Serving Chestnut Ridge

By now you have probably seen the devastation that hit Chestnut Ridge here in Fairburn. Specifically speaking, Jumpers Trail was the hardest hit. Houses ripped apart, roofs removed, cars crushed, and families in turmoil. Loss all around…right here.

That’s the thing. It’s not in another state or even in a different part of our state. It is right here. 3 miles from where I sit as I write this.

Then there is the church connection. We have two families from FBC Fairburn who live in this neighborhood. Fortunately, only minor damage happened to one home (some siding ripped off) and no damage to the other home. But, the terror of proximity is there along with the gratefulness of being spared.

We talk a lot in the church about missions and doing and going and sending. Most of the time it’s there. We send our missions offering there. We send missions teams there. We even pray for the ones who are there. This isn’t just an International Missions/North American Missions thing. It is always there.

This time it is here. These homes are here, in Fairburn. These families send their kids to school here. They shop at the Publix here. Even more striking, when they vote, the ballot is cast in our most central here, in the fellowship hall of FBC Fairburn. Folks, missions does not get any more here than it is right now.

So, this is what we, FBC Fairburn are poising ourselves to do here:

1. Pray. Yes, by now you know I am going to start with prayer. Before we can make an impact for God in the lives of people, we must talk to God. We must seek His face. We have to be prepared, spiritually, to step up for His glory.
2. Give. We are going to be taking up cash/check donations this weekend so that we can purchase giftcards for the houses most directly affected by this tornado. We ask for cash because we want to evenly distribute our resources across the 20 houses most directly hit. No, this will not meet all of their needs, but it will free up funds for them to replace things lost.
3. Go. On Monday and Wednesday, March 26 and 28, I am asking you to join me at 9 am in Chestnut Ridge to help. We cannot do the construction, but we can help clean up the mess. Wear work boots, gloves, and long pants. Bring rakes, shovels, and wheel barrows. There is so much that can be cleaned and picked up and removed to make life easier for these people. Maybe the labor aspect of the task is not suitable for you. Please come and help by talking with people, listening to their story, offering water and snacks to many who will be working. There is so much that can be done. Maybe you can’t go on Monday or Wednesday, find some time that you can. Serve here where we live!
   

This church is a caring and giving church. Let’s show Fairburn what that means!