Fear is being shared concerning the influence of Hurricane Katrina. It is a time of uncertainty in our nation, unique to anything before in our history. Will the water ever recede? Why does it keep rising? How will buildings, churches, and lives be placed back together? What will happen to the entire American economy?

These fears are real and should be. We cannot imagine what the people of the Gulf Coast feel today. Even though they are grateful for their lives, the fears concerning the future are real.

Last evening, Doug Sarver, our Global Missions Pastor called me. Twenty-two of the almost fifty displaced people expected in Northwest Arkansas had arrived. Tears abounded. Fear gripped their eyes. I could tell from Doug’s voice that he and his new associate, Lon Vining, had been touched mightily. He shared with me that several people got off of the bus with all their worldly possessions on their backs, in a shoebox or trash bag. This season of time is unprecedented. God has given us the privilege of helping these who are being housed in Northwest Arkansas from New Orleans.

Remember, pray. Remember, help. The stewardship of our lives demands we must respond in some way. Find your way through prayer and go towards it. I am.