As the week went by, I became more and more
uncomfortable with the idea of having a "normal" worship service today. I
couldn't bear the idea of doing our normal things and then praying for the
victims of Katrina somewhere in the middle of the service. So we began our
worship by talking about what we can do. It felt right. I felt good about
praying after we had pledged ourselves to be involved with tangible, physical
needs.
So here's what our church is going to do. Four
things.
First, displaced and homeless people are
being sheltered in a couple of locations in San Antonio. At Kelley Air Force
Base and in an unused mall. The need for baby supplies is critical. So we are
going to gather diapers, bottles, formula...you know, baby stuff. Someone will
drive it directly to one of those locations on Tuesday.
Second, Jeanene's hospital already has
patients from the Gulf region. Some are from hospitals in New Orleans. Others
are people with health needs that became critical after they left town. Many of
them came in with nothing but the clothes on their backs, and more are coming.
Jeanene's hospital needs clothing for these people.
We're going to put together outfits in bags.
Pants, underwear, socks, and a shirt in each bag. Jeanene will be taking those
to the hospital all week long.
Third, we are going to approach one of
several possible organizations that is pairing homeless families with host
homes. We don't know the details of how this will work yet, but one family in
our church has an upstairs area in their house that is vacant. They have
volunteered. Our education building has showers and could perhaps house a family
or even two if needed. We'll just have our bible studies elsewhere for the time
being. We'll begin the process by connecting with an organization that is
helping to make this happen, but we don't know when this will take place.
Fourth, we will want to provide food and
supplies for any families that end up with us, so everyone in our church is
encouraged to buy a few extra goods at the store when shopping. These will be
put in a pantry at the church for families that end up at our church or at one
of our homes.
In the event that we do not get to host a
family, we'll simply donate the food to someone who does have a family.
I have gotten emails and comments from people
far away who would like to be a part of this. No problem. Just click the
"Support
RLP with Paypal" link, (top left) and make a notation in the
comment area that you wish your gift to be used for families in need.
I will take your money and go straight to the
store to buy baby supplies, food, or clothing for people that we are helping.
Every cent will go to a family in need. As things progress, I'll keep you posted
on what happens.
This is the way it will get done. One family at
a time.
rlp
