Transformed by the Word By Brian Kirby

Disaster Assistance Work in LaPlace… As you know, the relief group Disaster Assistance CoC from Lake Jackson, TX has been in LaPlace, LA for several days now conducting relief efforts after the flooding that took place in that community due to Hurricane Isaac. This organization, supported by the churches of Christ and overseen by the church in Lake Jackson, TX, has been across the United States helping communities recover from various disasters over the years – including here at Goodwood during Hurricane Gustav. Mike Baumgartner with Disaster Assistance has informed me that they will likely be in LaPlace for several months as they continue to assist with the relief and recover efforts there. As of the writing of this article, Disaster Assistance has served 3904 meals, distributed a semi-trailer load of supplies from Disaster Relief (Nashville, TN), helped several families clear out their flooded homes. They have also set up 25 air mattresses and obtained a mobile shower facility for any volunteers who wish to come and help. There are also several coordinated efforts in the works at this point to have volunteers from all over the southeast United States to come and help out with the relief efforts. Mike has also let me know that there is still a great need for volunteers in the effort. If you, or a group of you all, are interested in helping out with the relief effort, visit the Disaster Assistance web site at http://www.disasterassistancecoc.com/ for information on volunteering OR you can contact me (Bryan) at the church office. If you want to know what kind of supplies they need, visit the “Items Needed” page on their website OR you can donate cash (which is always useful) through the church or on their website. As we look at the efforts that are going on all over south Louisiana, let’s keep a few passages from the New Testament in mind. “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:7-8 ESV) “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:14-17 ESV) And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:9-10 ESV)