Devastated by the Storm!!

There are so many things that we take for granted. Living in the Pacific Northwest, weather is one of them. We get rain, that's for sure, and occasional flooding. But when it comes to natural disasters that can level a whole city we have been very fortunate. They say one is coming for us, but for now we have been blessed.

So, when we hear about these disasters that happen all around the world it is hard to imagine the gravity of what it means. Sometimes I think it's like something from a movie. We will talk to our friends and co-workers about it, "Can you believe what happened?", and then we just continue with our day. It becomes a topic of conversation, but then we never actually do anything about it.

Then it happens in an area where we have friends. When you have family and friends that are affected by one of these natural disasters it becomes a lot more real.

Last summer my wife and I journeyed over to the small island of Fiji and met some amazing people. Just over a week ago a Cyclone hit that island and left its impression on much of the area where we visited. This storm has been dubbed Cyclone Winston and had winds that set new records. If this storm had taken place in the Alantic it would have been considered a category 5 hurricane. Needless to say it was enough to devastate cities and towns all across the small island.

Our dear friends Tomasi & Serina's home after the storm

This is an excerpt from the email I received from our friends:

One week ago, Fiji was hit with what they say is the worst storm on record in the southern hemisphere: a category 5 cyclone called Winston.  The death toll is currently at 42.  Many have lost everything, as their homes were ripped up and blown away by the 220 mph winds.

Because of this storm there are now children without parents, people finding shelter in caves, entire villages flattened, churches and schools demolished.  62,000 people are in evacuation centers. Everyone knows someone who has been affected. 

OUR HOUSEHOLD, AND ALL OF THE ISLAND ENCOUNTERS STAFF AND TEAM ARE FINE.  We have sustained damage to the farm and sailboat but we are all okay. The clean up and rebuilding in Fiji will take a long time, and we hope to do what we can to help.


So what do we do when something like this happens? How can we help? For most of us it would not be feasible to drop everything and go over there. So what do we do? There are ways you can help those affected by this Cyclone without even leaving the comfort of your own home. First of all pray. Pray for the people of Fiji and also that Island Encounter's will be able to effectively minister the Love of God to those who are hurting.

Also, Ray & Laura Pittman with Island Encounters are on the ground ready to help, but there are costs that come along with that. If you want to help in the clean up and rebuilding of these homes and villages follow the below link to give a tax deductible donation to Island Encounters through the Pioneers website.

CLICK HERE to make a tax deductible gift through Pioneers to help with cyclone relief! Your donation will help Island Encounters to re-build houses, and give food and supplies to those most in need. ENTER ACCT #150864H

Here are some more pictures of storm damage in Fiji

 

Galatians 6:2

Galatians 6:2 - Carry each others burden, and in this way you fulfill the law of Christ. What is the law of Christ? When asked what the greatest commandment was Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God.” He then continued by saying, “The second is like it, Love your neighbor as yourself.” Later Jesus was asked, “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29) Jesus did not answer this question directly, but told a story of a man who was traveling and got attacked by robbers. These robbers took everything from the man and left him on the side of the road beaten and bloody. A series of men walked by, most of whom avoided this man and walked by on the opposite side of the road. It wasn't until a Samaritan man came by that this man received any sort of help. Now you have to understand that in the eyes of the Jews Samaritans were like dogs. And this ‘dog’ was the only one who helped the dying man on the side of the road. After tending to his wounds the Samaritan carried this man to a nearby Inn and paid for him to stay there until he got better. Now Jesus returns the question, “Who was a neighbor to the man who fell among robbers?” “The Samaritan man,” they answered. Then Jesus left them with a simple, but powerful statement, ”Go and do likewise.” That is how you fulfill the law of Christ. “Go and do likewise.” If you see anyone who needs help follow the example of the Samaritan in Jesus story and help them. We are to carry each others burdens. Do you see someone hurting? Is there someone close to you that needs help? Of course there is. To deny it would be living in ignorance. It doesn’t take a detective to find someone who could use your help. There are people all around us. And here’s the beauty of it: it doesn't take much. God will never ask you to give what you do not have. Sometimes it is just befriending someone and talking to them. Other times it may be an act of service or a gift of money. Whatever it is, don’t hesitate to give it. As you follow God’s commands and give to those around you He will always take care of you as well. Paul says that God gives seed to the sower and bread for food (2 Corinthians 9:10). You can rest assured that God has given you what you need and given you what you need to give away. So, carry each others burdens. Help out those around you who are less fortunate than you. And in doing so you will be fulfilling the law of Christ.