HOW CAN WE HELP?

PRAY FOR THE PEOPLE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Here in Central Florida we understand the consequences of natural disasters. We know what it feels like to endure intense wind, rain and flooding that results in massive damage and inconvenience, but to have your house and all of your belongings burn to the ground takes disaster and loss to a whole new level.  We know that among the victims of the fires in California are wealthy celebrities and successful businesspeople, yet there are so many ordinary people just like you and me that are losing everything. 

SO WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT?

We have seen footage of the people of the surrounding communities rise up and in an overwhelming way donate all kinds of resources to those affected by the fires. I know that, if it were in our community, we’d be doing the same. But what can we, here in Florida, do to help the people?  We can PRAY! 

What do we pray about? To be honest, it does feel so overwhelming, that at times like this we’re not quite sure how to pray. But here’s what I’ve learned about praying for people in difficult situations: You simply pray for them the way you’d like to be prayed for if it was you going through the same situation – their needs, their feelings, their families, etc. 

In addition to people’s personal needs, you can pray that God would use the local churches to be a bright Light and a witness of Jesus Christ to everyone involved. Pray that in the midst of the pain and loss people would turn to God for their peace and comfort. Also, pray for wisdom and clarity for how you and I can best think and act according to God’s will in this situation. 

While we were going through and recovering from our storms recently, we know that many people from all over were praying for us. So now is the time for us to pray for others!  Like James 5:16 says, 

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective!”

-Pastor Vern