @ 4:44 pm
As one lady who has spent several days in a shelter said,"people are beginning to loose control – tempers are flaring up and it's getting bad". So… First, lets pray for brotherly love and peace and whatever is needed to bring that about in the hearts of those trapped there.
Second send in donations to those good charities mentioned and last, make a real plan of action after listening to what our fellow pastors in that area have to say about the needs. I know lots of people and charities will come forward to help the people with immediate needs (I would love to go when we can to deliver supplies) but my feeling is, after hearing the pastors out, let God match us up with the need we, as a church, can best meet. I don't know what they need most after basic needs are met, but they will, and God will direct us to it.
Comment by Suzanne Owens — August 31, 2005 @ 5:49 pm
If every person who attends a Seacoast Service at all campuses this coming weekend even donates one dollar, this could amount to a fantastic donation to the American Red Cross. There is power in numbers and God will make a Way where there Seems to be No Way.
Just a thought…
Comment by Helen Moore — August 31, 2005 @ 7:27 pm
Praise God it is about 1AM and we have arrived (one of the first two buses and convoys) in Houston TX. The Astrodome will be the home for refugees for at least four days minimum. Praise God for ChicFila (donations of food) Aquafina/Pepsi water sodas and Six Flags parks for free admission for some of these kids. Please continue to pray for the other over 400 buses behind us and for operational control here. There is nothing currently according to the last bus out in New Orleans but water and smell! The logistics of mass bathing and cleaning is our next project. Currently there are only about 178 people here but by day break it will be a news story.
via blackberry /Allan Hoffman American Red Cross Volunteer
Comment by Allan Hoffman — August 31, 2005 @ 10:20 pm
blood and plasma donations are critical right now. this is something life saving that most can do. thanks
Comment by tracy — September 1, 2005 @ 6:09 am
It's probably safe to assume that thousands of families will not be returning to New Orleans. Wouldn't it be great if each church, even just in the southeast, would adopt one family. We could provide them housing, help them find a job, basically offer them a place to start over.
Comment by Chelle Fazal — September 1, 2005 @ 6:55 am
Critical needs for Houston:
1. Insulin (due to high temperatures and situation not usable for some patients!) and other medications (many people did not bring their medicine!
2. Additional medical supplies, physicians and
security — we have a difficult security procedure that must be adhered to and people are not will to be very cooperative. Note that the blessing at the end is a "hosing down" or "shower!" we have given out over 2800
toiletry kits (some are on cots!)
3. Pray for emotional health of individuals we are working extensively but the "American attitude" is not prevailing! Please pray we can help organize this so some people will get rest.
4. Those left in New Orleans in the Bellsouth Building, Fairmont and others still in New Orleans. Note most are not cooperating with officials and or are illegals
We have 2500 people on site, notice that we may be overfilled we are already having massive problems with individuals that are very emotional. Please pray ……
bbsfdlokdf/blackberry..
Comment by Allan Hoffman — September 1, 2005 @ 7:52 am
IF YOU CAN HELP IMMEDIATELY PLEASE CONTACT ME. From my earlier response you know that my wife is already in the middle of the devistation from Katrina. She is in Bay St. Louis which extends into the Gulf midway between Gulfport MS. & New Orleans. If you saw CNN last night they were going from house to house discovering bodies. Pls. don't ignor this because the focus is on New Orleans!!!
Trident Hospital is sending my truck full of medical supplies to Bay St. Louis with doctors that know the area! If we can fill a trailer with food, water, bug repellant, band-aids, disinfectant, alcohol, etc.we will attach it to the truck.
WE ARE LEAVING AT 4AM FRIDAY MORNING!
Help is needed now and we are responding now. Pls. call me at 607-9859 if you can provide a bag of food, a case of bug repellant, paper goods, or anything else to help out. My cel phone is 607-9859.
Choir members, STAM, Mens Ministries, please!!! These folks need your help.
Thanks!!! BOB LLOYD
Comment by Bob Lloyd — September 1, 2005 @ 8:14 am
News from American Red Cross Houston TX/frontline
Okay last report things are settling down in New Orleans so as of about 120pm est (01 Sept 2006) we may restart transport to Texas again but safety and military prescence required.
Urgent need for Licensed Health Professionals
RN, LVN, LPN, EMT licensed
Learn Red Cross Disaster Health Services polices, protocols, and how we provide services…
Requirements: RN, LVN, LPN, EMT licensure. Bring a copy of your license to the class. Complete a volunteer application and background check. If you wish to go outside the Houston area, you will also need to complete a DSHR application. We have four classes. We need you in Houston NOW!
2700 SouthWest Frwy
9.2.05 5pm-7pm (Call 713.313.5316 to register up till 4:30pm)
9.3.05 5pm-7pm (Call 713.313.5316 to register from 8am to 4:30pm)
9.4.05 5pm-7pm (Click & register on-line)
9.5.05 5pm-7pm (Click & register on-line)
Next we are moving to plan subsection IIA alternate facilities and services :
Southeast Area Red Cross Affiliates:
4605 Wilmington
Houston, Texas 77051
(713) 738-3941
(713) 738-3071
Email: information@ghac.org
San Antonio Center to open and take others all processing through Katy and Harris County only. We must process all individuals through Houston for tracking.
Comment by Allan Hoffman — September 1, 2005 @ 8:31 am
The devastation, as we are hearing, is widespread across the Gulf States. They shared a story on the radio yesterday of a man in Mobile, Alabama, who was interviewed by a TV reporter. In an on-the-spot interview, he shared he was searching for his wife. The storm surge was greater than anyone there thought, and he had lost his home–everything. He was holding the hands of his children and wife while they were in the water. His wife turned to him and said, "Honey, you can't hold onto my hand much longer! Take care of the children and our grandchildren." With that, she floated away, and they haven't seen her since. The TV crew, the news anchors, and production staff broke down. They couldn't regain their composure for 10 minutes. Silence on the airwaves.
I am sure there will be many more stories like these in the days ahead. Many of us have similar hurricane stories.
I am praying for our leadership to guide us in ways we can intercede–physically or spiritually.
Esp. praying for those devastated by this recent disaster.
Comment by heather edahl — September 1, 2005 @ 10:13 am
The following is our official FEMA and Red Cross Link for those that are trying to locate individuals, note my cell phone is over powered with calls and that a central processing for locating individuals is coordinated by the American Red Cross: http://www.fema.gov/press/2005/resources_katrina….
Alternate assistance by Red Cross for victims that cannot get into the Astrodome (victims sent after explosion in NOLA):
Fairmont Park Baptist Church (128 /capacity 200)
10401 Belfast
LaPorte, Tx
New Life Central (100 /capacity 300)
2104 Underwood
LaPorte, Tx
1st United Methodist Church (12 /capacity 200)
4308 W. Dallas
Conroe, Tx
1st Baptist Church (0 /capacity 200)
906 Ave A
Katy, Tx
1st Baptist Church (Full /capacity 400)
1229 Ave J
Huntsville, Tx
Kingwood United Methodist Church
1799 Woodland Hills
Kingwood, TX 77339
Bayshore Baptist
11315 Spencer
LaPorte, Tx
Christ Baptist Church
12501 Champions Forrest
Houston, Tx 77066
St. Bartholomew Church
5356 11th Street
Katy, Tx 77443
Also a Red Cross information Hotline number regarding locations of shelters is available for Hurricane Katrina victims. Call Red Cross 1-(866) GET-INFO. Due to the high demand, the Houston Chapter has opened a local phone bank to provide information on Houston Area Red Cross activities at 713.313.5480. The number for the Louisiana State Police: 1.800.469.4828.
Families and individuals are advised to bring along basic personal items that they will need in the shelter. Those items should include pillows and bedding items, essential medications and health- related items, extra clothing, and a toy or activity for any children they might be bring with them.
The centers will provide a safe haven for individuals and families evacuated from homes affected by Hurricane Katrina.
The American Red Cross disaster relief fund enables Red Cross to be prepared financially before disaster strikes so that trained disaster workers can respond immediately with financial assistance and the dire emotional needs victims have.
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. To help the victims of this and other disasters, contributions can be made to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by calling 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013. Internet users can make a secure online credit card contribution by visiting http://www.houstonredcross.org.
**** ASTRO DOME FULL ****
Note San Antonio and Dallas next up with New Mexico to follow
Comment by Allan Hoffman — September 2, 2005 @ 6:05 am
Greg: I would like to volunteer to be part of a relief team when it's possible to go to the Gulf Coast. I have leave time from my job, have no personal attachments such as hubby or kids, and I want to help. I love babies and would be thrilled to minister in that way, BUT I am available as God and Seacoast needs me. Ready when you are. Dale
Comment by Dale Bernhardy — September 4, 2005 @ 11:46 am
Hey Pastor Greg!
I was telling my brother (who is not a believer) about Seacoast. He asked me what was so special about that in 17 yrs there are so many members, but other churches that have been around for multiple decades aren't even at half of what Seacoast is. I told him that your transparency and desire for relationship and community was evident. I also shared with him that there isn't a need out there that Seacoast doesn't offer support for.
As I looked at all the types of groups and ministries online, I realized there was one type of small group, right under my nose, that wasn't there. Military personnel. I was active duty for a little over 9 yrs and have been in there reserves for 1 1/2 yrs. So after a little prayer, I am going to lead a small group (after 40 DOC). I spoke with one of the chaplains on the AF Base today about starting a small group for military personnel on base at the main chapel. He said it won't be a problem. I just wanted to let you know about that.
Thanks for all you do and following after God's heart!
Comment by Tiffany — October 19, 2005 @ 6:54 pm