When Things Are the Worst, The Church is at Its Best

            Across the eastern seaboard of this country and in the Bahamas, people are still recovering as I write this  from Hurricane Dorian.   For some people, it will be a slow recovery as they seek to rebuild their homes or rebuild their lives after serious injury or the loss of loved ones.   All those affected by Hurricane Dorian surely need our prayers and our support.

            This week, many will remember September 11, 2001.    I am reminded of  that day 18 years ago when lives were lost and property was destroyed when terrorists used planes as weapons in New York City, the Washington DC area, and the Pennsylvania countryside.     As one who saw first hand in the Fall 2001 in New York City the damage caused by this national tragedy, today I will again pause and reflect on those events.  

            One of the things that unites the events of September 11, 2001 and the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian is this:     such tragedy brings out the best in people.    I recall on the Sunday  after the September 11 attacks, the church that I had the honor to pastor was having a blood drive.   The drive had already been scheduled long before the September 11 attacks.   In the aftermath of those attacks, the church overflowed with blood donors wanting to do something to help thinking their blood might be needed in New York City and other places.       I am certain in these days many people will give a donation of monies, water, and the like to help those along the coast just as they did last year when some of the same coastal areas received an unfriendly visit from Hurricane Matthew and Hurricane Florence.   Others will prepare in the coming days to go to the affected areas to serve as volunteers to help out.

            The church is at its best when it sets aside petty bickering or theological differences and works together to help those in need.   It is in those times I most fully see Christ in the work of the Church.   I invite you to join me in prayer and support for those who are and will be recovering from Hurricane Dorian.    Have a joy-filled week.-   Pastor Randy Wall

Prayer:   God,  we pray for all those feeling the effects  of Hurricane Dorian.   We especially pray for those who know the pain of loss of loved ones, loss of their homes, and loss of their way of life.   Help us to be healing and helping instruments in these days;  through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.