Are you like me – heartbroken watching the news of all of the hurricane damage and flooding in the Gulf Coast? We have so many friends in that area – they post they are safe one day, and then the next, they are being evacuated.
It’s overwhelming.
It’s paralyzing.
If you’ve been through any natural disaster, you know firsthand just what a long road the people of Houston, Galveston, and those in the other affected areas are facing.
But today’s verse on the YouVersion Bible App is a call for all of us outside of the shelters. Outside of the flood region:
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
There are so many who need our help, in Texas, in Louisiana, in our cities, in our neighborhoods.
So be encouraged – first, it’s never for nothing. Help. Do the right thing. God sees. No one else needs to!
If you are like me, and weren’t sure where to start, here’s a list of organizations that we have vetted who are doing incredible work on the ground. They need our support!
BUT please don’t make a disaster an excuse to get rid of stuff you don’t want. This isn’t a garage sale. People need food, water, hygiene items, blankets, towels, cleaning supplies, cleaning gloves, work gloves, masks, tools, fans, generators, bleach…not that old shirt that has the coffee stain on it. Also, clothes and furniture tend to bog down systems immediately following a disaster.
Here is how NOT to help.
How to help:
If you’re in Tennessee, Conduit Mission will be delivering truckloads of supplies, with shipments leaving daily. We trust these guys completely, and they will be receiving our money and supplies!
World Vision has teams mobilized and on the ground.
And fleets of trucks have been heading to TX from Samaritan’s Purse. These guys know how to help in a disaster – through this link you can give, AND volunteer to help.
Lakewood Church has taken a beating for no reason at all during this hurricane. They have an army of volunteers out working on relief. Here’s a link to send supplied directly to their local efforts.
We have been heartbroken watching people be separated from their pets on the news! Help the furry victims of Harvey at Best Friends, Austin Pets Alive, or simply at your local PetSmart.
Help the very young and the very old by giving to the Texas Diaper Bank.
Food banks are always in need – and a few bucks can go a long way! Here’s the Corpus Christi link.
Who are you entrusting with your donation to help? How are you volunteering? Even if you can’t make it to Houston, maybe this Labor Day weekend is time to do something good for someone else. It doesn’t matter where. Let’s not get weary doing good!
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