We are all burdened by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Although we know tragedies and crises occur every day, being directly impacted by trauma increases our awareness of suffering. Our emotions are raw.
As a pastor, I know it is essential to be attentive to fear and grief. Therefore, I always intend to value expressions of distress and sorrow. However, I also know that one of the main roles of a leader during a crisis is stay calm and reassure people that God is still God, therefore all is well. I often remember the song of faithful witness, ‘It is Well with My Soul.’ These words were written by Horatio Spafford on the site where his wife and daughters perished due to the sinking of a trans-Atlantic ocean-liner. He wrote, “When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.” He accompanied grief with hope.
During tragedies, we may lose many things. Some are tangible; some are not. However, we must not lose our foundational faith that God has raised Jesus Christ from death and the grave. Therefore, we must not lose hope.
Since last Saturday, I have been calling, texting and emailing people who have been impacted by Helene’s destruction. Fatigue is rampant. Capacities for expressing faithful encouragement are thin. One pastor who serves in an area tremendously damaged described the grief caused by immense loss. Another pastor told me the people in his community are “completely worn out.” He mentioned how volunteers are needed – not just to do work – but also to provide encouragement and inspire hope. Beloved, when we stay calm, we are able to lead others toward God’s hope.
Earlier this week, one pastor listed some items that are needed but are difficult to find. Paula and I are taking a full load of these items to his community this week. While there, we will assess specific needs and report back to you in the next few days.
For now, our church leaders are proposing four ways for you to respond to the unlimited needs of persons victimized by Helene. Phillips Bragg, chair of our diaconate, and Anna Cushman, chair of our mission resource team, are both involved in these conversations. Needs will shift in the weeks ahead as we learn of various emerging situations. We will try to be flexible and knowledgeable to help you know how we can make a difference.
1. Pray: You do not have to understand how prayer works to see how it changes us, humbles us before The Living God, or results in changes in the situations of others.
2. Assemble Disaster Response Buckets: We have committed to providing buckets filled with essential cleaning supplies. Please notice the list of what goes in a bucket which is located here. Place your items in the Giving Nook located in the Main Entrance.
3. Make Financial Gifts to Our St. John’s Designated Disaster Fund: We have already identified places where funds can be utilized purposefully. Please consider making a gift. Our Mission Resource Team is freeing up some undesignated budget monies to support this endeavor.
4. Preview Your Calendar to Determine if You Could be a Volunteer. One of the details Paula and I are previewing this week is the need and provisions for volunteers. We will bring a report in the next few days. We already know the need for volunteers will stretch into the future.
