Help Others During Difficult Times - HELP OTHERS IN THE FACE OF A DISASTER

 A disaster can  upset a person's life in the blink of an eye.  Victims may lose their possessions, their home, or even their loved ones.  Our Christian brothers and sisters are not shielded from such tragic events. What can we do to help?

What elders can do. Elders, help your brothers to be prepared before a disaster strikes. Make sure that all in the congregation know what steps to take to stay safe and to contact the elders.  Margaret, quoted in the preceding article, says:  "Our elders presented a local needs part, warning us that the wildfire season was not over.  They said that should the authorities order an evacuation or should conditions become dangerous, we must leave immediately." That was timely information because a life threatening wildfire broke out five weeks later. During family worship, family heads  can review what each family member will do. If you and your children are prepared, you will be more likely to remain calm if a disaster occurs. 

If you are a group overseer, do not wait for a disaster to occur before making sure that you have accurate contact information of  all your field service group who offer it. Make a  list and keep it up-to-date.  Then in the event of a disaster, you will be in a position to contact each publisher to asses his need.  Forward this information immediately to the coordinator of the body of elders, who will contact the circuit overseer.  The combined effort can make a difference.  After the fire, Margaret's  circuit overseer stayed away for 36 hours, coordinating the elder's efforts to contact and care for some 450 displaced brothers and sisters. (2 Corinthians 11:27) Thus, all who needed a place to stay were provided with shelter.

Next time: Help Others During  Difficult Times - HELP OTHERS IN THE FACE OF A DISASTER

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