Katrina

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15

We cannot help but weep at the devastating news. We can pray. And roll up our sleeves. Salvation Army, Mercy Corps, and Samaritan’s Purse have proven track records of fiscal responsibility and getting the job done, and are taking donations to relieve Katrina’s victims. Homeschooling Today has set up Operation Katrina (Broken link, active September 5, 2005) to provide aid to homeschooling families caught in the disaster. The Home School Foundation has established the Hurricane Emergency Response program to do the same. Perhaps your local church has organized relief funds or efforts.

The news last week was grim. Not just the natural disaster, but the looting and violence which followed filled the headlines. But the light is shining in the darkness. A baby born eleven weeks prematurely during the storm in a hospital without power, water, and subject to looters, has refused to succumb and is fighting for her life. In the French Quarter, the remaining residents have formed “tribes” to help each other survive, rather than to prey on each other. Many are responding spiritually (Broken link, active September 5, 2005) to the disaster in the vein of Jesus’ admonition: “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” And two Christian leaders in New Orleans are testifying to God’s mercy in the aftermath of the hurricane.

As usual, Michelle Malkin is on top of the story behind the disaster response story. The need seems so great, but our God is Somebody Big. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. So let us not cease praying! And giving, and helping!