I thank everyone at South Cobb who rose to the occasion last week as we unloaded a truck of goods for the victims of the floods. Your spirit of cooperation was tremendous and something for which I am very proud. It is my fervent prayer that God continue to bless each of you in every way, and that we keep this attitude of service all year long.

This has been a sobering experience for me, going into the homes of those who have lost everything. Perhaps it shows the resiliency of the human spirit, but most did not have any type of insurance at all and have lost all or some of their earthly possessions. Yet I have not heard one complaint from these who have lost so much. All were grateful to get out alive and were for whatever help they could receive. It has made me more thankful for what I have and made me consider what is really important, once again, while I am here!

I know that the church has received some of the best publicity that we have received in years and I know that the Lord will be glorified by our efforts. We do not need the glory or the honor—we need to give it all to God.

Some may question—why should the church be helping those that are not Christians? Here are some things to think about:

1. Galatians 6:10 states, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good UNTO ALL MEN, but especially unto those who are of the household of faith.” If there were members of the church affected by this, we would have given them the help first. But, as far as we know, none of the church was affected. Hence, we want to do good unto all—especially unto these who have lost so much.

2. As we see Jesus and His work here on earth, we find that He helped all who asked Him. We don’t see Him picking and choosing who He helped on the basis of what they were; He helped all. As an example, notice that He fed the 5000 that followed Him. Many were His disciples (John 6) but most were not. And while we know that the majority probably followed Him so as to see something spectacular, He still fed them. Jesus, who knew the hearts of men (John 2:25) knew what was in these people’s hearts, and He knew what all of them wanted. Yet, He still fed them—He still did good unto these. Will we follow His example?

3. There is a valid point made in Matthew 25:31-46 that those who were helped in THIS CONTEXT were brothers and sisters. But we refer to Luke 10, and the great question asked by the scribe, “Who is my neighbor?” With this, Jesus tells the story of the good Samaritan. All who need our help are our neighbors, and we need to help in any way that we possibly can. While our help should again go first to our brothers and sisters in Christ (Galatians 6:10), we must help all. This is a command given by our Lord to every Christian.

The first century church was known for its love for one another and its love for their neighbors. We need to be known for the same reason. Many of these who have lost so much have been so appreciative for what we have done for the LORD. It is our hope that we can continue to be there for these, perhaps helping them again at Thanksgiving and Christmas. But that will depend much on us. Will we continue to rise to the occasion? I believe we will! Thank you again!