Hi church, Many of us have been horrified to hear of the devastation being visited on the people of the Philippines by Typhoon Haiyan. It is estimated that thousands of people have died in what has been described as “the most powerful tropical storm ever to make landfall”. Desperate children and families have lost their homes and possessions. What we currently know is: • 11.3 million people have been directly affected with 1.7million of them being children. • 660,000 people are homeless (with approx. 95,000 pregnant women among them). • 2.5million people are in urgent need of food assistance. • Livelihoods of 2 million people have been destroyed - with severe damage to infrastructure, agriculture as well as telecommunications. • Safety of children is a concern, with a National State of Calamity declared due to looting and civil disruption. Tim Costello, who spoke recently at our church, is currently on site in the Philippines - he commented shortly after arrival by saying “In World Vision’s 56 years working in the Philippines, there has never been anything like this. It’s total and utter devastation. Your prayers and generosity are needed as the work to be done is overwhelming.” The Bible, in the book of Titus 2:14, tells us that “[Jesus] gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people who are zealous for good works.” Thank God that we aren’t saved by our good works (we are saved by His grace alone), but that we have been saved to also join Him in good works (see Ephesians 2:8-10; Matthew 5:16; James 2:14-17; 2 Timothy 3:17; Hebrews 10:24; Luke 4:18; Matthew 25:31-46; 1 Timothy 6:17-19). In light of what’s happening in the Philippines, this weekend we will be giving anyone who would like an opportunity to give to a special offering for the immediate needs and ongoing disaster recovery for these precious people – brothers and sisters of ours in our global family. We will be giving this opportunity, as God’s people “zealous for good works”, at XS youth & on Sunday morning – and all finances will be distributed through our friends and partners at World Vision. As we continue to pray for the people of the Philippines, may we be reminded of an ancient Franciscan prayer: May God bless us with discomfort... Discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships So that we may live from deep within our hearts. May God bless us with anger... Anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of Gods creations So that we may work for justice, freedom, and peace. May God bless us with tears... Tears to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, isolation and war, So that we may reach out our hands to comfort them and To turn their pain into joy. And may God bless us with foolishness... Just enough foolishness to believe that we can make a difference in the world, So that we can do what others claim cannot be done: To bring Jesus kingdom of hope, justice and kindness to all our children and all our neighbours who are poor.” Amen. Matt Anderson Lead Pastor
Posted on: Fri, 15 Nov 2013 02:31:17 +0000
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