Thursday, April 29, 2010, Nashville, TN., 6:17 a.m., D.S.T.~

I sit here in the comfort of my home, thinking about things.  I am mainly thinking about those poor people in Mississippi and Arkansas, who were rocked by a series of tornadoes; Mississippi (namely Yazoo City) got hit especially hard.  As many a dozen people were killed, including several children and an infant; there's no telling how many people were injured during this weather event.  A good part of Yazoo City was damaged by this tornado; now these people must pick up what's left of their lives and move on.

Those who have nothing will have the hardest time.  I can't imagine the pain or heartache they must be facing.  God has put it upon my heart that we, as a church body, should reach out and do something -- anything -- to help these people rebuild.

I know several teams of medical workers from local hospitals have gone down to offer assistance in any way they can.  We will be having a "clothes and toy drive"; what people do not want or need, we will gather them in boxes and send them to the storm victims.  Diapers, nonperishable foods, "gently used" toys and clothing, shoes, socks, underwear ...  whatever people find it in their heart to donate, they will bring it to the church, and our "crisis management/disaster team" will box everything up and send it to the storm-ravaged areas.

I have been in several tornadoes (as well as hurricanes) myself from when I lived in Louisiana, so I know exactly what it is like.  Maybe not to the extent of what these people are facing, but I know of the pain, the fear, the uncertainty.  It is a mighty helpless feeling to go through something like a tornado or hurricane (any disaster, really), because you don't know what lies down the road or who is affected.  Next time it could be you who is going through something like this.

Disasters can happen anytime, and hit anywhere.  It is up to us to answer the call and give a helping hand to those who are most in need.  Right now, it is the storm victims of Arkansas and Mississippi --  and this on top of the recent earthquake victims of Chile and Haiti, who are still trying to recover and get their lives back.  They still need our help as well.  So many hurting people; it is enough to break a person's spirit right in two!

This is when we need to become stewards and help those who truly need it.  We need to show the love of Christ and give these people a sense of hope; right now they are feeling anything but.  They are feeling scared.  Vulnerable.  Fearful.  Confused.  Devastated.  They don't know what has happened to them:  they are in a state of disbelief and utter shock; it is going to take months, no, years, for them to rebuild what was lost in a matter of mere minutes.

We need to partner with these people and say:  "We're right by you, buddy!"  "You aren't alone!"  "We're here to help you get back on your feet!"  We need to show love, compassion, and support.

On Sunday, our church is going to have a special sermon about "Helping Others In Times of Trouble", and there will be a special love offering for the storm victims.  If I know my church body, they will reach deep down and give what they can; they have never disappointed us in the past; we've been able to help people when it was needed the most.

Well, I must get into my prayer closet and start the day off right.  I will write in here again soon; until later, this is Pastor Bilkey saying so long and God bless!  Please keep the storm victims (as well as the people of Haiti and Chile) in your prayers; they could all use a miracle about now!  Your prayers are greatly appreciated!  And pray for those who are helping out; they need your prayers as well!  Thanks in advance!

~As always,

In His service, Pastor Bruce Bilkey, Christ Community Assembly of God Church, Nashville, Tennessee.  :(