Serving for the Glory of God

Let’s be honest…it is easy to get frustrated trying to help and serve others. Problems continue to plague mankind, whether those problems be man-created or natural disaster. Regardless, most Christians I know desperately want to help folks in trouble. It would seem that God’s Word creates a desire to help others in need. The question is often how we go about doing this in a way that is most God-honoring.

One thing that makes me proud to be a Southern Baptist is our disaster relief efforts. Did you know that Southern Baptist Disaster Relief is the third largest disaster relief organization in the world? The only groups that are bigger are the Salvation Army and the Red Cross, and we work with both of these. There are countless numbers of individuals that have experienced the love of Christ through Southern Baptist outreach efforts. These efforts have touched people in our own area but also around the world. When the workers go forth, the Gospel goes forth, and many souls have been saved and brothers and sisters encouraged in the process. Several years ago, I went to Haiti with a team following the earthquake. It meant so much to the believers in Haiti to know their U.S. brothers and sisters in Christ cared enough to come and help. Our local Disaster Relief team has served in Missouri, Alabama, Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas all in the past few years. Many of these states have returned the favor here in Oklahoma.

I have heard it said, “People want to go other places to serve but not at home.” This is not true of our Disaster Relief team. We have responded to disasters in Spiro, Panama, and Heavener for floods. When Poteau, Heavener, and Cameron had tornado damage, LBA Disaster Relief was quick on the scene. We had 110 people go through training last fall to help add to our responders. We have equipment, trailers, and people, but we really need a truck to pull those trailers. The churches have been taking up offerings to help purchase a truck, and we have made great strides. At last count, we have received $23,551.72 toward the truck. If you or your church has contributed, I want to say thank you. Your gift will certainly be put toward kingdom work. If you have not had the chance to participate yet, there is still time and need. You many consider giving individually, through a church, or perhaps organizing a collection through a Sunday School class. We are far stronger and can do more for the Kingdom of God when we unite together for His glory. That is the basis behind Southern Baptist cooperating together.

Ephesians 2:10 tells us, “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” How fun to think that disaster relief and the opportunities to share the gospel through it are good works God prepared beforehand for LeFlore Baptists to walk in. May all that we do bring glory to Him.

Serving Him with you,

Bentley Hill