Good morning. It has been ten days and the waves Katrina produced are still being felt. Now, the waves are actually people coming to Texas. Tuesday the Glenn Mitchel show on NPR stated that 250,000 evacuees have come to Texas with more than 25,000 are in North Texas. Just in Denton, there are about 500 evacuees: 300 plus at Camp Copas, 100 at the Quality Inn and a few scattered others. We are working closely with Quality Inn of Denton to assist more than 100 evacuees.
I commend our church for a swift response to tragedy. Last Wednesday night there was a prayer meeting. Saturday a fundraising effort for Red Cross & Salvation Army raised $8,000 and sent almost 20 truckloads of supplies to those in need. Sunday our church was organized into teams. We have been working hard.
“So, how can I help?” you ask. I am so glad you are still asking that question ten days later.
1) Pray: Pray for those overwhelmed by this tragedy. Pray at meal time, in the car, morning and evening. Pray that God will be a refuge and a provider and that he will use YOU.
2) Volunteer: Take a look at the chart Steven Carrizal sent out (www.singingoaks.org) and identify where you can help. Contact Marcia Browder (volunteer coordinator)
940-381-0567 mbrowder@signethealth.com. You will be placed in an area of need.
3) Give Money: Determine with your family an amount you would like to contribute (involve your kids). The Singing Oaks Church elders have already launched “Disaster Relief Fund” 101 Cardinal Drive, Denton, TX 76209; 940.387.4355; office@singingoaks.org) This is money SOCC will utilize to help and minister to local refugees. This Sunday, September 11, 2005 we will take this collection. We commit to make sure every dollar goes toward people in need.
4) Serve: Be a calming and patient presence as you serve, yet be quick to serve and fill in gaps. This is not a science, but prayer and the art of the Holy Spirit of God can overcome our inadequacies.
5) Show Gratitude: When you see Steven or these team coordinators, thank them and offer to help them.
Again, I’m glad you asked ‘how can I help?” Now it is up to you.
For more information, check the hurricane tab of our church website www.singingoaks.org
and the Denton's web site http://www.dentondisasterrelief.org
1 comment:
Thank you for your updates. It's wonderful seeing the church and community come together in this time of need to help so many people. I have been impressed by how quickly Singing Oaks responded and became an organized relief center. I am touched by everyone's compassion and know that the people who came to Denton during this difficult time are being well taken care of and loved. Blessings!
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