by Inga Richardson, Samaritan’s Purse disaster relief volunteer
Something special happens when churches come together to love our Lord and serve His people who are in desperate need. His Word says the world will know we are Christians by our love, and that when we become united in His purposes, He is lifted up so that all mankind can see.
And how can the efforts of Samaritan’s Purse to help homeowners in the wake of the 2013 southern Alberta floods be anything but part of His purpose? He came to rescue us from the disaster that sin created in our lives. He gave up His divine rights and privileges to be with us and to show us the way to the Father. As His children, we are called and blessed to do the same, to exalt our Lord by putting aside our comforts and luxuries in order to help those who are in the greatest need.
The Lord has been teaching me so much as I have helped with the flood relief efforts. It’s admittedly tough work. It was difficult to witness the devastation while cleaning out mud and debris in Bowness. It was emotionally exhausting to hear how the water ruined homes and belongings in Sunnyside. And it was hard to get up early in the morning to drive to the Siksika Nation. Yet I feel richer and happier at the end of each day because I know I am carrying out my Father’s work. I know that I am united with His body and that our Lord is being glorified.
And I am thankful that, in the midst of tragedy, God still gives us such good news-that though our sin devastated us like a spiritual disaster, our Savior’s work on the cross cleans us up, and His Spirit’s work in our lives rebuilds us into something new and glorious. Not only that, but He is also building a safe and beautiful home in heaven, where disasters don’t exist, for all of those who call out to Jesus and get to know Him in this life.
I respect the work of Samaritan’s Purse-their emphasis upon the eternal, their encouragement to love and care for homeowners, to tell them about Jesus, to work together, to work at one’s own pace. Like Samaritan’s Purse, may we not only do the things our God has called us to do, but also tell of what our Lord has done for us!
Help Samaritan’s Purse strengthen the impact of local churches in communities recovering in the aftermath of disasters. As caring Christians are trained and empowered to walk alongside individuals and families to find solutions to complex needs, God opens doors to share the Gospel.