One In Jesus

Sunday, my congregation spent part of the worship hour honoring those involved in tornado relief efforts. I thought it would good to pass much of that information along, as I know many readers have been in prayer about the destruction here in Tuscaloosa and many have given money and supplies for relief.

We thanked —

The countless volunteers, local and from all around the country, who showed up with chain saws and hammers to help Tuscaloosans dig out and rebuild. We’ve had volunteers come from as far away as Arizona, Oregon, and Pennsylvania — even from Auburn!

Volunteers who helped man the office to coordinate workers, schedule volunteers, to receive phone calls from around the country. We had to keep the phones manned 7 days a week, and this was done by volunteers.

Church member Sandy Campbell, who organized the many volunteers who slept in our building. With her help, we provided over 2,000 free nights of sleep.

Our members Jean  Campbell, Catherine Bell, and Jamie Graham, who oversaw the work of feeding first responders in the field and volunteers.  Approximately 4,000 meals were served at the church building: breakfast, supper, some sack lunches in the first days.  Jamie and his crew provided over 1,500 meals in midst of the devastation. Continue reading →

It’s been little noted in the American press that the UN has finally managed to obtain independence for South Sudan, the portion of Sudan occupied primarily by Christians. The remaining portion of the Sudan is occupied largely by Muslims. The goal of the partition of Sudan is to prevent the continuing genocide by the Muslims against the Christians.

Despite brutal persecution, the gospel is prevailing, according to The Voice of the Martyrs website —

Persecution of the Church has been most intense since 1985. Deliberate attempts to eliminate a viable Christian presence are extreme and include bombing of Sunday church services; destruction of churches, hospitals, schools, mission bases and Christian villages; massacres and mutilation; and murder of pastors and leaders. Persecution has been especially severe in the Nuba Mountains. Whole areas have been laid waste and lands seized and given to Arabized northerners. Despite this, the number of Christians is growing—from 1.6 million in 1980 to 11 million in 2010. Continue reading →