| Author | Message | ||
| Belvalew Registered user Username: Belvalew Post Number: 640 Registered: 7-2004 |
Please join me in praying for the victims of Katrina. I have friends in the South, in fact some of our numbers here have probably been greately effected by this awesome storm. I manage an alumni website for my academy, and I sent out a call to prayer early yesterday. It took a little while to start getting responses, but that prayerline is very active now. I stayed up all night until the storm made landfall and I witnessed a little miracle. Did any of the rest of you notice that just before landfall she wobbled a little to the east, pickup up her lumbering gait, and the western side of her ripped apart, at least temporarily. This meant that there wasn't as much water to fall on the people of New Orleans and all of those areas that are already below sea level. She is continuing to pick up the pace, which is very good because she's still massive and organized, but if she moves more rapidly she won't drop as much rain in any one place. Keep praying that God will temper the effects of this storm. She stands the potential of causing death and destruction, not just today, but because of the potential for flooding and standing water, and all of the horrors that those things bring with them. | ||
| Jwd Registered user Username: Jwd Post Number: 87 Registered: 4-2005 |
Yes, Belvalew, We have been praying off and on since yesterday. I fear for the poor, elderly, who do not have the means to get out or get to safety. All the more reason to pray, "Come, Lord Jesus!" J. | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2479 Registered: 12-2003  |
Belva, I've also been praying. Richard monitored some New Orleans-based web cams of the storm until quite late (after 11:00) last night, and this morning they were no longer transmitting. Yes, I did hear that the storm had changed direction and had been downgraded a bit in that area. Colleen | ||
| 91steps Registered user Username: 91steps Post Number: 11 Registered: 8-2005 |
I am out of town now but I need to call a buddy if mine in LA to see how he and his wife made out. | ||
| Belvalew Registered user Username: Belvalew Post Number: 643 Registered: 7-2004 |
For those of you wishing to make donations to Red Cross for the relief of the victims of Katrina, you can stock up on paper towels, etc., and donate at the register at Costco. This makes it very easy. Of course you can go directly to Red Cross on-line sites, I'm sure, and donate via CC. I'm so glad to see that Marshall Law was declared in New Orleans because the National Guard is so much better at making a difference than the other attempts that were taking place yesterday. These are just observations, but I decided that I have to put my money where my mouth is when it comes to caring for the people who have had to experience this devestation. | ||
| Belvalew Registered user Username: Belvalew Post Number: 644 Registered: 7-2004 |
Here I am, back to flogging a dead horse, but I need some clarity on the origins of some quotes extracted from the pages of R/S. I was there again today, hoping to read some compassion, and found very little. I did, however, find some celebration about the fact that Katrina had "cancelled" a party that had been planned in New Orleans by a homosexual organization that was obviously planning for a bit of debauchery. Jeremy, perhaps you can clarify where the following quotes came from. ---------- "I am bidden to declare the message that cities full of transgression, and sinful in the extreme, will be destroyed by earthquakes, by fire, by flood."--Ev 27 (April 27, 1906). {LDE 115.2} "The end is near and every city is to be turned upside down every way. There will be confusion in every city. Everything that can be shaken is to be shaken and we do not know what will come next. The judgments will be according to the wickedness of the people and the light of truth that they have had."--1MR 248 (1902). {LDE 111.3} "The time of God's destructive judgments is the time of mercy for those who have no opportunity to learn what is truth. Tenderly will the Lord look upon them. His heart of mercy is touched; His hand is still stretched out to save, while the door is closed to those who would not enter. Large numbers will be admitted who in these last days hear the truth for the first time."--Letter 103, 1903, p. 4. (To G. B. Starr and wife, June 3, 1903.) ---------- I'm not trying to excuse evil deeds by evil people, and I'm appalled when I hear about the rescue workers being fired upon. I also cringe when I see the utter masses standing around with no food, no water, and no information on how to get to where they need to be to get assistance. Eventually this will be brought under control, but I never dreamed I would see things like this in my beloved United States. | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2494 Registered: 12-2003 |
Belva, I'm having a similar reaction. I don't remember being aware of a large disaster where people turned on each other instead of helping each other before. This afternoon I heard on the radio that 15,000 people are trapped in the convention center in New Orleans--where many were taken as a shelter area--and there's no water or food, etc. The shocking part of the report I heard was that INSIDE the center, some were beating and raping others. When they sent in police to quell the violence, THEY were beaten back. It has seemed to me in the past that people responded to each other when they shared a crisis, but this situation is horrifying. It reminds me that we are all objects of wrath and hopelessy lost without Jesus. I heard a wonderful sermon by John Piper on a "Desiring God" podcast early this week. He was preaching on Romans 1, and he was making the point that when people are sold out to their sinful behavior, that IS God's wrath. (In fact, that is what Romans 1 says--but I never really thought about it quite as bluntly as he put it before.) I thought of that sermon when I heard about the events in the convention center... Colleen | ||
| Goldenbear Registered user Username: Goldenbear Post Number: 117 Registered: 12-2004 |
Greetings all, After reading some of the posts I have to confess that I have viewed the events with Katrina and the aftermath with a somewhat jaundiced eye. I grew up in the south and have always been repelled by news media that seem to find the person with the fewest teeth, most severe twang, or the least education to interview. I watched many of the videos that showed the initial looting. I was reminded of my youth when Watts, and other areas burned and people destroyed the areas they lived in because of frustration and feelings of betrayel. My initial response to the stories about the looting in New Orleans was "just send in the military and shoot on sight." today was a turning point for me... I read blogs, news reports, and feeds on the internet... people looking for relatives and stories of hospitals with no power, water or food. People who believed and had been witness to great manisfestations of American generosity waiting for this generosity and benevolence to be turned to them, only to continue to wait. and wait. I began to believe that I would have been doing the same things, to protect and feed my family if I had been in that area. Kudos to MSNBC and one reporter in the NBC family was almost in tears on what he had seen inside the New Orleans Convention Center. People dying from lack of water. People with no hope. People who were dead in their lawn chairs and I was humbled that maybe I judged to quickly the majority by the actions of the few. Our pastor, and elders at our CMA church have really started having a heart for the unsaved. How many of the people we have seen on TV don't know Jesus as their personal Saviour. What are we as the church in America doing to reach out, with no ulterior motive or feeling of parochialism, and touch the lives of those around us. Last Sunday he mentioned that "those churches that only focus on themselves and their own world, live in danger of developing a false sense of self-righteousness" (Sound familiar about any churches we all know) I grew up in Florida and I have no great fear of hurricanes because you know they are coming, you can see them, prepare, move, get out of the way. And yet I find that I am incredulous that people didn't heed the notice to evacuate the city. That more wasn't done to make people leave, to avoid the danger. A city built 12 feet below sea level isn't going to last long in those kind of conditions. People knew it and yet they didn't leave. How much more should we have a heart to tell the world about Jesus Christ and His saving power. There is a holocaust of unspeakable horror coming. We know it is, we can read about it in the Bible. Lord, give me a greater heart for the unsaved, and the courage to speak for you to others I come in contact with. I don't mean to pontificate, but I guess I felt I needed to vent. | ||
| Melissa Registered user Username: Melissa Post Number: 1033 Registered: 7-2003  |
Goldenbear, after watching and reading, I've felt many of the things you say. Why didn't they leave? Why weren't buses available before the disaster when it would have been much easier to move the poor, elderly, etc to safer locations before their survival instincts have become primary and the resources required to rescue them became far more significant? My heart broke the most, I would have to confess, to see mommas with their babies...wondering when the last time they had a diaper change or anything to eat...I can do without a lot for my kids, but when my kids hurt...bar the door. But I sat in irritation with a man griping about no food/water with a cigarette in his hand. I was repulsed by people looting stores for things well beyond necessities. I have no gripes about people getting food and water or other necessities, you can make that right somewhere in the future, but stealing guns and some of the other things shown just makes me angry. Such a mix of emotions as the compassion comes and goes depending upon the story. As you said, I've thought of the judgment of God on all the wicked some day and what am I doing NOW before the disaster to reach those who are spiritually poor and broken. Have I stock-piled the semi's with the living water in a safe zone to be ready when the thirsty one is? It is frustrating too to think that the media gives us our picture of what is going on. They show us the negative side, but we hear of meals being served to people, why isn't that shown? The media seems to feed the frustration across the country rather than being a true communication vehicle TO THOSE IN NEED of assistance that is on it's way or where they might be able to go...or something positive to help the situation, not merely report. Since they are allowed in, surely they could find a way to get some sort of communication for those people at the very least. But it sure is easy here from the comfort of my bedroom with my coke and keyboard to judge the actions of others by the few snippits of pictures I've seen of their day. I also heard of the stories of rape, not just at the convention center, but one man reported it as he was driving down the street. Some were trying to carjack his car from him, and on the other side "several" men were raping a woman at gunpoint. Lord God, what a truly wicked people we are without Christ. There is a lot to think about personally and nationally, I think. What if this is a judgement...Sodom-style? I just pray for the people and hope that through the massive losses that somehow they find something beyond anything this world offers. I did hear that from one man. His daughter with a brain tumor was near death and flown out on helicopter. (11 or 12 yr old) He was the one who was driving to wherever they were taking her when the men were trying to steal his car from him as he drove down the road. He spoke of his great blessing as his daughter, now in a safe hospital opened her eyes for the first time in days. He said he would gladly give everything up for the blessing of seeing her eyes open. The Bible likens testing to purification of gold. I hope that God is able to use this situation for his greater glory and purpose somehow. It sure looks grim. | ||
| Schasc Registered user Username: Schasc Post Number: 29 Registered: 10-2004 |
It seems that I remember hearing that alot of the people that did not leave stayed because they had know way out. Everyone that was middle class and above had a way and means to leave, but most of the people that stayed did so because they could not afford to go........I think that poverty in NO is as high as 40% by some estimates! | ||
| Pw Registered user Username: Pw Post Number: 481 Registered: 6-2004 |
Melissa.... I also saw that news story about the father seeing his daughter's eyes open after he made it to her hospital bedside after his incredible journey. He said it made his ordeal all worthwhile. It's so hard to watch these scenes on tv, especially seeing the elderly and small children suffering among the wickedness going on around them. Lord have mercy. | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 734 Registered: 3-2005 |
Colleen mentioned John Piper's sermon above. John Piper has written a special hymn in the wake of this terrible disaster that I will link to www.desiringgod.org/library/poems/others/20050902_famine_flood.html Stan | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 735 Registered: 3-2005 |
Speaking of Piper, here is one more reflection by Piper on the storm. This is an answer to Daniel Schorr's taunting those who believe in intelligent design, and to Schorr's mocking of God. www.desiringgod.org/library/fresh_words/2005/090205.html. Stan | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 1833 Registered: 3-2004  |
I have been having the same feelings as lots of you have about the raping and killing that has gone one with the aftermath of the Katrina. Then there were those who shot at the rescue helicopters!!! Stealing food/water is excusable, to me. All the other stuff, God will make sure is seen in its true light, eventually. I do pray for all these people, especially the children. God, be with each victim of the Katrina and give each of us the love to help out where we can. Diana | ||
| Heretic Registered user Username: Heretic Post Number: 183 Registered: 2-2005 |
Geraldo Rivera lost it while doing a report on Hannity and Colmes tonight from the convention center, but it was absolutely heartbreaking to see the little baby he was holding at the time and to think about what all of these folks have gone through for the past several days. Actually, many of the reporters in the middle of New Orleans lost their composure some today but I guess I probably would too, in those circumstances. It amazes me how this has already been politicized and been claimed that the slow response is racially motivated. How is this helping anything? There will be plenty of blame to go around later but now isn't the time for political posturing. Okay, enough venting. All we can do besides give money is to continue to pray, pray, pray. Heretic | ||
| Susan_2 Registered user Username: Susan_2 Post Number: 1900 Registered: 11-2002 |
I have been doing my best to follow the updates of Katrina, It is a very sad situtation. It is interesting that those with money were able to get out before the storm hit and the disabled, homebound and desperatelly poor had to be left behind. To me that just reeks of poor planning because it will cost the taxpayers and the charities a lot more to deal with these folks now than if these people could have been evacuated before the storm hit. I hope the displaced folks can get relocated and get jobs so they can start over their lives. i know a lady whose house was right smack at the site of the very worst devistation of the Northridge earthquake. She was not at home when it hit and she had her car and just a bit of money. She was sharing her story at church one day. She said she just immediatelly began praising God and being so thankful for what had just happened. She just felt such releaf that she'd never have to clean her house again or be concerned about it's market value in the real estate market. She left with just the clothes she was wearing and what she had in her purse and headed north with the determination that she'd check out all the rinky-dinky little towns going north to decide where she wanted to live. She ended up in Los Osos, got a job at a local Taco Bell (she has a Masters Degree but she knew she needed a paycheck NOW and didn't have time to wait for a job in her field), lived in her car while she saved up to rent a place and now she is very thankful for being so blessed. So, people can and do make new starts after suffering from disasters. I gotta tell you though, this entire situtation with Katrina really irritates me in knowing that after wars our country offers refugees to come over here and make new starts and our country builds the other countries up so nice that I just really believe aid should have been brought into the suffering from Katrina much faster and much more efficiantentally. American politions need to be concerned about Americans first. In the meantime, my prayers are with the folks. I know the Red Cross is a wonderful organization, as is FEMA. My sons lost everything several years ago to a title wave and they were treeted very well by the rescue workers and the emergency crews. | ||
| Belvalew Registered user Username: Belvalew Post Number: 646 Registered: 7-2004 |
Here is a list of relief agencies that are actively involved in the tragedy of Katrina. Use them as you feel is appropriate, or not at all. United Way of the Bay Area Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund: Donations can be made online at www.uwba.org or by calling (800) 273-1779. Operation Blessing: (800) 436-6348 or www.ob.org. America's Second Harvest: (800) 344-8070 or www.secondharvest.org. Adventist Community Services: (800) 381-7171 or www.adventist.communityservices.org. Catholic Charities USA: (800) 919-9338, or www.catholiccharitiesusa.org. Christian Reformed World Relief Committee: (800) 848-5818 or www.crwrc.org. Church World Service: (800) 297-1516 or online at www.churchworldservice.org. Convoy of Hope: (417) 823-8998 or www.convoyofhope.org. Lutheran Disaster Response: (800) 638-3522 or www.elca.org/disaster. Mennonite Disaster Service: (717) 859-2210 or www.mds.mennonite.net. Nazarene Disaster Response: (888) 256-5886 or www.nazarenedisasterresponse.org. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance: (800) 872-3283 or www.pcusa.org/pda. United Methodist Committee on Relief: (800) 554-8583 or gbgm-umc.org/umcor/emergency/hurricanes/2005 In addition, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is accepting donations at its 3,800 stores and Web site, www.walmart.com. Several organizations are also accepting donations for animal victims of the disaster: American Humane Society: www.americanhumane.org. Humane Society of the United States: www.hsus.org. Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: www.la-spca.org/home.htm | ||
| Tealeaves Registered user Username: Tealeaves Post Number: 242 Registered: 5-2004 |
Anyone who is interested.... there is a yahoo group starting up called Project Across America whose goal is to set up community groups in communities everywhere across America that will organize housing, jobs, counseling, schooling opportunities etc. for Katrina victims. Please join the group if this interst you! We need to share the burden. -tanya- | ||
| Patriar Registered user Username: Patriar Post Number: 152 Registered: 3-2005 |
Hi everybody: We just got word that there will be somewhere between 1000 and 1650 people coming to Denver, to Buckley Air Force and Lawry Army bases. My husband is now on call to go help with any medical assistance that will be needed. We are grateful to be able to DO something! Please pray that the power of Jesus Christ will shine through all of us who will have direct contact with them. Patria | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 1836 Registered: 3-2004 |
My church has a team on the ground in New Orleans, or did he say Houston, and we started a ccollection today/last night for disaster relief. Some of our members are firemen, EMTs, policemen and are on the ground team. I am grateful that I have the means to contribute something. I will continue to pray for the all the people devastated by Katrina and for the people helping them. God's glory will be seen in all this. Diana |
