September 2, 2005
“Being Jesus’ feet and hands is the only way to get the gospel to these people,” says Rev. Don Young, pastor of Genesis Church of the C&MA in Foley, Alabama, near Mobile. The Gulf Coast town was spared the ravages of Hurricane Katrina, and area churches have banded together with Genesis to provide humanitarian aid to their Mississippi neighbors.
“It’s a miracle that we are able to get into Gulfport,” says Young. “Because of the cooperative effort of our local Baldwin County churches last summer after Hurricane Ivan, credibility was established that allows us access into the area.” Truckloads of supplies are being sent daily to a specified distribution point. “Because we bypass the red tape of any relief organizations, we are able to distribute the basic necessities directly to the people.”
“In something like this,” says Young, “the hope of Jesus can only be shown through tangible, practical demonstrations of His love. Christians in Baldwin County are doing just that.”
Survivors of Hurricane Ivan received the same compassionate care from the Alliance church a year ago. When the mobile home of Joe Darnell, a disabled veteran, and his wife, June, sustained major damage, Genesis church members were there to help.
The amputee, who faces multiple health challenges, saw genuine concern for his welfare and accepted an invitation to a worship service. Since then, Darnell and his wife have become active members of the church.
Today, C&MA churches from across the country are joining Alliance efforts to reach victims of catastrophic Katrina. “Since the first Alliance Web site article was posted, I’ve received dozens of calls from churches offering to help,” says Young. “Together, we can bring the hope of Jesus to people who have lost everything.”
Contact Pastor Young if you have materials or supplies to donate to hurricane survivors (251-986-5843 or 251-747-7643 or email at [email protected]).
Contribute online to the CAMA Hurricane Relief efforts . . .
Word was just received that the people of Genesis Church are adopting the community of Waveland, Mississippi, near the Louisiana border. The town’s 7,000 residents lost 75 percent of the town. The church has sent a truckload of food, and fuel for the local hospital generator will arrive shortly. The church is committing the next six months to this needy community.