Rain, Wind, and Waves

Rain, Wind, and Waves

Recent events on the Gulf Coast have made it quite apparent that we are not in charge or in control of as much as we think we are. As a massive, water laden front stalled out over the Houston area and now heads for Louisiana, we can do little but run, warn, and pray. Nationally we are witnessing a serious slowdown in gasoline production and distribution. 

Thousands of people are homeless and living as refugees. All in all, it is not a pretty picture. However, the longer one observes the disaster there are bright spots to be found. Stories are increasingly circulating about persons stepping up to bridge the gap in federal and state aid. The “Cajun Navy” has been out in personal craft lifting people from flooded streets and homes. Others with unflooded homes have taken complete strangers under their own family’s roof until housing is available. People are sharing with those previously unknown to them food, money, and other goods. Anheuser-Busch has stopped brewing beer in order to turn their brewery into a fresh water canning facility. 

While some fixated and generally uninformed persons clash over ways to divide and silence their fellow country men and women, Houston stands tall as a city where race and politics have seemingly been vanquished by humans doing their best to meet the needs of other humans. Of course, not all is bright and cheery. Reports of gangs moving into the devastated region to loot and pillage are turning out to be true. 

Outstanding among all this is the news that without the efforts of the faith communities of Baptists, Episcopalians, Methodists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, and thousands of independent churches the ability to quickly dispense aid in the storm ravaged areas would be enormously hampered. Finally, a positive light thrown on Jesus People who are out being Jesus to terribly shaken and broken neighbors. The Church is throwing love and grace in all directions rather than rocks, bricks, and obscene epithets. Make no mistake about it, Jesus IS in Houston. 

As I write this I think about our friends in Kenya who are limited to five cups of water and one meal a day. I think a lot about Bishop Zakayo and the words he ends every meal blessing with, “And for those, Lord, who have nothing, may you provide something.” Remember him and his ministry to eighty-thousand Anglican Christians who are not only facing drought and famine but civil war between opposing forces in the government. The major difference is that in Houston it is a fact government, state, and private individuals will send massive amounts of aid and money, and society will be rebuilt. In Kenya, no such help will come. 

Whether in Houston or Kenya, Christians are doing what Christians do best; spread the story of Jesus in words and in actions. He is, after all, our reason for believing, and, dear friends, the world badly needs Jesus! 

See you in church on Sunday,

Andrew +