In response, I want to say a couple of things about the flooding and how it has affected Origins and will affect Origins.
First, Origins will respond. We are talking with contacts in Columbia as well as with leadership in South Carolina Disaster Relief (this is the Southern Baptist organization that serves the state or abroad in the wake of any natural disaster). They are telling us that until the flood waters recede later this week, they can not assess need. As soon as Matthew and I know what the needs are, we will make a move. Until then, pray. Pray for healing, hope, less damage than expected, and for people to come to faith in Christ in the middle of tragedy and loss. As Origins responds, we will respond in:
- Prayer. Take time this week in your CG to pray specifically for people in our state who are affected and are grieving, disoriented, feeling hopeless, and suffering catastrophic loss. Pray also for those who will serve them. Pray that the Church will rise to the occasion and serve those who are hurting.
- Give. When we know where to best give financially, Origins will give and we will receive a love offering (hopefully, over and above our givers' regular financial contributions) to help those affected. We ask that you wait to give until we can all give together. Because of Gospel partnership, we have already heard from Jason Shine and our church plants in Edmonton that they want to give financially to Origins to help in the effort.
- Go. Disaster Relief will respond soon, and one of our best men in Origins, Jim Whitworth, will likely deploy to serve in an area of need. We will commission him as one sent on mission when he goes. (This serves as a great reminder to our men and women to go through Disaster Relief training when its offered to be able to go and serve.) We are also talking with some partners about sending small teams of people who aren't trained for Disaster Relief in the days ahead and will keep you posted on that. (Jason Shine may also come and serve alongside us with this effort.)
Second, concerning giving in Origins. Losing a Sunday -- particularly a first Sunday -- puts the church in an interesting financial position. We are praying that your offering that many of you give on the first Sunday of each month will be brought on the second Sunday of this month. You guys are a generous church, and the mission we participate in locally, in our state and nation, and around the world couldn't happen without your regular, generous, joyful, and sacrificial giving. Please don't fail to give this month as we know God is going to call us to sacrifice to help the hurting in addition to our regular ministry expenses.
Third, thank you to the Community Group leaders who spread the word about Origins not meeting yesterday for Sunday Gathering. While most churches in Greenville met for worship, we felt that the South Carolina Emergency Management Division's statewide request to keep people off the road was one that we needed to honor. We were torn. But we trust that in staying home maybe you prayed, spent time in the Word, worshiped, ate a good meal, or took a nice nap -- all of which are acts of worship to Jesus when done with grateful hearts for his grace and love. Please plan to come this Sunday, October 11, to Origins with hearts ready to worship Jesus and pray for our brothers and sisters in our state and around the world.
Finally, know that its a privilege to pastor you that Matthew and I do not take lightly. We love you. We are so grateful to lead a faith family where people seek to love Jesus in all aspects of life each day of every week rather than just for one hour on Sunday morning. This tragedy has reminded me that God is with us in the flood waters (Isaiah 42) and that these moments provide a chance for the body of Christ, the Church, to step up and be Jesus with skin on to a watching world.
