Posted on 09/09/2005 7:29:38 PM PDT by WestTexasWend
For Linda Cooley, a visit to Dallas' Concord Missionary Baptist Church this week meant a three-course meal, a bag of toiletries, a Wal-Mart gift card, a blue "Sunday go to meeting" hat, and assurances that more help would be forthcoming.
Hurricane Katrina claimed Ms. Cooley's New Orleans home, but she has found sustenance – and friends – at Concord.
"It uplifts my spirits to come here," said Ms. Cooley, now staying with her sister in Dallas. "And it keeps me from watching CNN."
While the federal government response to Hurricane Katrina has yielded widespread criticism and the promise of congressional hearings, the faithful in north-central Texas and elsewhere have earned high marks from victims and disaster experts.
"What would it be like if ... [faith-based volunteers] weren't there?" said Ande Miller, director of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. "It would be incomprehensible."
The importance of churches and other religious groups was underscored Friday when Dallas Mayor Laura Miller, joined by New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, accused FEMA and other federal agencies of causing "chaos and dysfunction."
"Dallas can no longer wait for help," Ms. Miller said at a City Hall news conference. She then announced that local faith groups, led by the Potter's House, would lead a blitz to move 1,500 evacuees from shelters to apartments.
The effort of such groups so far "makes you proud to be a person of faith," said Bishop T.D. Jakes, founding minister of the Potter's House.
(Excerpt) Read more at dallasnews.com ...
Hey Laura, What in the hell are you waiting for? ... Looks like Ms. Miller been seduced by the Government Cheese?
But once again we see who comes through when there is a need.......... and that Bush was RIGHT. ONCE AGAIN.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES PREPARES FOR MASSIVE RELIEF EFFORT
I'm shocked that locally based communities that believe in selflessly helping your fellow man were more agile than massive federal burocracies and political special interest groups. /sarcasim
I agree. The Government's legitimate role is in fact: "defense, peace and order".
The State needs to bear the sword and shield and bring Wrath unto the evildoer[s], in strict accordance with the New Testament reference in the Book of Romans. Executing justice is not the purview of any individual, but is solely the responsibility of the lawful Government.
Conversely, the Christian Church does not have that responsibility of maintaining "law and order" and exacting just punishment, but of being the "good cop" of 'standing in the gap' for the entire society, regardless of ills. The Church can in fact do "immeasurably more" than what you depict as the "body politic" /"state" (lower case) [[ IE: the secular, atheist, Left-wing, "nanny" state, "welfare state" of FDR, LBJ, et. al.]]...
We must all be found working and doing what is right when The Master returns.
No amount of taxes sent to the Liberal Nanny State will replace our requirement for personal investment via blood, sweat and tears in the lives of others when it matters most. Checks do not suffice, and wealth will not save in the day of the LORD.
We must be engaged in Good Works (not for Salvation - we are not saved by "works" EVER) to hopefully bring Glory to the God who made us all and who has endeavored to save us all though His only Son, Our Lord and only Savior/Saviour Jesus Christ.
Having said that, Western Christendom need not "cave in" and become internally weak, but that is another issue altogether.
It really has been amazing to see how our churches have worked hard, and worked together, to put together relief operations and provide shelter, food, clothing, and other needs to the evacuees. My own congregation really came through with an additional offering on Sunday -- equal to or normal Sunday offering -- to be used for Katrina relief ... and this is in addition to the relief service we're providing to evacuees who have settled in our community in motels, friends and families homes, and on the floors of church Fellowship Halls.
Right - but that means that the unfaithful, the non-church people get a free ride and the church people pay for all and do all.
Is that fair?
How come atheists can't donate, can't help others?
How come non-church people can't donate, can't help others?
What about company groups, neighborhood groups getting together and lending a hand too?
Oops. Posted to wrong thread, but in reply to this thread I would agree with you. He's been mercilessly savaged for those faith based initiative even from conservatives but who has stepped up?
I do hope the Church keeps a level head though. Just because we're getting praise from the media, doesn't mean their agenda doesn't remain the same. But I am proud of those stepping up to help.
Actually, I'm sure non Church going..non believing folks are stepping up. They are just doing so individually, not organized in an identifiable group. Certainly companies are stepping up and have been duly noted for doing so.
But you are correct. Nothing prohibits neighborhoods/towns/cities from organizing to help.
All should help.
However, this may turn out to be the new chance of a new life for many of the poor. So very sad they had this tragedy on top of being poor. But, just maybe, it will be a new start for them for a better life. I pray it is anyway and I hope they will be reunited with families, pets, loved ones.
Right - but that means that the unfaithful, the non-church people get a free ride and the church people pay for all and do all. Yes this is true but when it is all over the people who worked and helped will get their reward.
you are correct and besides - we are told to do so.
Matt. 25:41-45
"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,
I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
"faith-based" initiative is working fine. It's working better than the government!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.