Working with chaplaincy ministries all these years, particularly in regard to its legal and ecclesiastical protocols, I know the importance of networking and proper coordination.
By Chaplain Robert Crick
But, occasionally, “protocol” gets in the way of carrying out our chaplaincy work. Many of the systems that we work with are so focused on their own ego needs that often ministry needs never get beyond the discussion stage. Some of these systems in civilian, military and ecclesiastical circles – are very good at talking about ministries, but less capable of implementing them. I deeply believe that day is over. No one is any longer impressed with our systems, our great sermons, and our talk about dynamic programs. If we listen, we can hear individuals and families plead from a posture of need: “Less talk, and more action.” For, it is not what we say, but what we do with our hands and our feet that matter.
In this regard, I want to give honor to where honor is due. In recent years, the Church of God has been recognized for its benevolent, unconditional ministries of love and care. One of the largest benevolent organizations in the world is Operation Compassion, directed by Reverend David Lorency. Operation Compassion is currently sending out thousands of pounds of goods to Indonesia, which was hit recently by two earthquakes, as well as the Philippines, which was recently ravaged by two typhoons and flooding. Many of these goods are going to non-Christian people with one focus: to give to those in need. It is not about our words; it is about our “hands and feet.”
This is the most appropriate response of those transformed by the love of God: Let us not, then, so easily neglect our Christian duty as admonished by John in his epistle: “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:17, 18).
Philippines Flooding Update
After the unprecedented flooding in Manila and the surrounding area, Operation Compassion was able to quickly respond because of product that was in storage at their local warehouse. Rice, clothes and shoes were immediately distributed to survivors of the flood. With five partner agencies working in the city and out in the countryside, people were able to find assistance quickly.
Operation Compassion is filling six more containers with disaster relief supplies such as food, diapers, tents and sleeping bags. These containers are being shipped and will arrive in the next few days to undergird the relief effort all ready underway. The ongoing donated goods that are being sent have allowed supplies to be held in warehouses ready for immediate distribution.
Indonesia Earthquake Update
Operation Compassion’s Indonesia charity, Foundation for Love and Care in Indonesia, was able to respond within hours with relief supplies through the ongoing donations of Vita meal and croc shoes. With the rice, blankets and shoes previously sent to Indonesia for the Java earthquake, the Foundation was able to set up relief sites in Padang and other hard-hit areas.
In Padang, the Foundation established a base camp in the mountains just north of Bariaman. From this camp, they are able to serve the 10 surrounding villages that were nearly destroyed. One village in particular had 300 families living there; all the homes were destroyed leaving the village homeless. No one was there helping these families until the Foundation arrived and established a relief site.
As part of the relief effort in the mountains, the Foundation is offering free medical care with the assistance from 32 volunteer doctors. The makeshift clinic is helping 500 victims each day. Also, the Foundation is able to distribute food, milk, water, blankets and clothing to the survivors. Tents were set up as temporary schools for the children. With school back in session so quickly, it serves two purposes for the children: (1) it keeps their minds off the death and destruction as they concentrate on their study material; (2) it keeps the children from falling behind other students not victimized by the earthquakes.
Robert D. Crick
Chaplains Commission
David Lorency
Operation Compassion
Philippines Flooding Disaster
Project Number 7650041
Gentle Hands, Word for the World and the Philippines National Office are three Church of God ministries in the Philippines involved in immediate disaster relief. To give to this special project, please click the project number above. 100 percent of all donations will be divided among these three ministries in the Philippines who are on the scene of the flooding, to be used for churches and families.
© 2009 Church of God World Missions