The physical damage from disasters can be catastrophic to communities, families, and individuals. Everyone who is affected faces a long recovery. Once the immediate crisis has passed, it can be months and even years before lives begin to normalize. Rebuild ministry is a way to help families and vulnerable populations restore their lives and recover... Continue Reading →
Have It Your Way
For forty years, Burger King was known for its slogan, "Have It Your Way." It would be wonderful if one could order life like this. Give me a double blessing with pleasure, money, recognition, a little adventure, and hold the danger. Give me a mega church with extra good health, great leaders, and make it... Continue Reading →
I’m Not Trained, But I Did Stay at a Holiday Inn Last Night
Believers often ask in Disaster Relief, “Why do I have to go through training to serve as a volunteer? Why can’t I just go help people?” Preparation is important in any area of ministry, because it enables us to be more effective in ministry. The wisdom writer in Ecclesiastes 10:10 declared, “If the ax is dull,... Continue Reading →
Grumbling
A sign leading into Yankton, South Dakota reads, "Yankton, S. D. The Home of 30,000 Friendly People and a Few Sore-heads." We understand the sign, because we all know a few soreheads. Grumbling and complaining are rarely labeled as being a problem. Grumbling is not one of the seven deadly sins. To my knowledge, there are no... Continue Reading →
Safe Church
Once upon a time, churches were considered safe havens that were untouched by the violence of our world. The recent mass shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston, South Carolina has again reminded us of the need to be prepared for the unthinkable. First Thessalonians 5:3 cautions us about the false thought... Continue Reading →
World Hunger Sunday October 11
When Southern Baptists observe World Hunger Sunday on October 11, they will be called to act on the commands of Scripture. The Bible tells us that when Jesus saw the hungry and hurting multitude in Matthew 14, "He had compassion on them..." He healed and fed those who flocked to Him. Scripture is... Continue Reading →
Ready Church
Most churches, businesses, and organizations fail to prepare for any kind of disaster. The result is that each of these entities lessen their ability to survive and recover. However. a far greater tragedy is that the church often fails to minister in a positive and effective manner following disasters. Kentucky Disaster Relief's strategy plan, "Ready... Continue Reading →
Tornado Preparedness
Tornadoes are the most violent storms in nature. Almost 1200 tornadoes strike every year across the United States. Winds can reach more than 200 miles per hour, and they can destroy a neighborhood in seconds, leaving behind loss and chaos. Every year, thousands hold their breath as they watch 15 to 20 of these deadly... Continue Reading →
The Rise of the Nones
The single fastest-growing religious group in Western culture is those who check the box next to the word "None" on national surveys. This group represents almost 20 percent of the population in America. Sadly, most churches are reaching few of this group for Christ. We are living in a post-Christian world, and "Nones" are declaring to us,... Continue Reading →
Why?
Nellie was laid to rest one, October afternoon. She was eight years of age when complications from HIV/AIDS robbed her life. Nellie contracted HIV/AIDS from her mother's breast-milk. When her mother died of this terrible disease, someone left her in a box outside an orphanage. She was a beautiful, vibrant, active little girl. She loved to hear Bible... Continue Reading →