Turning disasters into opportunities

/in

Dear Friend,

Disasters are on the rise. The World Meteorological Organization analyzed global disaster records from 1970-2019 and found that the number of recorded weather-, climate-, and water-related disasters increased by about fivefold over that period. There were 711 recorded events in the 1970s compared with 3,536 in the 2000s. Some of this can be explained by better detection and reporting and the fact that, with the rise in world population, more people and structures are exposed to disasters. However, this much is clear: The likelihood and severity of disasters is increasing.

This should not surprise us. Jesus predicted it: “There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences” (Luke 21:11). He foresaw man-made disasters too: “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars” (Matthew 24:6). We are in the last days!

How do we view these disaster events? Terrifying? Painful? Costly? All those words apply. But how about this one: opportunity. Each disaster gives us, God’s people, the opportunity to “clothe [ourselves] with compassion” (Colossians 3:12) and to “do good to all people” (Galatians 6:10). We respond to these disasters by offering physical help and spiritual comfort—the comfort of God’s ultimate victory in Christ and his daily providence in our lives.

In the past year, it has been the privilege of WELS Christian Aid and Relief (CAR) to respond to multiple disasters with real help for people in need:

  • We deployed volunteers and equipment to help with cleanup work following flooding in Northeast Wisconsin and tornadoes in Two Rivers, Wis.; Merrillville, Ind.; and Menasha, Wis.
  • Working with our partners in WELS World Missions, we helped provide relief from a terrible apartment fire in Hong Kong; a hurricane in Haiti; war in Ukraine; earthquakes in the Philippines, Venezuela, and Colombia; and flooding in Vietnam. We also helped rebuild several churches destroyed by windstorms in Malawi and Nigeria.

Following recent disaster relief deployments, three pastors expressed their appreciation:

  • “At Bethel, we’re grateful for the boots-on-the-ground help that CAR was able to organize and provide, but what was invaluable was the expertise” (Pastor Ethan Cherney, Bethel, Menasha, Wis.).
  • “CAR offered a double blessing to our congregation when our neighbors needed us. First, they supported our community with time and treasure. In addition, they supported our members with their talents of compassion and confidence. They encouraged us to know that we have a whole synod of believers willing to help when help is needed” (Pastor Mark Tiefel, Emmanuel, New London, Wis.).
  • “CAR not only helped our community recover from a series of storms; they showed us the abundant opportunities for gospel witness when doing disaster relief and inspired our people to do the same” (Pastor Samuel Jeske, Our Shepherd, Crown Point, Ind.).

Responding to these disasters with Christ-like compassion does not happen without the support of God’s faithful people. Costs associated with disaster relief work—food, lodging, fuel, equipment—are on the rise just like the disasters themselves. We cannot do this alone. We need your help! Would you consider a gift to our Disaster Relief Fund to help us seize these opportunities to give relief and comfort in Jesus’ name?

In Christ, our compassionate Savior,
Pastor Dan Sims
Director, WELS Christian Aid and Relief

Donate Now

Prayer: Compassionate Lord, we thank you for the opportunity to serve people affected by disasters with practical help and the comfort of your Word. Bless the volunteers, pastors, missionaries, and partners of WELS Christian Aid and Relief as they bring aid, encouragement, and the hope of Christ to communities in need. Provide the resources needed for food, lodging, fuel, equipment, and rebuilding, and move your people to support this work with generous hearts. Through these efforts, open doors for gospel witness and assure those who are suffering of your daily care and your ultimate victory in Jesus. Amen.

WELS