The night an earthquake woke us in our sleep, I felt totally vulnerable. A natural disaster like an earthquake, hurricane, or tornado has the power to show us how small we are. People who survive extra-ordinary forces of nature know how it feels to be helpless.
Natural disasters shake more than buildings; they shake faith to the core.
In the aftermath of disaster, people need basic provisions like shelter, water, food, and medical care, but they also need hope. When believers step in to provide relief, they can offer something unique to the people of God. They are able to act out of faith on behalf of the all-powerful, loving God who knows, hears, and sees the needs of each hurting person. As they pass out water bottles and blankets, trays of food and medical supplies, they also have the capacity to be ambassadors of God’s peace. Fear and pain often inspire people to reach for the only One who is greater than creation itself and can calm the storms within our hearts and all around us.
Today I thought it might be helpful to share some of those who are faith-driven to provide help in Moore, Oklahoma. If you have one you would add to this list, please share in the comments for others to see.
How to pray for volunteers in Moore, OK
- to have energy physically and emotionally for the work they are doing
- to have wisdom in using the resources available to meet the great needs
- to be healthy as they stretch themselves to extraordinary limits
- to have wellness in their own families and freedom to serve as a result
- to experience cooperation and unity with their co-workers
- to communicate clearly and compassionately in a tense setting
- to think clearly in the midst of mental and physical fatigue
- to sleep well whenever they have the opportunity to rest
- to find comfort in prayer during and around their shifts
- to be insightful about when to speak to, pray for, and touch victims
Faith-based volunteers helping after Moore, OK tornadoes
- Samaritan’s Purse (deployed to Moore and Shawnee, OK)
- Convoy of Hope (disaster fleet began arriving Tuesday)
- Mercy Chefs (deployed units to help feed those impacted)
- Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Rapid Response Team (crisis trained chaplains)
- BGCO OK Disaster Relief (Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma)
