October 20, 2009

Number 42

VIEWPOINT

Ron Bradshaw at the Douglasville church wrote these words last week:  

“The recent flooding throughout the area has been devastating to say the least.  Millions of dollars of damage occurred and even lives have been lost.  We have seen roads and bridges washed away as though they were made of paper mache.  Thousands of people have clamored for the basic necessities such as electricity, food and water.  Things like politics, sports, and other things just didn’t seem as important any more.  We were reminded just how fragile life really is.  “Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). It seems that we feel that scripture is always talking about someone else.  I believe we have been given a reality check.

“The positive that has emerged from this is seeing people helping people.  Help centers have been set up all across central Georgia.  In our own congregation people have pulled together as never before.  The Disaster Relief out of Nashville, Tennessee provided the needed supplies for this catastrophe.  They are an organization that steps us when disaster strikes.   We received four truckloads of supplies to be distributed to the needy.  We, alone, could never have taken on this great financial need.  But supplies mean nothing unless they are distributed to those in need. 

“That is where our church family stepped up.  I knew our family would help but not to such a degree.  Countless hours of unloading semi-trailers, separating goods, and distributing to the community were put in by our people.  They worked through the sunshine and the rain.  The weather made no difference.  Help came from children as young as 7 or 8 to adults in their 70’s and everywhere in between. 

“People were exhausted, but hey kept pushing because there was a need.  They allowed others to see Christ in their actions.  It wasn’t easy, but I know from whence this strength came.  It was written many years ago with the Psalmist giving us insight before this disaster was even a thought.  For You will light my lamp; the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop, by my God I can leap over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.  For who is God, except the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God? It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect (Psalm 18:28-32).”

I give thanks for the brothers and sisters in that congregation!  I look forward to seeing you Sunday on our “Bring a Friend Day.”  RA

Friends Day

October 25, 2009

Fellowship Meal after Morning Assembly