Derry Prenkert, fellow Christian blogger and Youth Minister at Nappanee Missionary Church, has been posting a lot of news of the aftermath of last week's tornado that tore through Nappanee, Indiana. As I read his blog, I am reminded of the many opportunities all around us for the kind of "works of service" to which we are called and about which I wrote in yesterday's post. There are things we can all do, and the formula reminds me of the easy-to-remember chant for water rescue: Reach, Throw, Go.
First of all, reach out to those affected in prayer. This is the simplest response, but often the most overlooked. If this step is omitted, all other plans fail. Even a rescue vessel can run over a drowning victim if no one reaches out. One glance at NMC's website, and you will see that is a church congregation on the verge of big things. No wonder they are under attack! It is the Body of Christ's job to be covering them in prayer while they go through this time of trial. "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." (James 5:16)
Second, (throw) send what you can: encouragement, money, materials. Sometimes, a sinking swimmer could use a lifeline. Toss something to them that will help them to help themselves. "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (Galations 6:10) Encouragement fuels the weary soul. Share it when you can. Money makes the world a little smaller and recovery a little faster. We all know folks need it, and few will ask for it. Throw some when you can. In disasters such as these, I know from experience that materials are necessary, but often sent without forethought. Meaning well is admirable, but doing well is helpful. Find out what is needed before you dump all your unwanted items into Indiana. Most recovery projects require a certain type of lumber or a certain uniformity of whatever product is being used. Cash is almost always better. Besides, it costs less to transport your check than a truckload of the wrong size lumber.
Third, go if you are able. This is the point at which you realize you have done all you can without getting wet, and it's still not working. It's time to dive in. The Christian attitude of rescue should be one that does as much to save another as it would to save itself. "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. " (Philipians 2:4) This requires preparation and insight. When Hurricane Katrina sent evacuees our way, I had to tell a lot of volunteers they were not needed because they just showed up without a plan. Contact somebody while you are reaching and throwing, and ask if going is appropriate. In some cases it is. I don't know if this is one of those cases. If you are able, find out. This step also has the greatest risk attached. That is why it is used as a last resort in water rescue. When we reach out by extending our prayers we risk nothing. When we dive in, we present ourselves as a sacrifice to the ministry we undertake. "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)
This is the formula for all ministry: REACH, THROW, GO. See how you can apply it to Nappanee Missionary Church, then in your neighborhood, then in your world.
First of all, reach out to those affected in prayer. This is the simplest response, but often the most overlooked. If this step is omitted, all other plans fail. Even a rescue vessel can run over a drowning victim if no one reaches out. One glance at NMC's website, and you will see that is a church congregation on the verge of big things. No wonder they are under attack! It is the Body of Christ's job to be covering them in prayer while they go through this time of trial. "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." (James 5:16)
Second, (throw) send what you can: encouragement, money, materials. Sometimes, a sinking swimmer could use a lifeline. Toss something to them that will help them to help themselves. "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (Galations 6:10) Encouragement fuels the weary soul. Share it when you can. Money makes the world a little smaller and recovery a little faster. We all know folks need it, and few will ask for it. Throw some when you can. In disasters such as these, I know from experience that materials are necessary, but often sent without forethought. Meaning well is admirable, but doing well is helpful. Find out what is needed before you dump all your unwanted items into Indiana. Most recovery projects require a certain type of lumber or a certain uniformity of whatever product is being used. Cash is almost always better. Besides, it costs less to transport your check than a truckload of the wrong size lumber.
Third, go if you are able. This is the point at which you realize you have done all you can without getting wet, and it's still not working. It's time to dive in. The Christian attitude of rescue should be one that does as much to save another as it would to save itself. "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. " (Philipians 2:4) This requires preparation and insight. When Hurricane Katrina sent evacuees our way, I had to tell a lot of volunteers they were not needed because they just showed up without a plan. Contact somebody while you are reaching and throwing, and ask if going is appropriate. In some cases it is. I don't know if this is one of those cases. If you are able, find out. This step also has the greatest risk attached. That is why it is used as a last resort in water rescue. When we reach out by extending our prayers we risk nothing. When we dive in, we present ourselves as a sacrifice to the ministry we undertake. "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)
This is the formula for all ministry: REACH, THROW, GO. See how you can apply it to Nappanee Missionary Church, then in your neighborhood, then in your world.
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