Archive for September, 2005
Katrina
By Samuel Clough
Monday, September 19th, 2005
Ever since hurricane Katrina hit, our hearts have been sad and heavy. While we know that our nation must endure perilous times, our hearts grieve for our people. It is one thing to see a disaster in a third world country. It is another thing to have a disaster area in your own nation. Recently TOZ was able to make contacts with ministries working in the disaster area and get the access necessary to get in and help.
Mark Mozley and Tim Pugh first visited the Hope Ship before continuing on to Celebration Church in Metarie. This ship drops anchor just off shore of major disasters and uses this as a base to organize relief on the ground. From the ship, they went door to door in devasted neighborhoods praying with people and coordinating resources which range from food and water to fixing tarps and chainsawing fallen trees.
Samuel and Suzanne Clough joined Celebration Church in their relief effort. Celebration has two campuses. Once campus was completely under water and the other campus, which sustained wind and water damage, is being used as a relief center. The church, which has had a vision to evangelize New Orleans for years is wasting no time in doing everything they can to get relief to the community.
Mark, Tim, Samuel, and Suzanne also visited Andew Strom’s camp in Bay St. Louis, MS where the wind and water damage is beyond belief. This area had a storm surge in the twenty foot range in addition to bearing the full brunt of the winds.
There is simply no way to describe the devastation. Whether it is the wind damage and unbelievable flooding in New Orleans or the absolute destruction of the wind and water in Bay St. Louis. To look at house after house that must simply be bulldozed in incomprehensible. This is a critical time in our nation’s history.
We are entering a Jeremiah period in our nation’s history and the church must preach a pure Gospel, but she must also lift weeping eyes to the human tragedy behind a disaster of this magnitude. TOZ is far from finished with Katrina assistance. This is one of the best missions trips you could ever consider. It is not only affordable and viable for most, it offers an unparalledled opportunity to show the practical love of Christ to the community. Hardened sinners are now interested in the love of Christ.
Let me tell you first hand, the church is the only hope these people have. The church is mobilizing and showing the love of Christ by handing a cup of cold water to Him; only He looks like a Hurricane victim. Whether it is unloading a truck, or going door to door, taking food and other items to a victim’s car or simply praying with a victim. This disaster is a great leveler in more ways than one. You can minister to the poor and rich, white, black, and Hispanic. It is unlike anything you have experienced.
Do not delay. If you can get there in any way, please come. TOZ is organizing trips and they are not limited to students. Any one is welcome. Often trips are just a few days to accomodate work schedules, but this is enough to make a huge difference. TOZ has formed relationships with ministries that are in this for the long haul and making a difference so we can get you in to where you can be effective. If you are a Pastor or other church leader, we can put you in touch with the right people to lead a team from your church into the disaster.
Come with a broken heart and follow your Saviour into the tragedy of Katrina. Even in His judgements, our God extends His nail scarred hands of compassion. Please pass this along to all you know so they too can experience the blessing of serving the Saviour. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. Do not let it become a regret. If you cannnot come physically, do not feel condemed. Help us pass this information on to as many people as possible and help in any way the Lord leads you.
Posted in Local Outreach
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Katrina Help Needed
By Samuel Clough
Monday, September 19th, 2005
TOZ leaders Mark Mozley, Tim Pugh, Samuel Clough, and Suzanne Clough just returned from New Orleans where they had the opportunity to minister to hurricane victims. The scene is indescribable. The scale of the disaster is overwhelming. And yet, this is the ultimate place to "Stop for the One" and minister to our own people trapped in a disaster of third-world proportions.
We need volunteers immediately who can spare a few days and just go. There are inumerable ways to assist from manual labor, to sorting relief supplies, to just loving the people. Please contact TOZ at katrina@trumpetsofzion.org or call 770.331.9009. Also, please pass this along to anybody you may know that could spare even a few days to make a difference. We will be leading regular teams for some time as the needs will only grow as residents return.
Please, please contact us if you can help in any way, or if more importantly you can go if even for just a few days. We now have relationships with reputable ministries that are making a difference and I can tell you your time willl not be wasted.
Posted in Local Outreach
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