National Disaster Response
If We Are The Body...

If we are the body...why aren't our arms reaching?
by Rev. Col. Byron Martin
This picture was taken from our Meterie, Louisiana disaster relief trip and is one of my favorites. The lady receiving the hugs was from Louisiana. The ladies giving the hugs were from Pennsylvania and Connecticut. They were being driven by a man from Washington, D.C. The supplies that were given out were from all over the U.S.A.

Once you have all the information you can see how this picture is the perfect representation of our disaster relief efforts. We believe that victims from disasters need more than food, water and shelter. Sometimes you just need a hug.

My favorite Biblical point of reference goes like this:

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."

That is from Matthew 25: 35-36 and that pretty much says it all. Throwing money and stuff at disasters is only treating part of the needs. Compassion comes with a kind word, a shoulder to lean on, a listening ear to talk to. That is what The American Rescue Workers National Disaster Response is all about.