“For who has known the mind of the Lord?”

A few months ago I had the pleasure of conversing with Don Elbourne, the administrator of the blog Locusts and Wild Honey. Although I came in contact with him through a sensitive theological discussion on his website, it seems that the sovereign hand of God was at work during this time. For now he and his church desperately need help. As many of you know, Elbourne’s church, Lakeshore Baptist Church in Lakeshore, MS was completely obliterated by Hurricane Katrina. The storm not only destroyed the church building, but the members lost their houses as well. The families are living in tents where their houses use to stand, and luxuries like electricity and running water are non-existent. Please go to Elbourne.org for details and pictures on this heartbreaking story. Below are the 'before and after' pictures of this church.


Relief Effort
I want to make everyone aware of the devastation of this community, and to ask help from all who read this. My church, Grace Bible Church, initially assisted in sending a truck full of supplies to Lakeshore MS. However, upon this visit it was realized that these people need MUCH more than what we could provide at that time. The devastation was much worse than a few pictures can do justice. These people have NOTHING. One lady broke out in tears when she was given a bottle of shampoo! That is the kind of devastation these people are dealing with. Therefore, over the next few weeks my church will be collecting items to send to the victims. Once our trucks are full, we will be driving down to Lakeshore to help these desperate people. To this I must offer a challenge to all who read this:

“But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.” - 1 John 3:17-19

My church has set up a garage where we will store supplies during this time. If you live near Atlanta, GA please consider donating to this relief effort by contacting me and arranging a date and time where you can drop off supplies with us. If you do not live in the GA area, you may give money by visiting Lakeshore Baptist Church and clicking the “Make a Donation” link at the bottom of the page. Otherwise, if you live outside of Atlanta, feel free to mail me any items you would like to donate. For it looks as though we will not be driving down this week, as hurricane Rita is looming in the Gulf. That will allow time for the UPS delivery to make it here in time. Here is an idea of what is needed:

Men and women's disposable shavers
Bottled Water/jugs of water
bleach for purifying the water
Deodorant/soap
suntan lotion/bug spray or wipes
feminine products
Purell pumps and individual packets
Hair brushes/combs
Toothbrushes/toothpaste
wash cloths/towels
baby wipes/diapers
Batteries
pillows/pillow cases
ziploc bags/gallon for dividing supplies
Gator-aide
baby food
packaged meats/cold cuts
peanut butter/jelly
Vienna sausage/Spam
Tylenol/Band-Aids
Alcohol/hydrogen peroxide
Cloths –for men women and children.

Please, anything will help. These people have NOTHING.

Why Help This Particular Church?
I encourage everyone to help out this devastation where they can, if nothing else, give to the Red Cross. However, these people are not likely to see the Red Cross, as Lakeshore MS is not exactly the biggest city in the state. In addition, these people are truly dedicated to serving the Lord. In a time where there is so much devastation, where it is impossible to help everyone affected by Katrina, it would be wise to pick a specific area to minister to and truly make a difference in that area. It’s impossible to help everyone, why not help those who are committed to serving the Lord? If we can help these people, we can be sure they will continue to help others around them, and use this devastation as an opportunity to preach the gospel! Let’s get this church back up on its feet, therefore ensuring that these Christians will turn around and serve others who haven’t been helped yet.

Long Term Effort
This isn’t going to be fixed overnight, and once the news media finds something else exciting, people are going to forget all about these people. I imagine that my church will make several trips down there in the coming months, so please do not forget about this effort once a few weeks slip by.

Prayer Also Needed
The people there are understandable overwhelmed. Many Godly people there are drowning in emotions and cannot see the shore. Please remember them in prayer. Please pray the God will strengthen the leaders of this church. Pray that God will use these events to turn people back to Him, and that many will look back on this hurricane as a blessing from heaven.

The Sovereignty of God
I close with Romans 11:33-36:

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has become His counselor? Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him? For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

From the force behind this storm, to the working of small affairs that bring two parties together, God has ordained these events in specific detail. How infinite is His wisdom! Join me in rejoicing that God will bring eternal good out of these unfortunate events!
SDG