| Dear members of the Body of Christ,
God’s grace be with you.
On behalf of the Lutheran Disaster Response Team of our synod, I am writing this letter for you to consider an opportunity to serve Christ in a special way this coming May. Throughout my pastoral ministry, I have had wonderful and grace-filled opportunities to lead work trips to help people who have found themselves in circumstances beyond their control and/or beyond their means. This mission work is important for God’s people to continue from generation to generation.
I personally, as well as those who have participated on these trips, learned that getting in as early as possible to help with clean-up and restoration is very important. We found that depression and despair hit individuals and families pretty hard, and more intensely the longer they had to wait for “help.” We also learned that God blessed us as we pounded nails, cleaned up yards, hung sheet rock, and other construction type things. Not only did it feel good to help, even after a long, hot, and tiring day, we felt renewed in helping “our neighbor in need” and bringing smiles back to their faces. Even though there is physical work, more often than not, the real ministry happens in just listening to peoples’ stories, supporting them spiritually, and praying with and for them. I believe this is part of what Jesus means when he says our family will increase a hundredfold and more as we minister to others in his name (Mark 10: 28-30). God has indeed richly blessed my life and those who have traveled with me in mission and ministry.
As my testimony sinks in, I and the Lutheran Disaster Response Team of our synod, ask you to receive, consider, and accept this invitation to travel and serve those who are recovering from Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. |
