“For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing,”
2 Corinthians 2:15
Hurricanes have been much in the news lately! The big one in Houston, Texas, was followed by another one in Florida. We have watched harrowing pictures of high winds, water rising and incredible acts of bravery. Through it all, believers know that God has “His way in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of His feet.” Nahum 1:3.
My daughter and her family of eight children were newly transferred to Houston with her husband’s job. It was with some trepidation they moved the family and began a new life in a strange city. Within six weeks, they experienced their first hurricane, a never to be forgotten memory! The storm came, with it terrifying winds, drenching rains, floods and to add to the misery, tornadoes! The family spent hours in a small inner closet waiting for sounds of the storm to die down. The hurricane remained over the city for several days wreaking havoc everywhere. Many people were praying! When the storm stopped, the flooding had come within 6 feet of their front door and receded. Yes, it was a stressful week, but God has His plan for Houston and they are finding out what matters most!
The pastor of Second Baptist said it so well. “We are experiencing something unprecedented. This hurricane is unlike anything you have ever experienced and it is a storm we will never forget. My heart breaks for all in our city who have lost so much. At the same time, let’s have an eternal perspective. In moments of man’s extremity, God finds opportunity. Hurricane Harvey has shown us how little control we have over our lives. The greatest revivals in Church history came from desperation. Our city is desperate, and we as Christians must step up to be the hands and feet of Jesus. This is an amazing opportunity. The nation and the world are watching. Let’s show them the Gospel in action!” And they did!
Volunteers came in from all over the country willing to risk their lives for complete strangers. Parking lots were command centers for people calling to be rescued and those willing to go. People were rescued by strangers wading waist deep through water, or in boats of any size. There were an outpouring of people donating supplies and anything they could give to help others. They experienced the love of complete strangers, black, white, Hispanic and Asian who worked together to save lives. Through it all, the Christian community shone through. A friend who had lost everything thanked the Lord for the volunteers who showed up at her house to clean it out. My daughters’ family was placed on a team and worked wherever they were sent to clean and restore flooded homes. The “aroma of Christ” in action!
According to USA Today, Christian non-profit organizations have outdone FEMA and provided the vast majority of relief aid. They have provided nearly 80 percent of the aid delivered so far. Christian groups like Samaritan’s Purse work along with FEMA to provide assistance and show God’s love. It’s a beautiful relationship and something to behold! The world is watching! Let’s be an “example of the believer in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12.
Your friend, Jean