I've been listening to—and catching televised glimpses of—the news all day about the storm damage on the Gulf coast, and my heart is heavy about the enormous scope of the disaster and the catastrophic impact of so much human misery. I wanted to let all my brothers in the region—especially Don Elbourne, Eddie Exposito, and Jerry Marcellino—know that I am praying for them.
On a lighter note, here's today's tribute to this week's blogtheme:
13 comments:
Please remember Pastor Don Elbourne in prayer as well. Don is the webmaster of the FFF. He has a little flock in the New Orleans area. He and his family had to evacuate to Baton Rouge, and they may not be able to return for weeks or even months.
Don writes on his blog that he assumed that the church building has been destroyed, and he has not been able to get in contact with his church members. Don's house may also be a complete loss. Please pray for this godly man and his family.
Don writes, "Its hard to watch our city fill with water like a bathtub and try to decide where to go from here. Our hope rests in the firm foundation of our sovereign God who holds us in his right hand. This morning I think of John Newton’s words, “Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; ’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home.”"
He's posting updates on his blog:
http://elbourne.org/
Phil,
Since [sarcasm] I can't get blogrolled for some reason [/sarcasm], but here is a post
to help Eddie and friends. This originated at AOMin.org. Hugh Hewitt had a good idea about the reach that blogs have as did Frank. Hopefully, we can get some folks involved.
These brothers and sisters sure need our prayers and all the support we can give financially or otherwise.
Mark
When I sit back and look at what is going on over in New Orleans, I can't help but kneel in total reverance for our Creator. This sort of catastrophy is so hard to deal with, and I can only imagine the thoughts that many people are thinking..."Why is this happening to me?" "If there really was a God, why would He do this?"
It tears me apart that instead of turning to the only One who can truly give comfort and rest, we so often turn in hatred and rebellion. I pray that this will be a turning point for everyone who was impacted by this to the God who loves them and sent His Son.
Phil,
Keep'em coming with those comic book covers. Maybe you should drive up to Mecca (Springfield, MO) and go to Assemblies of God headquarters and check out the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center for your next Monday Menagerine (whatever you call it). There is alot of peculiar pentecostal history that might suit your fancy.
"It tears me apart that instead of turning to the only One who can truly give comfort and rest, we so often turn in hatred and rebellion."
Dude, don't assume that someone asking questions of God in a time like this is doing so out of hatred and rebellion. Maybe, just maybe, it's a legitimate question to ask why God would be out back grabbing a smoke or something while people need him to do something. If God can help the people after the flood happened then certainly he could have helped them a few hours before.
I am a seminary student and I was thinking about the students and staff who I do not even know at NOBTS (New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary) I do not know much about this seminary, but I can imagine the devastation. I think Don Elbourne is/was a student there...
I wonder what will happen to that seminary and what God will do as a result of this awful tragedy
I am a regular reader and resident of Baton Rouge, La. I must say, Phil, that it was nice to see that others around the country are praying for those along the Gulf coast who are enduring some terrible circumstances and conditions. We know that God has a purpose for all things. Power is finally being restored here in Baton Rouge and the cleanup efforts are underway. We now sit and watch with you as friends and neighbors from nearby New Orleans see the total devestation. My heart breaks with every new bit of information that is released.
Phil,
Do you design your own comic covers?
If so, then you are a very creative guy!
William.
For what it's worth, I've posted a reply to McNair's impious inanities over on my blog.
Phil,
I've been following your web exploits since your handy dandy bookmarks. Keep up the great work!
On another note Sean Macnair's comment makes me sad to see that there are Christians out there who believe in a gospel without hope. Where's your comfort if God is a bumbling galactic fool who stepped out for a smoke only to find the Lucille Ball-like disaster that ensued as a result.
>>>I am a seminary student and I was thinking about the students and staff who I do not even know at NOBTS (New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary) I do not know much about this seminary, but I can imagine the devastation. I think Don Elbourne is/was a student there...
I wonder what will happen to that seminary and what God will do as a result of this awful tragedy.
NOBTS has temporarily relocated to the extension campus in Atlanta. An annoucement will be made Friday regarding whether or not all their fall classes will be held there.
The chapel has been destroyed. All the professors and staff are now homeless. The president and his wife said today (Thursday) that they left N.O. with whatever they could put in their car in an hour. They are in Atlanta now. The dorms are flooded. They still do not know the full extent of the damage. They may have lost the library and the entire campus, even though, for New Orleans, it is on high ground.
That said, their president has said that they will rebuild. They will return and complete the work to which God has called them. The Lord has given, and the Lord has taken away. Praise the Lord.
Phil:
I can't believe I'm going to say this... I agree with Steve Hays. :-).
Campi
Hey Phil- go easy on Branson-- I was raised there. It isn't that bad. True, there is too much bad country music. True, the Pentecostals are overtaking the town. But it is still a nice place to grow up.
The next time you need internet access in Branson, let me know-- I can hook you up at my parent's office. I am just imagining you sitting in a parking lot downloading email-- you must have been desperate.
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