Mission Point: Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief
The story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) gives a clear picture of God’s desire for us to help those in desperate need wherever we find them. After describing how the Samaritan rescued a hurting man whom others had passed by, Jesus told His hearers, “Go and do likewise.” Samaritan’s Purse mobilizes staff and equipment and enlists thousands of volunteers to provide emergency aid to victims of tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters in the United States in the name of Jesus Christ. God commanded us to Love God and Love People (Matthew 22:37-40), especially in their darkest hour.
On Tuesday August 8th, dry conditions on the island of Maui, Hawaii prompted catastrophic wildfires as winds from Category 4 Hurricane Dora swept it into an inferno. The storm produced gusts of up to 80 miles per hour across the Islands. The strong winds caused Maui’s brushfires to burn out of control. One of Maui’s well known and oldest towns– the town of Lahaina was decimated by the wildfire. Tragically, the historic town, home to more than 13,000 people, was leveled and scores have died from the blaze. In less than 3 hours, the small fire ripped through the city of Lahaina. Many residents had to flee for the ocean as the fires spread as there was not an option to flee inland. Some were saved by the coast guard but unfortunately many succumbed to hypothermia or exhaustion as many were treading water for more than 6 hours. Many other residents may have succumbed to the fire while trying to get out of the town in their cars. Currently the death toll is known to be approximately 111 people with over 1,300 people missing, which makes this wildfire one of the deadliest wildfires in modern U.S. history. In addition to the fatalities, the fire destroyed more than 2,200 structures in the town.
Our job as volunteers for Samaritans Purse Disaster Relief is to provide light in the darkness, hope in despair and unconditional love during suffering. We provide disaster relief efforts to lessen the burden for those that are suffering while spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. “So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individual members one of another. We are to bear each other’s burdens, so that there is more than one shoulder under the weight of life. We are strengthened by one another and able to bear up under the weight of the suffering of this world” (Romans 12:5). It is a subtle peaceful type of serving and evangelism that truly allows people to understand the love of Christ.
Maui needs your prayers and support. Please consider joining us.
Jamie Morse, Nicole Calvert and Becky Haas
https://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/responding-to-hawaiis-wildfires/
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