Each morning and evening I watch the news weeping and in prayer for all those touched by this hurricane. I know that some are dismayed at how long it has taken for the Federal government to get moving on this. We need to look at two things here:
1. The best I can figure, at least 40% of the National Guard and Reservists are overseas fighting the war against terrorism. The percentage may be even higher. To say that they are already stretched beyond their limits is an understatement. We need to pray for our officials and the troops on the ground that they can move swiftly and under the anointing of the Holy Spirit to get their jobs done.
2. We need to understand the magnitude of this disaster. It covers several states. One small area is easy to provide aid, but over three states are almost impossible. Again, we need to pray for wisdom beyond human understanding. Almighty God needs to give His wisdom to our officials on what to do.
There is also a spirit of anarchy loose in New Orleans. Who in their right minds will shoot at rescue crews that are only trying to save lives. It has delayed the evacuation of the sick in several hospitals to the place were many have died waiting for transport. Then we add to the mix gangs of armed men roaming the streets, robbing the victims and reports of raping the women. Body of Christ, it is time we hit our knees and bound up this spirit. It will make the job so much easier on the troops trying to restore order if we do.
If you have a denomination that has the support mechanism in place to offer relief, pray about making a contribution. For those independent ministers, I want to pass along an e-mail I received from Dr. John Looper at the Restoration Fellowship International. If you feel impressed by the Holy Spirit to give through RFI to help the needy over the long haul, here would be a great place:
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Dear Pastors, Ministers, Associates & Friends of RFI:
You are probably like me, as you watch the largest natural disaster
in United States history unfolding in the Gulf Coast region, it's hard
to sleep at night as your heart brakes for the suffering and the dying.
The immense magnitude of this disaster has overwhelmed our gover-
mental structures, agencies and people.
I have already been receiving calls from various places, as to when
and how the RFI association should respond with a unified Home Missions
faith based relief effort to this incomprehensible disaster.
Since this will be a long process, requiring months of relief and emergency
assistance efforts by our nation and by faith based ministries (such as RFI),
I propose that we encourage all of the RFI congregations and associates to
begin to raise and set aside money resources for Home Missions relief efforts.
I also propose, that as soon as the government agencies and first responders
do their initial work over the next few weeks to gain control of the situation and
to determine how faith based ministries can best respond to the enormous
continuing needs, that we collectively come up with a plan of action involving
both volunteers and monetary donations to help our brothers and sisters and
fellow citizens in the Gulf Coast region.
Please give this your heartfelt consideration and respond to me with
your thoughts and suggestions on this urgent matter.
"God bless America. Let Your grace, mercy and compassion rest upon us."
This is my intercessory prayer!
Your friend and servant,
Dr. John Looper
Executive Director
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Here is their contact information:
Restoration Fellowship Int.
P.O. Box 5822
Cleveland, TN 37320-5822
E-Mail: Jlo2357327@aol.com
Phone: 423/479-4249
Fax: 423/479-4282
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