Dear Fellowship Network Family,
As the greater Houston area grapples with the enormity of the devastation, signs of hope are starting to emerge. We are hearing more and more reports of our churches, ministers, and organizations stepping up to fill the needs of the people in the affected areas of the Gulf Coast.
As the second landfall of the storm continues to dump rain and having been thru several destructive Hurricanes and flooding in my hometown, I am reminded that the worst is not over. Even as floodwaters recede, there are many months of cleanup ahead. During this time, it will be difficult for life to return to normal as supply lines are disrupted all across Southern Texas and Louisiana. The needs are great, and in a lot of ways are only getting started.
I’m reminded of the Good Samaritan. When he came across a neighbor in need, he didn’t just care for their immediate needs, but took care of their lodging for the duration of the recovery (Luke 10:34-35). It is important for us to realize that compassion for our neighbor is not only measured in the number of people we help only once, but in the communities we transform through ongoing love and compassion.
Deuteronomy 15:7-8 <em>“If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be.”</em>
If you or your ministry are involved in the relief work, we would love to hear from you. Let’s encourage each other to greater acts of service by giving testimony to what God is doing through His body. Reply to this email and tell us about how God is using your “open hands” to fulfill Deuteronomy 15:7-8.
In Christ,
Steve Holder
