By
Robert J. Michels
"In the wake
of the September 11 terrorists' attacks, Americans are pulling
together in silent acts of heroism. With the American response
and more conflict on the horizon, many will turn to God
and the Church for practical assistance, comfort, and questions
of eternal importance. Here is a resource to help your church
mobilize its members. It is a wonderful starting point outlining
suggestions for a 10-step plan of action that will guide them
in assisting local emergency personnel, victims, and their families
within the first week of a crisis."
So begins a "Church Crisis Relief Plan"
developed by the Church Development and Education team of the
Northern California-Nevada District of the Assemblies of God.
In partnership with hundreds of ministers around the nation this
resource was put together to inform local congregations on how
to mobilize their members to assist in disaster relief efforts.
We in the Disaster Relief office of the national Benevolences
Department would like to encourage all local congregations of
the Assemblies of God to consider the formation of Disaster Relief
teams. We have seen the destruction of recent disasters and have
heard reports that this was not an isolated event but that more
will follow. Where or when or how we do not know. But now is the
time to prepare.†
The Benevolences
ministry of Disaster Relief helps rebuild Assemblies of God churches
damaged or destroyed by tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, and other
catastrophes. Because concerned friends have supported this vital
ministry throughout the years, and especially for particular disasters,
funds can be made available immediately to churches in need. They
in turn can begin rebuilding and ministering to a community who
needs them more than ever before. During this most recent disaster
of 9/11, Disaster Relief was able to send much-needed funds to
Assemblies of God ministries distributing food as well as helping
local churches and individuals through the crisis.
Do not wait until
it is too late; the next disaster may be in your own community.
Ask your pastor or church board to consider starting a Disaster
Relief team in your church or in partnership with another local
church or section. Sign up for the new Disaster Relief news update
at:
Join-DisasterRelief-update@news.ag.org.
This e-mail news service will keep you and your church
abreast of all the latest when a disaster hits. Information
can also be obtained from the Disaster Relief Web site
www.disasterrelief.ag.org.†
†
