Hurricane Harvey

August 29, 2017

We have all watched with amazement the devastation caused by hurricane Harvey. We in the Midwest are soooo far removed from this event by geography. But with the non-stop coverage on social, network, cable, and satellite media sources, we are transported into the midst of the storm.

It is almost surreal to see the wind and water damages blasting the homes and people literally wading in water up to their necks seeking refuge on housetops awaiting rescue. I praise God for the relatively small loss of life. I also pray for the Christian community in Texas and these United States that we can be a testimony to those who are suffering material, physical, emotional, and spiritual need.

The Red Cross local state and federal agencies are banding together to do as much as they can to help these people in need. May God help the Christian community to help as well. Operation Renewed Hope is an organization Christians can feel good about supporting with relief dollars knowing the monies will go towards the intended goal of helping people and not paying huge overhead expenses. They also work through local churches close to the devastated area so the distribution is not just for the physical need but will also be extended to those in need with gospel love. If you need an outlet you can trust will put your gift to the best use, I recommend them from personal experience. Our church worked through them when Hurricane Rita struck.

Because of IRS requirements you have to request where you wish your gift to be directed. You could put in the memo “Harvey Relief Efforts”. Their mailing information is:

If you wish to give by check, please send the check to Operation Renewed Hope, P.O. Box 43242, Fayetteville, NC 28309.  Please designate the gift for your specific purpose using “My preference is” then stipulate your preference “Harvey Relief Efforts. You can also donate online: If you wish to give by credit or debit card, please go to www.operationrenewedhope.org and choose “Network for Good.”  Please designate the gift for your specific purpose using “My preference is” then stipulate your preference.

Floods, fires, famines, earthquakes, wars, crime, and all of the hurt, pain and suffering is a constant reminder we live in a temporal, fallen world. Life is tenuous and short. Thank God there is a remedy for the curse found in Jesus Christ our Lord. May God find us faithful stewards of all he has done for us. May He help us to help others as we are able.

James 4:4-5 “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”

Love in Christ,

Pastor John Schofield

James 2:15-17 ¹⁵ If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, ¹⁶ And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? ¹⁷ Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.