In spring, yes it is really spring – at least that’s what we are told -- we see the emerging narcissus, hear the robins, and watch lawns emerge from their winter torpor. In some part of the country, it’s also a time to fear strong storms that bring tornados and floods. Not a good time to have FEMA, already understaffed, to lose more than 200 employees.
We haven’t really provided enough assistance to North Carolina from Helene, and the wildfires in California are just beginning to be addressed. In addition to the billion or so requested from the feds, the North Carolina legislature appropriated $524 million. The sums are staggering. Not a good time to cut FEMA staff.
In light of this, churches are stepping in. Church World Service, an ecumenical group of ten denominations, is trying to fill the gaps, but the regime’s gutting of federal programs and reimbursements has resulted in a reduction in services to disaster victim among others. Can churches fill the gaps? During this Lenten season we will find out.
Prayer for the Day
Holy Love, who graces our lives with love, open our hearts,
Show us the possibilities of caring for those affected by disaster;
Move us beyond a sense of duty into an ever widening circle of love,
Opening us to possibilities we never even imagined;
Enlarge the boundaries of our thought and imagination,
Confronting us with love's demand for justice and mercy,
As did the One who lived for others,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
At a time when so much of our work is hindered by an atmosphere of polarization, opportunities to engage in productive collaboration such as this are a helpful reminder that the work we do is not ours alone.
Andrew Long-Higgins, Global HOPE
There’s a lot of unknowns. We looked at ways to be a voice in helping to inform the administration around the importance of different social safety nets and government grants that might impact disaster survivors.
Zach Wolgemuth, CWS Emergency Disaster Relief
Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for God speaks peace to the people,
To the faithful, to those who turn to God in their hearts.
Surely God’s salvation is at hand for those who live under God’s law,
That God’s glory may dwell in our land.
Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness look down from the sky
Psalm 85: 8-11