Here in Macon, last Friday morning felt like a miracle as the storm passed and we realized that we had been spared the worst of it. But, as we watch the news and talk to loved ones, it's very apparent that many were not so lucky. Areas across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and even Virginia have been devastated by Hurricane Helene. These are our neighboring states, cities, and towns.
Part of our call is to love our neighbor well in this difficult time and to help as we are able. For those in the most affected areas, it is going to be a long road to any sense of normalcy.
Hurricane recovery like this is often a many-years process, and lives are forever changed. Because of that, my first request is that you pray for those impacted by the storm and the first responders who are in the very beginning stages of cleaning up. Pray that God gives them endurance in this time of trial and pray that God's Spirit be with them as they mourn and rebuild.
A second request is that you consider donating. CBF is a good steward of our resources, and I know they will direct donations where they can best be used by regional leaders in the disaster areas. They have specifically asked for no goods at this time but are collecting monetary donations.
One practical need is for personal water filters. Each filter is $10 and will provide clean water at a time when many places have no access to water. Would you consider purchasing one or multiple filters? You can do that here.
Another practical step is to give to CBF Disaster Response. They will use these resources to support on the ground efforts for recovery. If you'd like to give online you can do so here, or through the church by designating disaster relief on your check or envelope.
As a church family, we want to support the disaster relief efforts in our state and community. We will do that by giving the Benevolence Fund monies collected this Sunday, October 6, to the CBFGA disaster relief fund.
This road to recovery from Hurricane Helene is going to be long, and we are just at the start of it. As it normalizes, there will be opportunities to serve in person, and continued ways for us to support our neighbors in their recovery. Let us not grow weary in doing good!