Joplin Relief

My heart goes out to all who have been affected in our country this year by tornadoes and flooding. Looking at the photos of the complete devastation is overwhelming to my senses. I can’t even imagine what it is like to be one of those impacted by the destruction.

In times like this, I often feel like I’m at a loss to know how to help. I’d love to just go there and offer my physical assistance. But that’s not always appropriate or safe to do with my children. In the case of the Joplin relief efforts, they have actually been turning away volunteers because they have more than they can coordinate with.

For most of us, financial assistance is the best tangible help we can give. Yet there again I feel like I’m at a loss. There are many organizations and groups who are soliciting for financial donations to help the victims. But how can one KNOW that they can trust what is being done with their money? It is not unusual for a charity organization to use up to 40% of donations for administrative costs and fund-raising campaigns. When a disaster like this strikes, most people want ALL of the money they give to help those in need.

There is a church in Joplin, Missouri, that is a hub for helping those devastated in their community. The youth were gathered for Bible study when the tornado warning came. They prayed that their lives and their building would be spared. Although they were in the path of the tornado, it literally jumped over their building and touched back down on the other side of the highway. Joplin Family Worship Center has become a hub of outreach to their shell-shocked community. They’ve been busy distributing food, water, shelter, clothing, infant formula and hygiene items. They’re also providing lunch and dinner for community and emergency workers, as well as grief and trauma counseling.

If you visit the Joplin Family Worship Center website, you can see a list of items that are needed for distribution or things you can do if you are physically there to help. There is also a link on their website where you can donate to their relief efforts.  Check this site frequently, as they are always updating the list of items needed for donation.

While there are many legitimate organizations and agencies working in these devastated parts of our country, I appreciate an opportunity to give to people who live right there and are helping their own neighbors. These are the people that I feel will have a lasting impact in their communities because they will still be their after the dust settles.