SERVING ANY WAY YOU CAN...

It's been an interesting week here in the OKC Metro with the aftermath of the tornadoes that hit Tuesday night! My husband works with Disaster Relief and it's a crazy type ministry where you are expected to respond quickly and efficiently. It doesn't always go that way, but he tries. We have lots of volunteers with different abilities and availability, so he plugs them into jobs. We were particularly focused on a family in our congregation whose home was almost completely blown away. My husband and others worked "SALVAGE" at their house on Wednesday. Can you imagine, sifting through rubble looking for things to salvage from your home? I haven't even mentioned the families who lost loved ones. Thankfully the family of six from our church were all accounted for. Next comes destruction of the remaining structure, sorting flammable and non-flammable items, burning remains and other stuff put into dumpsters (if they're available). In the midst of this, there are insurance claims to make and temporary housing and essentials to find. I am not really physically able to lift debris right now. But I can organize, accept, and deliver donations! You serve any way you can, and every little bit is appreciated!
We had a secondary priority to help students at Northwood Elementary in Piedmont, so our church took donations for them.
This young lady has a broken ankle but she came to help and totaled up the gift cards and sorted them for us - I'm happy to say they totaled over $3,000!
Loading clothing, water, groceries, and toiletries for delivery
Unloading the goods
Presenting the gift cards to the teacher contact from our church and her principal!

It's wonderful to see the way Christians respond in these situations! I almost cried several times at the sweet gestures. One person gave 4 - $25 gift cards and had written on each envelope notes of encouragement. They didn't know who it would go to but wanted them to know they were praying for them! Every little donation is appreciated, and don't ever think you don't have anything to give. It all helps!

Romans 12:6-8

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.