Hurricanes - what's up?

As I write this, Hurricane Rita is heading for the Texas and Louisiana coast, a mere three weeks after Katrina devastated the area just east of there.

Why this increase in fierce, destructive storms? Theories abound and I have no new theories. But, I was reminded of a couple of passages of scripture to help me keep my perspective.

Colossians 1:17-20 encourages me to know Christ is still in control: “He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body….all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe--people and things, animals and atoms--get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the Cross.” (The Message Bible)

In Philippians 2:1-3 Paul gives direction on what to do next: “Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and sympathetic? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose.” (New Living Translation)

We can be buoyed by the fact He is still in control. Having been encouraged by His comfort and love, we can then trust in His character and work together to show His love and compassion to others.

As part of the body of Christ, the ministries of Campus Crusade for Christ
have partnered with churches and other organizations to provide relief and support to those affected by the storms. Here are some ways we are working together to help.

The U.S. Campus Ministry is sending hundreds of college students to the disaster zones on weekends to help provide the manpower for both immediate relief and longer recovery efforts. http://www.blogger.com/www.campuscrusadeforchrist.com/katrina

Global Aid Network (GAIN) the humanitarian aid ministry of CCC has already shipped 34 truck loads of supplies including nearly a quarter million bottles each of water, orange juice and ice tea, 52,000 Bibles, 35,000 personal care kits to the disaster zone, 88,000 pounds of dried fruit, cleaning supplies and other items. http://www.blogger.com/www.gainusa.org

Here's Life Inner City, the urban ministry of CCC, has diverted to the Gulf Coast three tractor-trailer loads of relief supplies that had been intended for other fall outreaches. The shipment includes 4,800 wool blankets and 30,000 pounds of food valued at $80,000. http://www.blogger.com/www.hlic.org

Evacuee Relocation PartnershipWith millions displaced and an estimated 400,000 jobs lost as a result of Hurricane Katrina, Campus Crusade for Christ is working with the other ministries to create a model program for churches around the country to help hurricane victims relocate and provide housing, food and job-placement assistance. To find out more information about how your church can get involved, visit http://www.foundationforhope.org/ .

In the midst of the devastation there is hope. The body of Christ is providing His love to those who need support.