We’ll be hearing about disaster relief for the rest of the year and into 2006. It’s going to take immense sums of money, intense labor, and involved members to take care of the needs of our brethren in the areas stricken by hurricane Katrina. The response has already been huge and most of us have planned to increase our giving today in order to provide relief. Disasters of the proportion of Katrina are not annual events, for which we are thankful, but every year sees smaller-scale calamities whivch leave communities in various parts of the nation facing enormous needs for relief. So disaster relief is going to be a continuing need, specially in the next decade when storm activity is expected to more intense.
Some factors in the devastation faced by Louisiana, Mississippi, and portions of Alabama should be noted as warnings to Floridians. Preparedness is a must when the hurricane season begins, and we should begin early to put in supplies of necessities as recommended by numerous sources such as newspapers, TV, the Red Cross, the internet, and so on. Don’t be among the last-minute shoppers who face empty shelves in supermarkets and home-improvement stores. Stock up early on the batteries, water, food staples, and plywood if you need that.
Another thing we should be aware of is the need to look out for each other. If there are shut-ins or people sick at home who need help with transportation or the purchase of emergency supplies, we should make sure we give them assistance. If there is any doubt in your mind, call them to make sure they are all right and have what they need well before the storms hit. Look to the examples in the New Testament where the early church rallied to the needs of brethren: “The congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them…. For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need” Acts 4:32-35.
In a disaster such as we’ve just seen, there is another and more dire danger faced by victims of the storm—the danger of being unprepared to face the judgment which will surely follow death. If you are clothed with Christ through obedience to the gospel, you will be properly prepared. But it will be too late to call for baptism when a wall of water is bearing down on you! And the saddest and most dismal sound will be the call: “Too late!”
In the moments left before a disaster arrives you may berate yourself with the thoughts: “If only I had listened!” “If only I had gone down the aisle at church!” “If only I had called a friend and asked him to help me be baptized!”
But it’s not too late today, since we have been spared to see today. Why don’t you take care of your most pressing needs now. If you haven’t obeyed the gospel then find out what you have to do and take care of it today! Don’t end today with an “If only” on your mind!