My brothers and sisters in Christ,
One day, a man asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
Jesus told a story. I am sure you are quite familiar with it. It's called the Parable of the Good Samaritan. At the end, Jesus says, "Go and do likewise."
Those of us who live in Texas know that many of our neighbors are hurting. Recent wildfires have devastated Bastrop and parts of the Tri-County area near Magnolia. Nearly two thousand homes have been destroyed. Our neighbors are hurting and in need.
Churches and Christians around the state have responded graciously and generously. Food and clothing have made their way to these areas in copious amounts. Churches and Christians have looked to "adopt" families and help them through these difficult times. However, the biggest task remains: rebuilding. Who will help with this process?
Too often, we have been guilty of passing the buck of rebuilding to others--individuals, the government, other social agencies. Such a task seems too monumental for us as the church. Most denominations are in decline and dollars seem to be stretched thin. Congregations seem isolated and unable to even consider building houses and homes. Yet, I want to challenge you to really think about such an outlook. I want to challenge you to look beyond your own congregation, your own denomination, and your own circle of people you associate with who are Christian. I want to challenge you to look beyond the differences that separate us as brothers and sisters--those finer points of doctrine which cause us to label ourselves: Baptist, Lutheran, Catholic, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, Non-Denominational, etc. I want to challenge us to look beyond such things--as important as they are to giving us our identities--and look to the command of the one who gives us our true identity.
"Go and do likewise," He said. Who of us can argue this from our respective backgrounds? Who of us can argue that Jesus doesn't tell us to reach out to our neighbor who is in need and help him or her rebuild and transform his or her life? Who of us can argue that Jesus doesn't call us to go the extra mile with generosity--not only taking care of our children, but our enemies and those who persecute us?
Is it too much to ask of the larger Church, the Church that transcends denomination lines to unite to help our neighbor? Is it too much to ask of the larger Church to lead in rebuilding instead of waiting for someone else to do it? Is it too much to ask of us to come together in this time of need to show the true power of God working through--as St. Paul calls us--the Body of Christ on earth?
When is the last time the Church did something on the side of good that caused the world around us to say, "Wow!"? When is the last time the Church undertook a project so big and so daunting nearly everyone around said, "You are crazy."? When is the last time the Church united in such a fashion to make a difference in the lives of thousands? Is the Church even capable of such a thing in this day and age of divisiveness and squabble?
I'm willing to try and find out. I'm willing to say the Church can indeed do such a thing. And I think we can begin right here and right now in the state of Texas as we seek to rebuild the homes of our neighbors who lost them to these fires.
I ask you to pray for this endeavor. I ask you to be willing to support it financially. I ask you to support it with your time and efforts. I ask you to get this letter into the hands of as many people as you possibly know and challenge them to add their support.
I have set up a Facebook group entitled "Texas Rebuilds After Fires." Join. Participate. Network. Add friends and family. http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/276767935668973/ Let's see how far this thing can go as we seek to do what Jesus said, "Go and do likewise."
For those of you not on Facebook, contact me. My work email address is stjohncatspring@texasbb.com. I can also receive the old fashioned kind of mail at 480 Ross St. Cat Spring, TX 78933. Finally, the phone number of the church is 979-865-5444.
May God bless you and lead you to do that which is right as you seek to serve Him.
Peace,
Rev. Kevin Haug
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