WHEN DISASTER HITS

“Why did God let this happen?” How many times have you heard that question after a national or personal tragedy? God is not the author of chaos. God is the Creator. Does disaster happen in this world he created? Yes. God is Other, not a human being, and he protects the Other within us - our souls. We, as his hands and feet, are to meet the needs of those around us, whether near or far. Do I have all the answers? No and neither do you. Our example of the nature of God is and was Jesus Christ. Bad things happened to good people when he was alive too. He met the needs of those around him. We have many opportunities to help, even though we cannot go to Haiti. Gifts to the Red Cross and the Salvation Army are greatly needed. UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) delivers 100% of contributions to the identified need, Haiti Emergency Relief. They are also collecting Health Kits and the supplies to fill them. Go to www.umc.org and click on Health Kits. Contact me if you need more specific information. I will take kits and supplies to a person who will deliver them to a center in Illinois. Or, make contributions to UMCOR at the www.umc.org website. UMCOR is one of the first disaster teams into areas around the world and the last to leave. Let us pray:

“Father God, lover of our souls, we come before you humbled by the devastation in Haiti. We acknowledge we have no control over these circumstances. Sometimes we are guilty of wanting recognition for our great humanitarian efforts. In this case especially, we are the boat under the sailor’s feet, the purse holder for the worker, and the words of love under the prayer. We are needed in these capacities and our work is as vital to the rescue effort as the one holding the hammer or mending a broken body. Let us serve you in quiet strength for we know you hold their hearts’ in your hands. In the name of Jesus, your son and our Savior, we pray. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2010 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”