FIRST PERSON: SBTC churches can be ‘Churches of Refuge’ for those displaced by Katrina

Being a lifelong resident of Louisiana until a little over 10 years ago, I am heartbroken over the Katrina disaster. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, my seminary, is damaged and under water. Many of my pastor friends had their congregations scattered by the hurricane. Even more disturbing are thousands upon thousands who are homeless, destitute and lacking the basics in human hygiene.

Over 100 Southern Baptists of Texas Convention Disaster Relief volunteers were on the ground within hours of the storm. Some of them in peril of life distributed food and comforted the suffering. Over 40 calls an hour for the first few days came through the SBTC switchboard. Over 30,000 Texans came forward for SBTC disaster relief training and thousands of the Southern Baptist volunteers hit the field immediately. This relief effort will be ongoing for months. There will be no quick fix.

Franklin Graham mentioned the possibility of churches adopting at least one family. This is one way we can be a caring witness for Jesus and be a good citizen too. “Houses of Hope” (Psalm 46:1) can help alleviate human suffering and provide love in Jesus’ name. Thousands of people could be ministered to through this effort. Please contact our office by e-mail (sbtexas@sbtexas.com) or call toll-free 1-877-953-7282 to participate as one of the “Houses of Hope.”

The mystique of New Orleans may never be the same. By the grace of God, maybe we can see lives that will never be the same because we share Jesus with them.